[CentOS] Laptop for CentOS-5

Thu Jan 7 19:04:25 UTC 2010
Eero Volotinen <eero.volotinen at iki.fi>

On 1/7/10 8:55 PM, Eero Volotinen wrote:
> On 1/7/10 8:37 PM, James B. Byrne wrote:
>> 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.
>
> How about Thinkpad W500 ? It is a bit expensive, but .. with UBuntu or
> OpenSUSE os.

Also Dell (http://www.emperorlinux.com/mfgr/dell/rhino/)
E6500 / M6400 is good solution.

--
Eero