Laptops Inexpensive notebook for Linux?

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bikalpapaudel

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I want a full fledged laptop that is able to run Linux (Ubuntu to be specific) well. And if I decide to switch distros in future, that should create issues.

Everything should work as it should under Linux, because that will be my OS of choice for this system.

Will basically be used as a field computer, so it should be comfortable to use.
Should not be very difficult to lug around.

No, not a netbook.

There is no hardware requirement, anything remotely recent should do. Would help if the RAM were upgradeable to 4GB though.

Do I have choices?
 
Linux can work on any hardware combination. You buy the cheapest available notebook available in market even that will be good enough for running linux but you will have to make some sacrifice in terms of eye candy-ness and graphics capability. But your main priority seems to be office work so no problem due to that.
 
- system76, Inc. specifically deals in Ubuntu based machines.. They even ship to india...

You can even consider dell vostro A8XX which comes with Ubuntu but I think you need to make an advance order as Dell India doesn't seems to have much up in the sleeves :| Dell and Linux

Apart from that get HCL and few other vendors to sell Ubuntu based laptops , HCLStore.in there are lots of models with Ubuntu installed.. Make sure dealer don't install ahem :P windhooz in it :P
 
Whats your budget ? Ubuntu will run on almost any laptop , but still to be sure avoid the ones with ATi gfx chipsets

Lenovo 3000 G430 costs 23.5k , great VFM
 
^
Almost any laptop runs Ubuntu. Fine.
What I meant was this; some wifi chipsets dont work out of the box, some bluetooth chips, modems dont work.

By complete compatibility, I mean everything. As is the laptop was made for Ubuntu and not Windows. Like the volume control, the media control buttons (if any), the sleep, hibernate issues. Everything.

Hence, if a laptop comes with Ubuntu or any other distro pre-installed, or is similar to ones coming with Linux, I can be sure that 100% stuff works.

Lenovo 3000 G430 costs 23.5k , great VFM
They might be a VFM solution but I tend to stay away from those, why?
The prices and configuration have stayed stagnant for more than a year or so for low end lappies. As much as other hardware not bothering me, it has a single core processor which concerns me, especially when adding 1-2k can bring in dual cores.

@Dark Star Thanks, will check out. I dont know if this sounds stupid, but I never heard of System76 before.
BTW You're there at TDF? I think I saw that name before.
 
I have used notebooks with Intel / Broadcom and Atheros based Wireless adapters , all of them work fine with ubuntu , so do almost all bluetooth modules . Almost 90% of the notebooks in the market are 100% ubuntu compatible
 
^^ Exactly!! the rest 10 % have issues in mainly accessories department ( I mean webcam , card reader, hot keys , etc.. ) .

Basic functionality wise any laptop should do...
 
^^ NO issue .. All card readers web cam and hotkeys works.. Please refrain creating FUD if you have no experience with latest Linux !
 
^ Ok, since many people have this opinion, I am pretty much convinced. Thanks everyone.

You guys didnt give me much laptop models to choose from though.
 
Well decide any model and any company.. Just do a demo with Live CD of Mandriva [preferably as it has all drivers and codecs ] and see if it works :)
 
^ M not makig fuss .. my ricoh card reader, UPEK fingerprint reader and my webcam ( motion eye something ) did not work in 8.10 ... n i tried a lot of tips n tricks to make it work...

n btw webcam now works on 9.04 but other two still dont....

ya n my laptop is a sony vaio TZ17GN
 
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