I have a defective HP-Compaq nx9420 and so I am looking to replace it. I have pretty much decided to buy no further MicroSoft based products and would very much like to hear recommendations for a suitable notebook host to provide me with Linux based alternative.
Given that all the basic functionality required is provided, the main thing that I am looking for is reliability of the host itself. I do a deal of traveling so physical robustness is an issue. But I also use my notebook for hours at a time, generally every day. This means that I am typically on a/c current rather than batteries and that power regulation and heat dissipation are also concerns. The power regulator circuit is in fact what I believe has failed on the nx9420.
Not infrequently I have the notebook on my chest or lap while working at home. So the ventilation clearances provided by a flat desk support are frequently absent and the notebook design must accommodate this.
I would like to use CentOs as this is what I am most familiar with. But, I am open to CentOS alternatives like Ubuntu or even a non-Linux alternative like a PowerMac with OS-X.
I have already looked at the Dell site on the basis of a friends recommendation. While Dell mentions Ubuntu is available for some of their notebook computers they do not seem to provide any way to actually configure a system with it.
So, my desires are:
WANT:
Robust construction Reliable quality Reasonable weight (< 2.5 kg all in) Supported sound and video reproduction of reasonable quality 15-17" lcd screen Out-of-the-box support for wireless networking Battery life > 2.0 hrs. Not MS-Windows
PREFER:
64 bit core duo 2 2-4+ Gb RAM 120+ Gb HDD writable multi-mode DVD/CD drive CentOS-5+
Your system suggestions, both for hardware and OS, are most welcome.