Specifying specifications for Linux laptops
Before you decide to buy a laptop running Linux, think carefully about the purpose of using it. This is not only a guide to choosing for you distribution and whether you want to dual boot or not, there are still features that are most important to you. If there are applications that require you to rely on, you should check whether they support Linux or not, or you can choose the equivalent open source software to replace it, otherwise you will have to be sure on dual boot mode.
For users who tend to stick with Linux and have no need for graphics applications, it doesn't necessarily need advanced processing power or graphics support. On the other hand, those who plan to use dual-boot mode will want the machine to be more powerful than traditional Windows users.
Below is a preliminary analysis of some configuration options you should consider.
Operating system
If you want to buy a pre-installed Linux machine, you should find out about the vendors of those machines. If you want to dual boot with Windows, you need to buy both a Linux laptop and request that option, or you can buy a traditional Windows laptop and install it yourself on a Linux distribution. In short, the operating system that you intend to use will be the main factor influencing where you choose to buy your laptop and what specifications you choose.
Wireless
The problem is still annoying for Linux users who have long been wireless connectivity hardware lacking compatibility with Linux. Now, Broadcom's new brcm80211 driver has been extensively integrated, which means you have compatible wireless hardware from Intel or Atheros. Broadcom is also well supported with the latest Maverick Meerkat version (Ubuntu 10.10).
Graphics
This is another area of annoying issues for Linux users, so you'll want to make sure that the graphics card and 3D accelerator on your laptop are fully compatible. Not all vendors support Linux equally well, which is why you need to find out and choose the right provider.
Processor
As the brain of a laptop, the CPU will determine the response and performance in completing the tasks you assign it. If you plan to use Linux only, this is a less important consideration, but if you want dual-boot mode or use high-end applications, you'll want to get more power.
System memory
Most laptops today have at least 2GB of RAM, which can be considered good for most purposes, especially if you only use Linux, this factor is not too big a problem. Of course, if you plan to dual-boot or use a 64-bit version, you'll want more.
Optical drive
It's not a big deal except you plan to watch movies on Blu-ray, in which case you'll need a Blu-ray optical drive that can read and burn DVDs. You must also have more software to decode.
Volume, screen, storage, battery, keyboard, software
These are the factors you want to consider, of course, but they don't involve a separate consideration for Linux. You also need to think about the open source world, about the software you want that can be easily added later without charge.
Tips to buy Linux laptops
You should first learn some specific Linux vendors. They often provide some of the easiest options for you, because they have to deal with compatibility issues first, and you will have ideas about their services and prices.
Among the best laptop vendors out there are Dell, LinuxCertified, ZaReason, EmperorLinux, and System76. And there are other options listed at TuxMobil and LXer.
It is also a very good idea to check out some Linux user review sites, and report the status on particular laptops and other hardware, usually according to each vendor. Eg:
* LinuxQuestions.org
* Linux on laptops
* Linux.com
* TuxMobil
* LinuxCompatible.org
If you are allowed to test your laptop before purchasing it, bring a LiveCD of the Linux distribution you plan to use to run it. The LiveCD allows you to start and run Linux directly on the CD without installing it. That way, you will be more confident that it will work the way you want.
In any case, the following specifications may meet the basic needs of most users.
Ubuntu 10.10, dual boot with Windows 7
" Maverick Meerkat " is the latest version of Ubuntu, and it is also the friendliest version to date. It will also include all major drivers that you probably need. Canonical, the Ubuntu manufacturer, recommends a 32-bit version of the OS for most users. If you choose dual boot - not a bad idea if you are a Linux novice, a gamer or need applications that only run with Windows - you probably want to run Windows 7. Most homes All Linux-based distributions provide dual-boot settings.
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz
This is a good choice, the 64-bit dual-core CPU will handle smooth multitasking with whatever the average user can deliver to it. Although you may not need a 64-bit CPU for Linux, you'll be happy to have it if you use dual booting with Windows.
RAM: 4GB
If running 32-bit Linux you don't need a lot of RAM, but if you want to dual-boot you will need a lot of RAM for Windows to play games and run heavy applications.
Wireless
Find the hardware that connects wirelessly from Intel or Atheros, and make sure that the driver supports it in Linux.
Dedicated graphics card
Unless you are very sure that you will never use your laptop beyond the minimum graphics requirements, it is best to buy a laptop with a high-end dedicated graphics card. If you are going to use a dual boot, it is necessary. Most Nvidia and ATI / AMD graphics cards fall into this category, but consider carefully before you buy.