On 04.12.2022 18:52, Gabor Urban wrote:
Hi,
I am planning to install Debian on a laptop the first time.That will
not be my first installing but I never used notebooks for that. I have
found a lot of useful information but I would like to have some
guidance at the start.
What are the most important issues selecting a laptop I should be
mindful about?
Probably the most problematic point of a Linux laptop is a wireless
connectivity, both WiFi and Bluetooth.
It's always better to check beforehand if wireless adapter that comes
preinstalled is supported natively by Linux kernel [1], or would work
with external drivers (kernel modules) supplied by device manufacturer.
Another thing to keep in mind, is to get a laptop with a MUX switch (AKA
Advanced Optimus) to be able to select between CPU internal and discrete
VGAs.
While classic Optimus technology could work out of the box, it is
usually a headache to make it work, because hardware implementation is
different for every laptop manufacturer.
So it is better to just select discrete VGA in BIOS as primary, and MUX
switch allows you to do that.
If you already have the laptop handy you can test how it would work with
Debian Live [2] before removing preinstalled OS.
It's better to choose from images with non-free firmware included to
save yourself some time from extra troubleshooting while trying make
things work.
[1] https://wireless.wiki.kernel.org/en/users/drivers
[2] https://www.debian.org/CD/live/
--
With kindest regards, Alexander.
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