[LUNI] Laptop component recommendations

[Larry Garfield]

On Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:22:05 -0700 (PDT), Jeff D <fixedored at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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:

*snip*

> 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

Yes, they have a T61p that they hide on the web site somewhere that comes with SuSE.  I forget what the URL was.  It was fully decked out, $2000+, and the ultra-wide version IIRC.  I am therefore not quite interested, plus it's SuSE/Novell.  (Insert off topic flame war here.)  But that does mean the rest of their line is probably at least not Linux-hostile, which is good.

Naturally Lenovo is having a back to school sale (on Thinkpads???) right now that ends tomorrow night, so I'm debating if I should jump on it or wait and see what August brings.  Ah, marketing...

Thanks for the tips.

--Larry Garfield