New computers with Linux pre-installed-comments, please!!

[cousinlucky]

Old, slow and senile me has discovered that there are companies building and selling, on line, new Desktop computers with a Linux distro pre-installed.

Have any LinuxForum members bought any of these desktop computers and willing to relate their pros and cons of making such a purchase?

[antidrugue]

there are companies building and selling, on line, new Desktop computers with a Linux distro pre-installed.

Yes, apparently a lot of them :
http://lxer.com/module/forums/t/23168/

Then again, learning to build your own customized system is such a great experience : why not try it ?

[cousinlucky]

I have two large problems with building my own computer. The first is that I am 62 years old and computer illiterate therefore it might take me twenty years to learn how computers work.
The second factor is that even though I am semi-skilled with tools I lack finesse. Working with small things has always proved difficult for me. If my sons had not bought me a computer as a Christmas present a few years ago, I would still be using my electric typewriter.

For me, learning to build a computer is just not a prudent thing to be attempting.

[antidrugue]

For me, learning to build a computer is just not a prudent thing to be attempting.

I can understand that perfectly. Still, if you ever get your hands on an old machine that you don't care much about, try do disassemble and reassemble it : that would make good practice. At 62 years old you should have the patience to do that

Anyway, if you are not interested, I can understand that too. I just feel it is a lot of fun!

Perhaps as a first step, you can choose the parts for your next computer and deal with a store that can deliver a custom build machine.

Anyway, that still doesn't answer your first question... anyone ?

[cousinlucky]

It would be very nice to build and sell my own computers. It would be very nice, if I could, to even develop " cousin lucky's " Linux distro.

However these things are not to be!!

[Dapper Dan]

Hi cousinlucky,

I've bought two Dell Deminsion 1100 "N" series computers. The N series, (as we talked about earlier) comes with no operation system installed so it is then an easy matter to install your own preferred version of Linux. I ordered both at the lowest costs possible but included at least 80 gig hd and 512 ram each. I can't remember about processor speeds but it's in the 1.8 to 2.0 gig range. I haven't really had any hardware problems but did install wireless cards in each. Both are essentially work stations. One runs CentOS 4.2 and the other Slackware 10.2. I've been very happy with both, and am especially happy I don't have to sign off on the Microsoft EULA. I hope this helps some...

[cousinlucky]

Thanks, DapperDan!!

I have, unfortunately, been told a few Dell horror stories since you made me aware of the availability of Dell's n series computers. I have also been told of some Linux enthusiasts who have a computer company in Arizona.

HP, Gateway, Compaq, Dell, Emachines, etc. All of the computers I see in the retail stores with their Microsoft come ons just make me want to vomit. They look so flimsy, construction wise, and do not seem to be built to last more than a couple of years.

I am going to continue to probe and hopefully educate myself before making a decision.

I really appreciate your help.

Thank You!!

[antidrugue]

As well, I ordored about a year ago an Asus Z63A, which came with no OS installed (but the Asus page state that they recommend Windows XP).

It seems this model doesn't exist anymore on the US site.

It is still present on the Canadian one though. The Z63A is part of a series of laptop (called "built-on") in which you get to decide everything you want to put in it (CPU, memory, hard drive, DVD burner, etc.), and the tech at the store builds it for you.

Never had an issue with it. I made a small how-to on how to install linux on it.

Anyway, good luck on your quest !

[aysiu]

I know of at least two Ubuntu Forums members who have bought from System76.

Here are their reviews:
my new linux laptop
My new system76 gazelle value laptop

Here's another random review I found on the web:
review of system76

[daacosta]

Hi cousinlucky,

I've bought two Dell Deminsion 1100 "N" series computers. The N series, (as we talked about earlier) comes with no operation system installed so it is then an easy matter to install your own preferred version of Linux. I ordered both at the lowest costs possible but included at least 80 gig hd and 512 ram each. I can't remember about processor speeds but it's in the 1.8 to 2.0 gig range. I haven't really had any hardware problems but did install wireless cards in each. Both are essentially work stations. One runs CentOS 4.2 and the other Slackware 10.2. I've been very happy with both, and am especially happy I don't have to sign off on the Microsoft EULA. I hope this helps some...

I like the specs of the machines except for your RAM (would rather have 1 GB) Could you please post the specs of the wire-less cards? Is the processor a garden variety x86 or something more exotic?