Linux Laptop Advice Required

[QuantumXP]

I'm about due for an upgrade of my Acer Aspire 1355LC, especially since the dvd drive is failing. I have always regretted my choice as it hasnt been the most linux friendly system, especially in the graphics department. This time around I'm doing my research.

I intend to use the system to dual boot windows and gentoo. I'd prefer a screen resolution above 1024x768 with a graphics chipset capable of driving XGL/Compiz /Beryl. Integrated wifi is a must but integrated bluetooth would be an advantage. My budget is around £600-700 but is flexible.

What would be the minimum graphics spec for my requirements?

Can anybody recommend anything?

 

[FirebarUK]

Definately go for an IBM Lenovo laptop. Lovely for Linux tbh.

 

[cb_linus]

Graphics card I would choose nvidia. For Beryl (using aiglx) check out the list of cards known to work here.

 

[QuantumXP]

It's just a shame nVidia gfx add so much more to the overall cost

 

[FirebarUK]

If you can find Radeon 7000 - 9250 in an IBM Lenovo...

 

[QuantumXP]

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=274915&highlight=x1400+beryl

It appears that beryl works on the ATI X1400, on a system with 2GB of ram the 256MB used for the graphics shouldnt hinder the overall system performance too much.

 

[freebooter]

I think the intel graphics that come on a lot of low end laptops are supposed to run xgl/compiz from posts I have seen on the ubuntu forums.

 

[FirebarUK]

Yeah, my I915G (Celeron M-1.4Ghz, 768MB RAM) runs it nicely. Smooth but could be quicker on some stuff (a better processor & card combined would help).

 

[QuantumXP]

Although the Intel graphics might be powerful enough I'm inclined to go for too much power now due to the inability to upgrade in the future.

A 20" screen is becomming tempting too, especially if the integrated digital tuners are supported.

 

[Una]

I have intel 950 integrated graphics in this laptop, and it runs beryl/aiglx fine.
Dell 6400, 17" Widescreen, Duel-core T2300 @ 1.66GHz, 1Gb ram, wireless/ir etc.. Was around £600 when I bought it, you should be able to get a much better spec now for a similar price. If you want more powerful gfx go with nvidia though.

 

[QuantumXP]

I'm staying clear of the Core Duo, they are rebadged Pentium-M cores. The Core 2 Duo features the newer improved cores and are a better buy.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

I'm staying clear of the Core Duo, they are rebadged Pentium-M cores.

No, they're not. Yonah is a 65 nm chip with support for SSE3. The last PM was a 90 nm chip with support for SSE2. The CD also supports supports Intel's Vanderpool virtualization technology.

In addition to all that, Yonah is dual core where CD was not.

 

[BoomAM]

Another vote for the Thinkpads.
The one ive reviewed in my sig runs Ubuntu beautifully.

 

[D.P.]

KUbuntu installed flalessly on this IBM T60p, some help installying decent ATIGL drivers helps.

 

[zetec452]

I've just ordered a Lenovo N100 Core Duo 1.66GHz 512MB 80GB DVDRW. Cost around £520.

Hopefully I'll get it tomorrow and pop Ubuntu 6.10. Will let you know how it goes.

Jon

 

[FirebarUK]

Nice laptop

 

[BoomAM]

I've just ordered a Lenovo N100 Core Duo 1.66GHz 512MB 80GB DVDRW. Cost around £520.

Hopefully I'll get it tomorrow and pop Ubuntu 6.10. Will let you know how it goes.

Jon

Should be interesting, as its one of the first Lenovo designed Thinkpads.
/awaits verdict.

 

[zetec452]

Yes, should be. Looks good from some of the reviews I've seen and the video on Znet. Im not a fan of widescreen but it was at the right price.

 

[MasterBruce]

Another thumbs up for Lenovo Thinkpad, tried the kubuntu live cd on my z60m and it ran no probs at all. think I'm just going to get another hard drive as its so easy to the remove this one and have a clean install on that.

 

[BoomAM]

Get yourself a drive caddy for the ultrabay. Make it even easyier. .