[LUNI] Laptop component recommendations

[Jeff D]

On Sat, 28 Jul 2007, Larry Garfield wrote:

> Hi folks.  I am on the verge of *gasp* buying a laptop.  Naturally since I'm
> asking this list about it my intention is to run Linux on it, exclusively,
> specifically Kubuntu. Because laptops can be tricky beasts
> compatibility-wise, though, I wanted to get some second opinions before
> actually spending money on it.
>
> Right now I'm leaning toward a Thinkpad T61.  Part of that is the Thinkpad
> reputation, part of that is I'm a weirdo who likes the pointing stick. :-)
> My understanding is the Thinkpads also have a good Linux track record.  I
> also spec'ed out a similarly equipped Thinkpad and HP laptop and they were
> within $10 of each other, so there doesn't seem to be much of a premium.
>
> However, I still would like to see if anyone has experience with some of the
> options on it:
>
> - The T61 offers either an Intel X3100 graphics chip or an nVidia Quadro NVS
> graphics chip.  According to what I've found, the nVidia version runs with
> the usual nVidia caveats: Great chip, works wonderfully in 3D, but only with
> nVIdia's proprietary driver.  The Intel chip, though, seems to have Free
> driver support right in Xorg.  True?  How is the 3D?  I'm not an avid gamer
> but something that can show off Compiz or be a viable LAN Party system (yes
> on Linux, I've done it) would be nice.
>
> - The sound chip is an AD1984 (oh what a model number...), which thinkwiki.org
> says only works with various kernel patches.  True?  It's surprising to see
> something like sound not "just work" these days.  Has anyone gotten sound to
> play nice with a T-series?
>
> - It appears to offer an Aetheros-based a/b/g WiFi chip or an Intel a/b/g/n
> WiFi chip.  I've had very good experience with Aetheros chips before "just
> working" with GPLed drivers, but haven't used the Intel chips.  I really
> don't want to dick around with ndiswrapper if I can avoid it.  Any experience
> with things like Free drivers, WPA support, etc?
>
> - Is the Bluetooth Linux-friendly, again preferably with Free drivers?  I'm
> planning to get a Bluetooth mouse to go along with it, so Bluetooth really
> does have to work. :-)
>
> - Perennial problem power management: Good, bad, or ugly?
>
> - Any other comments, good or bad, on running recent Thinkpads Linux-only?  I
> do want to use as much Free Software drivers as possible, for both pragmatic
> and philosophical reasons, but I'm not Free-only.
>
> A few places, such as EmperorLinux.com, sell rebadged Thinkpads with Linux
> pre-installed.  From what I've seen, though, their markup is on the order of
> $1000.  At that price I'd rather just pay the Windows tax and take my chances
> on being able to "refund Windows".  I already figure I'm voiding the software
> warranty by installing Linux, so I may as well go whole-hog. :-)
>
> Thanks in advance for any advise on helping me spend money!
>
> -- 
> Larry Garfield			AIM: LOLG42
> larry at garfieldtech.com		ICQ: 6817012
>


I'll let ya know as soon as it gets here, it's replacing an T30.  Mine 
just shipped out today.  I opted for the X3100 graphics and the 4965AGN. 
I'm not too worried about 3D, but I have read that compiz runs fine with 
that card. One of the reasons I went with that one is for better battery 
performance. Also, drivers for the 4965AGN, are in 2.6.22, so that 
shouldn't too much of pain, at least for a little bit. Right now I have an 
intel ipw2200 in the T30 and have been very happy with it, no problems at 
all.


I'm planning on putting Debian Lenny on it.  From what I've read so far, 
it should be pretty smooth sailing with that, sound should also work from 
what I understand as well, though not a deal breaker for me but it would 
be nice.

I've also read in a few places that Levovo is going to start or already 
has, offer linux as an option.  I *think* I read SUSE some place, I'd have 
to dig that up to be certain though.

As soon as I get it, I'll post up the results..

Jeff

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