Find solution
Where To Buy Laptops In Canada?

What laptop should I buy?

  • Which laptop should I buy? Important are a nice 15'' screen and good battery life. It is going to run Linux. I want to buy a laptop, but am a bit overwhelmed by the choice available. It is going to be used for web browsing, document editing, music and video (no editing), so I think most laptops are fast enough (I'm thinking i3 or faster?). A good 15'' screen and battery life are the distinguishing factors I'd like to base my choice on, but objective information about this is hard to find. Additionally, it will run Linux, so if possible, I'd like to buy it without Windows (a Mac fits the requirements, but is a bit too expensive — I'm looking to spend about €1000 max). However, I'm in the Netherlands, so firms selling only in the US and Canada are no use (I've found http://www.system76.com, for example, which looks nice apart from this).

  • Answer:

    http://linuxpreloaded.com/ has a list of laptops without windows

cameleon at Ask.Metafilter.Com Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/linux_3x?c=us&l=en&cs=19. I bought a similar laptop from them a while back and am quite happy with it (though it looks like they don't provide a SSD hard drive option anymore, which though pricey was a really nice upgrade).

axiom

When I was researching my own purchase (linux laptop), one option was purchasing a pre-configured one from a local computer-building store. You might want to look into that. Another option: Ask your local LUG. There will certainly be someone who has been in your shoes before.

circular

Triton: Thanks for the linuxpreloaded link. Some of them ship to Europe. However, I'm again quite overwhelmed by the choice, and don't know how to choose between laptops with similar specs... axiom: The Dell option doesn't seem to be available in the Dutch version of their shop. circular: You mean a shop that sells laptops according to my specifications, without an OS? That would be ideal, and is how I bought my previous (desktop) PC. But I don't think we have shops like that here.

cameleon

Oh wow. That linuxpreloaded link is awesome.

kathrynm

You mean a shop that sells laptops according to my specifications, without an OS? The shop here just buys regular laptops after they've verified that the components are linux-compatible, I think. Then they provide support through their local store. However, I'm not sure about coming with an OS or not. The price was decent enough that I think the original OS must have been of negligible cost if it was included.

circular

After asking around locally, as well as comparing screens and batteries in local shops, we've gone with a Sony Vaio (E series). Although I was told there would be good Linux support, I've had a couple of problems with the screen and the trackpad while setting up Ubuntu 10.10. Both are solved now (after a couple of hours of googling) and so far, everything is working great. The screen is very nice, but I don't have a good idea how much actual battery life it'll get. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

cameleon

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.