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. -- Eero