Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
On 07/11/14 02:21, Kris Douglas wrote: I must say HP printers are cracking! Kindest Regards, Kris Douglas I agree. My HP 5525 works perfectly on Ubuntu 14.04 - there's no function that doesn't work as far as I can see! Cheers Gordon -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
The only way you can try to make a point is either by: 1. Buying a machine from somewhere that sells then sans OS or with Linux. 2. Attempting to get a refund for the Microsoft Tax... I have done as suggested above and attempted my refund. I was told they would not do this as I should have bought the laptop without an OS. When I said that the retailer doesn't sell them like that they said there are retailers who do but could not name a single one or give me the price it would retail at. Any suggestions or is it wipe and reinstall time? -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
On 06/11/14 21:01, Barry Drake wrote: On 05/11/14 15:22, Bill B. wrote: We also need to [always], whether we know the answer or not ask one question when dealing with big companies. Does in work with Linux? Our local PCWorld has a policy (official) that staff must say: We don't support Linux. I complained to head office and was told: This is because we don't sell anything with Linux installed. A little over four years ago, I had reason to buy a decently-spec'd laptop at very short notice, and PC World was the only realistic option. I was expecting exactly this kind of attitude, and was ready to rebuff any offers of help that would try to steer me towards and over-priced machine with Windows and all the add-ons. A young lad came and asked if I needed any help, and I initially gave him the brush-off with just browsing for now, thanks. He did persist, though, so I explained that I was starting a new job on Monday, would be working from home, and wanted a fairly powerful laptop with a full HD screen, but didn't care about the software on it because I'd be wiping it and installing Ubuntu as soon as I got it home. Far from we don't support Linux, his eyes lit up and he started asking what I was going to be using it for, where I'd be working, etc. I came away with a knock-down deal on a Sony Vaio that, while it gave me some initial teething problems with the nVidia graphics, served me well until my laptop refresh last year, and is now providing solid Facebook service to my wife. I suppose the moral of the story is, regardless of PC World's official policy, sometimes it just comes down to the particular member of staff you end up dealing with. JT P.S. I now have a System76 Gazelle Pro, which I bought just over a year ago. Great display (I went for the IPS upgrade), excellent performance, but the keyboard (even with the proper Ubuntu key) is terrible. Having heard about PCSpecialist on this list, I configured a similarly-spec'd laptop, and the price came in roughly £500 cheaper, and obviously without the £200 import tax. -- ---+ James Tait, BSc|xmpp:jayte...@wyrddreams.org Programmer and Free Software advocate |Tel: +44 (0)870 490 2407 ---+ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 On 06/11/14 21:01, Barry Drake wrote: On 05/11/14 15:22, Bill B. wrote: We also need to [always], whether we know the answer or not ask one question when dealing with big companies. Does in work with Linux? Our local PCWorld has a policy (official) that staff must say: We don't support Linux. I complained to head office and was told: This is because we don't sell anything with Linux installed. Apart from Android devices, and maybe chomebooks Paul I made a further complaint that they DO sell peripherals that can work with Linux. I got back a fairly positive answer (for PCWorld). I went to the local store to look at printers. I showed them the e-mail and asked the question. I don't think the staff members I talked to had a clue what I was talking about. I went to look at the printers they had in stock. I was approached by a staff member asking 'Can I help you sir?'. I told him what I was looking for and he was really helpful. It turned out that he was not a staff member but an HP rep. 'All of our printers are fully compatible with Linux. He made his point and I now have a very nice HP printer/scanner. Regards,Barry. - -- http://www.zleap.net @zleap14 diaspora : zl...@joindiaspora.com Documentation lead @ ToriOS http://www.torios.org -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1 iEYEARECAAYFAlRb5wYACgkQaggq1k2FJq1uGgCaApusNCNJnXj1DBbOrtB2NQGh 7doAn3ASTyJG7tqPBff+OqGBTTVHFenN =Ad7M -END PGP SIGNATURE- -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
On Nov 6, 2014 11:39 PM, Stuart Ward stuart.w...@bcs.org wrote: On 6 November 2014 21:24, Paul Sutton zl...@zleap.net wrote: Apart from Android devices, and maybe chomebooks And routers, TVs, set top boxes, cameras, car stereos, washing machines, dishwashers... Car stereos, Windows 8, adobe Photoshop. Pete S -- Stuart Ward M +44 7782325143 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
On 03/11/14 12:57, Gareth France wrote: I firmly believe part of the problem with Linux adoption is that we all go out, buy Windows machines and then wipe them. This sends out the message to manufacturers that we want Windows on our machines and so the cycle continues. I'm looking to purchase a laptop shortly and would much prefer to buy a machine with Linux pre-installed but of course choice is limited. I was wondering what budget machines are available and recommended. Yes I know Dell will sell me one for a sqillion pounds but I'm looking to spend about £500. Thanks Don't System 76 ship to the UK now? https://system76.com/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
