[GLLUG] Hi all.. question about hardware purchasing..

[Christopher Hunter]

On Mon, 2013-03-18 at 20:33 +0000, Bilal Qayum wrote:
> Hi all... I've been using Linux (in particular Ubuntu/Debian variants
> for a couple years but only recently became aware of GLLUG, yup, I'm
> pretty lazy like that.
> 
> But I'm pretty annoyed by the lack of decent hardware options for
> someone looking to run Linux with minimum fuss and hassle. There are
> some vendors who do ship hardware with Linux pre-installed but seem to
> be based stateside with high shipping rates, or only stock a fairly
> limited and pricey range. I'm just looking to get a feel for what
> people locally tend to do, do most people on here find something to
> fit their needs and then trust device drivers and support exist or
> does anyone have any good recommendations for a trustworthy vendor
> with a decent range of laptops that are not overpriced or
> underpowered?
> 
> I know device support is pretty good compared to even a few years ago,
> but the little things do frustrate me, never being able to rely on
> suspend/hibernate working correctly on most of the laptops I've owned,
> odd quirks with wifi and graphics chipsets especially and I'm really
> looking forward to a machine that will be able to mesh my OS perfectly
> with the hardware.
> 
> Many thanks to anyone who has some tips, I'm pretty interested in
> hearing in general how people purchase the hardware they run Linux
> OS's on anyway.

I've been frustrated like that too.  I have bought several laptop
machines from Novatech without any OS installed. This provides a useful
price saving (not having to pay a tithe to Microsoft), and the money can
be spent on improving the hardware (more RAM, better processor. etc.).

Another option is buying the laptop you want, rejecting the Windows EULA
and fighting the manufacturer or retailer for a refund of the price of
Windows (I've been remarkably successful with this over the years, but
you have to have the time to be persistent!)

Finally, I've had lots of success with the second-hand market.  There
are many dealers who will supply laptops without proprietary software
installed at reduced prices.  If you pick one of the better known
brands, you should have little trouble installing your Linux
distribution of choice. This involves a bit of work on your part, but
it's really worth the effort!

C.