[ale] New Laptop and What Version of what?

[Joseph A. Knapka]

Hi Ritchi,

Check on <URL: http://www.linux-laptop.net/>. The "models" link
will take you to a list of all laptops known to work with Linux,
and usually some instructions on how to work around installation
problems. Unfortunately, the latest 8000-model they have listed
is the 8100, which apparently can run Linux, but it's a pain
to install.

Remember that Linux generally makes more efficient use of
your hardware than Winblows; a slightly older and known-to-work
model is usually a good choice. (Not that that does you any
good at this point, but keep it in mind next time you plan
to spent a couple of $1000 on a laptop :-) For reference, I
have a 400Mhz Acer PIII laptop running NT4 with 256MB of RAM
that cost my employer $3500 two years ago, and I have Slackware
Linux running on a 233Mhz Compaq w/64MB that I got off of eBay
for $400. I use both of these machines for various kinds
of software development, and the Compaq seems just as
snappy as the Acer, if not more so. Part of the reason
is that the tools I use under Linux are much less bloated
than those M$ excretes for Windows, and part of it is the
fact that Linux is just a technically superior OS.

-- Joe


Ritchi Craver wrote:
> 
> OK here is where I am at, I have already ordered a new laptop, but I might
> have messed myself up as far as a linux distribution goes.  I ordered a Dell
> 8200 with all the bells and whistles, the monitor: I8200,15IN UXGA,P4,2.0GHZ
> (top of the line newest whatever, 64 mb video card, combination cd/rw/dvd
> drive, 60 gig hard drive, P4 2.0 gig processor, and so on and so on.  Here
> are my questions and my desires.
> 
> 1- Have I ordered too new of a laptop where a distribution of linux will not
> work?
> 
> 2- What are some opinions of distributions (RH7.3,  Suse, add as many as you
> would like).  I will be definately considered a novice user.  I have heard
> only the Suse supports the play of DVD movies but I only heard that from one
> person.
> 
> 3- actually I can't think of a three YET, but I sure hoe this email brings
> as much responce as the one on the government in the schools did a couple of
> weeks back, I could sure use some advice and opinions, I have just been put
> on a new shift at work and am not sure I can make it to the next install
> meeting but I will try, I can't remember whaen it is though.
> 
> Thanks to everyone in advance for the help, love the group, fun to read.
> 
> Ritchi Craver
> 
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