linux vs windows laptops

[arinlares]

linux side: Well, i'm looking for a job, and looking for a laptop. I've been thinking that a Linux-based laptop would be great, since all of the software (except for two programs) exists for Linux, as well as windows. I've been looking on the Walmart website (the only place i know i can buy the laptop i want) for the Everex laptops running gOS linux. I found this one, with RAM expansion up to 2G. a 60GB harddrive (me and my family have had the computer i'm on for four years, and it's only half full), and am seriously considering getting it. I was thinking of the Asus EEE 900, but the size is an issue, as well as the low processing power, and the harddrive space. I've decided to leave Windows as soon as possible (one virus scan too many, i guess), and figure a pre-configured system is the best way.

windows side: If i get a windows laptop, i'll end up dual-booting ubuntu along side it. it'll be more work, but i'll have the option of Windows or Linux. i'm not sure if this is a plus (having to set up antivirus and firewall for windows), and having to configure Linux after the install (can't be that bad, but, it's a factor). unfortunately, i don't remember the specs for the windows one, but i know they're much higher than the everex.

These are my options, and i was hoping for some opinions on either decision, seeing as I'm stuck in the middle.

[Freston]

What's the question?
It seems that if you want to get away from Redmond ASAP like you say, that Linux is the only option (*BSD's, Solaris, Haiku, OSX et al not taken into account). You might want to shop around and see if you can find a machine without an OS. They don't sell these in physical stores, but on the Internet they are available.

If you want your OS to be pre-installed, then the Everex is an option. Dell and Lenovo also sell Linux pre-installed. But I think that you'll want to put your favorite distro on it anyway. So you might want to look a bit further for an empty one.

Or you can buy a Windows based one, then you have more choice. And dual boot. You've payed for the license, so why not?


In my opinion installing the OS is not a factor in buying a machine. When you install it yourself, you'll have more control over how it's setup. And there's always work going into a new computer. Change the settings, copy the files over, configure Internet, email and the likes. Installing codexes. Change the background, screensaver, whatever. Download and install the latest (security fixed) Firefox & add-ons.
The actual install of the OS just ads about half an hour to this. But then you have the exact distro you want, the disk partitioning scheme you want, the apps and services you want. If you want, you can leave a partition blank for future dual boots. That's the kind of thing you're missing out on if you have the OS pre-installed.

[GNU-Fan]

Personally, I've always considered the ability to customize the OS one of the greatest strengths of Free Software operating systems. Hence I couldn't work with a preinstalled OS very long.

But there is one considerable advantage if your system comes with GNU/Linux preinstalled: You can be reasonable sure all necessary drivers for the hardware are available and supported. I therefore conclude that a preinstalled GNU/Linux would be the better choice, even if you plan to install your own flavour later.

[carlosponti]

I bought a Dell with Ubuntu Preloaded it was a decent price and the hardware was integrated all to work right out of the box. I have pictures of it on my blog.

here is the entry
Serial Hobbiest and Ramblings: Dell Preinstalled Ubuntu System

[arinlares]

i've looked into the dell ubuntu laptops, and saw that they have all of the features in a good computer. i'll do a comparison to the Everex. the dell pcs have hardware i trust, so i might look into that.

freston: i've considered BSD and Mac OSX, but realized that there are more compatibility issues, and less software in common, than Windows and Linux. i know for a fact that the software i use hasn't been ported to Solaris, and have never heard of Haiku. Most of the software is open, anyway, but software i hope to get (VST based sequencing) doesn't exist for Mac or BSD, and, to my knowledge, there is no mac/linux compatibility layer. it's a weak point, i guess, but thats how i see it.

on the customization front, i don't need customized fearures much, and wouldn't know where to start. it's not that important to me, right now.

carlosponti, i've heard dell computers only allow you to use dell peripherals (mouse, printers). do the dell ubuntu computers run into this issue?

[geniuz]

If you've want a really well pre-configured and windows-free laptop, I would go for a MacBook. It works very well out of the box...takes hardly any time to set up and offcourse: you'll get the newest version of OS X !!
It's kind of pricy though so that could be a problem, however you do get a lifetime machine.

If that's not option, I'd have to say I'd buy a windows laptop and either dual boot it with XP. You just get a whole lot more specs for about the same price. Windows XP isn't that bad IMHO, I'm forced to use it at home (TweakFast version) and I must say it's very usable. Although I must run linux in VMware to play with it every once in while.

[Roxoff]

If you've want a really well pre-configured and windows-free laptop, I would go for a MacBook. It works very well out of the box...takes hardly any time to set up and offcourse: you'll get the newest version of OS X !!
It's kind of pricy though so that could be a problem, however you do get a lifetime machine.

What about the good old Eee PC or Acer One? My mum just bought the larger Eee PC 1000, and its a great machine - although she stupidly bought the windows one 'cos she's already bought her copies of Sudoku and Patience.

[carlosponti]

carlosponti, i've heard dell computers only allow you to use dell peripherals (mouse, printers). do the dell ubuntu computers run into this issue?

where did you hear that? I have a HP ink jet that i have shared on the network and my notebook prints to it fine. There is no practical way for them to limit usage to their peripherals. I plugged in my camera to it which is a panasonic Lumix etc. I could go on but no there is not an exclusivity.

[arinlares]

geniuz: i wish i had a snappy comeback on the mac thing (i don't), but, i can't easily find XP on a laptop unless it's a mini laptop.

carlosponti: i've heard dell doesn't like third party peripherals all my life, just about. it's nice to hear that it's not true.

[carlosponti]

geniuz: i wish i had a snappy comeback on the mac thing (i don't), but, i can't easily find XP on a laptop unless it's a mini laptop.

carlosponti: i've heard dell doesn't like third party peripherals all my life, just about. it's nice to hear that it's not true.

yeah i had never heard that and I have that laptop and I use a dell at work. Especially with Ubuntu Preloaded there would be no way to enforce usage of their peripherals at least without it making to a news site.