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Notebooks. With Linux. Pre-installed.

Submitted by wftl on Sun, 2008-04-06 13:23

Tomorrow morning, I'm giving a talk/tutorial at the IT360 Conference in Toronto. The subject is getting a Linux notebook (or laptop, if you prefer) to do it all. I should point out that I did not choose this topic. Evan Leibovitch, a great FOSS guy, asked me if I would tackle this one. The reason I find it difficult is that I don't think it's that big a deal to get Linux running on a notebook. Any notebook. Of course, the real reason, the ONLY reason Windows might be easier to install is that most people NEVER install it. It comes pre-installed. If people had to install Windows every time they bought a computer, this whole "Windows is easier" discussion would die a quick and horrific death. R.I.P. Ah, heck. Just rest. I don't care if it's in peace.

So how can you make the Linux notebook easier? Answer: Buy the notebook with Linux pre-installed. Here's a very short list of vendors who sell Linux notebooks. In no particular order, here are five:

  • RedSeven PCs
  • Emperor Linux
  • Linux Certified
  • R-Cubed Technologies
  • System 76
  • Oh, and here's a sixth, Dell Computers

    This is just a sampler. There are tons of dealers who will sell you a notebook computer with Linux pre-installed. Got another? Tell me, and the world, about your favorite!

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    #1Submitted by ferifox on Mon, 2008-04-07 13:54.

    Notebooks with Linux

    Here's another one: Fujitsu Siemens
    They often sell Laptops with Linux in my country. (For examle the AMILO / AMILO PRO series with Knoppix.

    regards
    Ferifox

    #2Submitted by plattypus1 on Thu, 2008-04-10 17:13.

    All sorts of stuff with Linux

    ZaReason, Inc. at zareason.com has some very attractive Linux offerings, everything from media pc's to barebones, to very nice laptops. Check 'em out!

    #3Submitted by Roger Hiles on Thu, 2008-04-10 17:17.

    Another notebook with Linux pre-installed

    There's HP's new 2133 Mini-Note (available with Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop):
    http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF25a/321957-321957-64295-321838...

    #4Submitted by number_man_2000 on Fri, 2008-04-11 13:02.

    Lenovo ThinkPad T-Series

    Lenovo has a nice T-Series ThinkPad with SUSE pre-installed. Heck, you even get a price break (and my wife loves the machine).

    #5Submitted by hansie on Sun, 2008-04-27 11:29.

    linux pc's & notebooks

    There is the website of "PCLinuxOS": 'PCLOS' is now selling computers, an 'MSI' notebook, and computer peripherals compatible with 'PCLOS'..... 'PCLOS' is one of the world's 'leading', (simplest&easiest), Linux Operating Systems.... Whereas 'Ubuntu&Children', (after Ubuntu 6.06), quit functioning with my 'legacy systems', 'PCLOS' in all its versions and modalities is still capable of playing with them....

    For a Linux pc or notebook, with Linux pre-installed please consult the 'PCLOS' website, or click on linpc.us => Please, support a 'Linux Distro' in this manner!!

    #6Submitted by Bernhard (not verified) on Thu, 2008-11-20 03:53.

    Notebooks with Pre-installed Linux

    German mail-order retailer Neckermann now offers Acer Aspire Netbooks with Linux pre-installed, for EUR 299. Don't know which distro, but best guess seems Xubuntu.

    #7Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 2008-11-21 01:37.

    alternatively...

    avadirect.com has a great build-your-own laptop system with a no OS option.
    You know, for those of us who want to install our own flavor.

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