[ltp] Best laptop for Linux

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:24:18 +0200

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    I've got a w520 running under Debian unstable. Almost everything is
    working great, what's not working will give you some hints as to
    what to look at:<br>
    1. I've got two drives in raid0 configuration. Ubuntu installed
    without a problem. The Debian installer wouldn't recognize the raid
    array. I ended up installing Ubuntu and migrating to Debian (a bit
    of a mess, but it worked).<br>
    2. The machine has an NVIDIA GPU in an optimus setup (with Intel
    inside the core i7 running the graphics). I can't get X to boot off
    NVIDIA in optimus or auto mode. It will run off the Intel though. If
    I switch in the bios to discrete mode it runs of the NVIDIA. I use
    the laptop for GPU computing (CUDA) and CUDA works fine even when
    running off the Intel and allows me to debug, and I don't need the
    NVIDIA for graphics so it's great for me, but a mess for most
    people. It does means that it has a much worse battery life in
    Linux.<br>
    I also can't connect an external screen in Intel mode as it drives
    Linux insane (it starts spewing a lot of junk to the console and
    everything grinds to a halt). In NVIDIA mode it works fine as long
    as I don't hit Fn-F7 and just use the NVIDIA control panel.<br>
    Generally the optimus setup will not work properly under Linux at
    the moment, you either need to get a laptop that can run in discrete
    mode (not all of them allow that option in the bios) or get one with
    just the Intel.<br>
    <br>
    Everything else works without a hitch (I even got the finger print
    reader mostly working, not as feature full as under windows, but it
    works)<br>
    <br>
    On 02/01/2012 23:01, Phil Shotton wrote:
    <blockquote cite="mid:4F021B37.2070209@stairbridge.org.uk"
      type="cite">I'm writing this on my trusty old T60p, brought out of
      retirement after a 2-year switch to a Macbook Pro. I've recently
      trashed the Macbook and need a replacement - I won't be going Mac
      again, even after 2 years I find the idiosyncratic keyboard, the
      poor quality apps, and the lack of openness to be a major
      headache.
      <br>
      <br>
      So now I'm asking the ltp fraternity, what's the best Linux laptop
      at the moment. I love my T60p, but it's old and slow. I need
      something that has good CPU power and high-res screen (I develop
      software so need compilation speed and screen clarity). I also
      want good Linux support without messing around - the T60p has the
      Atheros wifi chipset which is a pain, and I want good graphics
      without proprietary drivers.
      <br>
      <br>
      Doesn't have to be a Thinkpad, but I'm impressed with the build
      quality of the machines I've had in the past.
      <br>
      <br>
      Must be light, powerful, good screen, preferably illuminated
      keyboard (best thing about the Mac Pro), very Linux compatible,
      large ram, good cpu, big disk, robust. I don't care about
      widescreen but nice to have if everything else in place.
      <br>
      <br>
      Thanks in advance for all your comments, and a Happy New Year to
      all.
      <br>
      <br>
      Cheers
      <br>
      Phil
      <br>
      <br>
      <br>
    </blockquote>
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