[wplug] Linux Notebook Recommendation

[Greg Simkins biz]

It looks like you made a good move Drew.  I viewed the review video  
at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFmSoGzh2y4.  There are a lot of  
features.

Until I just ordered the Dell Mini 9, over the past 3 years I had  
shied away from purchasing Dell equipment since obtaining their  
support is so frustrating, if not impossible.  I got accustomed to  
walking into the Apple store when I have any issues with my MacBook  
Pro or iMac.  I am not as clever as some of my WPLUG associates in  
solving configuration problems and I very much value the Apple  
technical support.

I am also reluctant to set up my own system on used equipment because  
I always have issues with a driver or two with Linux.  After viewing  
the video, I would be concerned that with the security features Dell  
brags about on the D420, I would end up having trouble accessing the  
system or encrypting all my data and losing the key (or perhaps ubuntu  
disables all those features).  ...and as you say, you are still  
fighting with Blue Tooth. At the price point on the Mini 9, I thought  
I would try the experience of buying a stock Linux product and see how  
it works without committing major dollars.  I had hoped to avoid  
paying the "Microsoft Tax".  I am not sure if I did or not, but at  
least I made a statement by not getting XP installed.

Thanks to all of you who made comments.

Greg



On Apr 12, 2009, at 9:54 PM, Drew from Zhrodague wrote:

> Greg Simkins biz wrote:
>> I wanted to buy a notebook with ubuntu installed (so I know all the
>> drivers are there).  BethLynn recommended one from zareason, but they
>> went out of stock and won't give any date for their next model.  They
>> are pushing their Intel core duo model for $1100 (at that price I
>> think I would prefer the MacBook - I am just looking for a Linux toy
>> to play with).  I am confused about a business that has demand for a
>> product and then lets it go out of stock with no date for a new model
>> - this indicates that something is a little strange at zareason.  I
>> have looked around the web.  NewEgg has the eee pc 1000 with Xandros
>> installed at $399.99 - a price I like, but I would prefer Ubuntu.
>> Anybody have a recommendation?  Or an explanation as to why zareason
>> dumped a recommended model?
>
>  	I just picked up a Dell D420 from EBay, with a dock, two power  
> cords,
> and the extended battery. I've got Ubuntu on it, and I am extremely
> impressed with how well it works on this unit (and how pretty it  
> is). I
> think I came in just over $400. 12.1" screen, 4 hr battery life.
>
> 	Still fighting with the Bluetooth, trying to sync my old phone with
> Wammu. Bluetooth works, but configuring bluetooth serial isn't obvious
> to me yet.
>
> -- 
>
> Drew from Zhrodague		http://www.WiFiMaps.com
> drew at zhrodague.net		http://www.pghwireless.net
> 				http://dorkbot.org/dorkbotpgh
>
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