Best laptop for use with Linux?

Question

I'm looking at buying a Dell laptop, and I'd like to put Linux on it. (I'd be getting a Mac, but they're too expensive and too slow for the money.) I understand that hardware compatibility is often a problem with Linux on laptops. I'd like a $1000-$1400 laptop that is not gigantic, not slow, and not pathetically short-lived (battery life). This leaves me with about half of Dell's laptops, so I'd like to know anyone's experiences with Dell's laptops and how well Linux worked. I'm looking to install Slackware 9.1 (or maybe 9.2 if it comes out by the time I get my laptop) but the mere existance of a kernel module for a piece of hardware means it will work, so don't worry if you're using a different distro--speak up anyway!

Thanks,

Thomas

kormath · Answer

the systems i run Fedora on are not being shipped anymore, but i've never had a problem getting the drivers installed.  I've had Fedora on an 8200 for a year or so and recently put Fedora Core 2 on my 8500.   For that kind of money you're looking at i'd recommend the 8600 or 600m, those are the best 2 system dell has out IMO.  5150 is good if you want to spend less than those 2.

Zack3g · Answer

I have an inspiron 5100, and I recommend Fedora Core 2. I have been battling linux on this laptop for over a month now, and finally I found the solution that makes EVERYTHING work. The lid, the truemobile1150, all the power management, even the synaptics touchpad. Fedora Core rocks.

mwerle · Answer

I've got an Inspiron 8100 (obsolete now) and its first experience with Linux was Suse 8 - installed flawlessly and everything worked out of the box. Was an easier install than WinXP!

It's now running Debian which I'm more comfortable with. Took a bit more tweaking but everything works (well, still trying to get corner-tapping and drag-scrolling to work on the touchpad...)

From what I've seen on the net Dell laptops have been reasonably linux-friendly in the past. Can't vouch for current models.

- Micha.

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Best laptop for use with Linux?

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