[Wylug-discuss] linux laptop

[Mischa Oliver Altmann]

Dear Wyluggers,

it happens every now and then: your old notebook (which is dearly loved
and you may have spent way too many hours in front of) is showing the
seven signs of ageing...

So what is out there in terms of Linux "compatible" laptops at the
moment?

broadly speaking what i need is a desktop replacement though my
power-needs are not exorbitant, what I value most is:
- clear, high resolution screen (yes, generally expensive -- ouch!)
- decent battery life (3 hours -- difficult with Linux?)
- light&small enough to fit into a backpack but large enough to be
  used comfortably for longer hours.

now, yes, one can put Linux on any laptop but how well does it work?
Recently Anne (i think) reported that her laptop worked perfectly after
a standard Fedora(?) install... but i am not optimistic enough to think
this is the rule.

Also -- I am *not* disinclined to take an Apple -- any ideas?

price wise I'd like to be able to continue eating healthily but i see
this as an investment (wrong timing?) so around up to the 1000 pound
mark is possible :-/

I am (still) a student so there might be special offer out there i am
unaware of (e.g. through NUS Apple offers ~15% discount)

useful:
- http://tuxmobil.org/
- http://www.windowsrefund.org/ (well, if i have time)

browsing around brings up a couple of pre-configured linux laptops:
- http://www.linuxcertified.com/linux_laptops.html
- http://www.emperorlinux.com/
- http://partnernet.maxdata.co.uk/download/nb_index.htm

regards,
  Mischa

P.S.: with the strong EUR/GBP buying in the US might make sense --
though warranty, etc might be difficult

--
Mischa Oliver Altmann
ABCIT Level 5, Elec.Engineering
Union Council Representative for Ethical & Environmental Issues
The University of Leeds (United Kingdom)

personal website: http://www.altmann.at/~mischa (in terrible state)
E: m.o.altmann02 at spam-me-not.members.leeds.ac.uk [remove spam-me-not]

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