[ale] My iBook

[James Sumners]

I use Debian Unstable on this laptop. My biggest issues are that the
builtin soundcard has absolutely wretched support (from i810_audio.c
"This driver is cursed."), video streaming support, boot time, and
overall on-the-go usability. If I am in a hurry and I need to use my
laptop... well I better not be in a hurry. There just isn't ANY
distribution out there that works well on every single laptop. Any
laptop you load Linux on you are going to have to do some hacking to
get it working decently.

As for wireless... I do a lot with wireless. My primary job function
at CCSU (clatyon.edu) is to work on the wireless network (basically
roam it and make sure it works or check out reported "outtages"). I
must say that the wireless support, in general, for Linux is abysmal.
Yes, I can get more information about the network using Linux wireless
utilities but I can only use them when the driver supports the
functions. Hell, for the wireless card builtin to this Dell I had to
hack in WPA fast keying and monitor mode support.

Plus, CCSU does buy software for OS X if there is a version of the
software for it (I have to check and see if we have Maple for OS X and
I certainly hope we do). I want a machine that I can use in class that
has native application support; I am tired of having to use VMWare for
one or two applications that will not run on my platform.

I just want a system that doesn't suck like Windows and lets me work
as efficiently as I like to work. Mac looks to be that system and I
will find out shortly I suppose :)


On Tue, 15 Feb 2005 13:02:52 -0500, Jim Popovitch <jimpop at yahoo.com> wrote:
> I run Debian/Testing on my laptop and use it all over the place
> (wired/wireless/dialup).  What sort of issues are you having?
> 
> I'll admit it's not as easy as Windows XP, but it sure is a lot
> safer. ;-)
> 
> -Jim P.
> 
> On Tue, 2005-02-15 at 12:53 -0500, James Sumners wrote:
> > I highly doubt that I would want to change my home machine over from
> > Debian to OS X. However, I do want a portable solution that works well
> > and has good support. I just want to be able to turn my laptop on and
> > start using it without having to jump through hoops to do common
> > things. Sure, I could re-load Windows on the laptop issued me through
> > work but I can't stand Windows. It is a hinderance and not a
> > functional work environment.

-- 
James Sumners
http://james.roomfullofmirrors.com/

"All governments suffer a recurring problem: Power attracts
pathological personalities. It is not that power corrupts but that it
is magnetic to the corruptible. Such people have a tendency to become
drunk on violence, a condition to which they are quickly addicted."

Missionaria Protectiva, Text QIV (decto)
CH:D 59