On Wed, 2014-11-05 at 11:42 +, Paul Sutton wrote: What we need to know before that is that the hardware works with Linux so having a live cd to hand ti test, id any internal components and then cross reference those to databases of Linux friendly hardware. We also need to [always], whether we know the answer or not ask one question when dealing with big companies. Does in work with Linux? If answer = I don't know ... tell them why you are now walking out of their store. If answer = yes... tell them why you love them! This applies to add-in cards, replacements to failed hardware, a new pc, laptop, tablet, anything... -- Bill B. [SuperEngineer] -- -Registered Linux User 523667- -Registered Ubuntu User 32366- -Free as in Freedom-- -- Bill B. [SuperEngineer] -- -Registered Linux User 523667- -Registered Ubuntu User 32366- -Free as in Freedom-- -- Bill B. [SuperEngineer] -- -Registered Linux User 523667- -Registered Ubuntu User 32366- -Free as in Freedom-- -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
On 3 November 2014 13:57, Gareth France gareth.fra...@cliftonts.co.uk wrote: I firmly believe part of the problem with Linux adoption is that we all go out, buy Windows machines and then wipe them. This sends out the message to manufacturers that we want Windows on our machines and so the cycle continues. I'm looking to purchase a laptop shortly and would much prefer to buy a machine with Linux pre-installed but of course choice is limited. I was wondering what budget machines are available and recommended. Yes I know Dell will sell me one for a sqillion pounds but I'm looking to spend about £500. It might take some negotiation, but I know that these guys are capable of it: http://www.wessexcomputers.com/ Ask for Wayne if they are balky, and tell him I sent you. I know they can do it because they are the hardware arm behind this: http://www.simplicitycomputers.co.uk/ ... And those machines are shipped with Mint or Ubuntu GNOME. This is a general offer, by the way. I am, or rather used to be, involved with Simplicity and have worked in Wessex's offices many time. But there is no kickback or anything to me in this deal! -- Liam Proven • Profile: http://lproven.livejournal.com/profile Email: lpro...@cix.co.uk • GMail/G+/Twitter/Flickr/Facebook: lproven MSN: lpro...@hotmail.com • Skype/AIM/Yahoo/LinkedIn: liamproven Cell/Mobiles: +44 7939-087884 (UK) • +420 702 829 053 (ČR) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
Thanks. I've seen what I'd like but it's in PC world. I really don't think I can make a purchase if it is effectively an endorsement of Windows 8! I'm sure there must be another way. On 04/11/14 15:39, Liam Proven wrote: On 3 November 2014 13:57, Gareth France gareth.fra...@cliftonts.co.uk wrote: I firmly believe part of the problem with Linux adoption is that we all go out, buy Windows machines and then wipe them. This sends out the message to manufacturers that we want Windows on our machines and so the cycle continues. I'm looking to purchase a laptop shortly and would much prefer to buy a machine with Linux pre-installed but of course choice is limited. I was wondering what budget machines are available and recommended. Yes I know Dell will sell me one for a sqillion pounds but I'm looking to spend about £500. It might take some negotiation, but I know that these guys are capable of it: http://www.wessexcomputers.com/ Ask for Wayne if they are balky, and tell him I sent you. I know they can do it because they are the hardware arm behind this: http://www.simplicitycomputers.co.uk/ ... And those machines are shipped with Mint or Ubuntu GNOME. This is a general offer, by the way. I am, or rather used to be, involved with Simplicity and have worked in Wessex's offices many time. But there is no kickback or anything to me in this deal! -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
On 4 November 2014 16:42, Gareth France gareth.fra...@cliftonts.co.uk wrote: Thanks. I've seen what I'd like but it's in PC world. I really don't think I can make a purchase if it is effectively an endorsement of Windows 8! I'm sure there must be another way. The real reason doesn't get talked about much. It costs money to /not/ preload Windows. Manufacturers get advertising and marketing kickbacks from MICROS~1 for putting Windows on their machines. Also, without Windows, they can't test machines pre-shipping -- they'd have to install it, test, then remove it again, which obviously takes more time, means dedicating a techie to it and therefore costs /more/ than shipping it without. Also, for 30y or so now, Microsoft have had very restrictive licensing agreements. OEM vendors must sign contracts that say they will not ship any other OSes, will not dual-boot, etc. If they won't sign, and won't join the marketing campaigns, then their Windows licenses mysteriously cost significantly more. The system is sick, corrupt and broken, but it made the MS founders very rich. Very rich people can afford good lawyers, and can afford to lobby politicians, so they and their companies don't get prosecuted. So, for instance, this monopoly did come to court. Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson found MS guilty, noting that they lied in court, falsified evidence, that witnesses were shifty and evasive etc. He ordered MS split into apps and OS divisions. MS appealed, the case was sent to a new judge, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who reversed the decision and let them off. Various companies have also sued MS plagiarism *and won*, including Apple (the settlement was spun as a strategic investment), Stacker (who moved out of disk compression, which MS stole, and into remote-control, but just as the public/consumer Internet broke), Digital Research/Novell and others. But the damages were too small to even slow a giant such as MS down. -- Liam Proven • Profile: http://lproven.livejournal.com/profile Email: lpro...@cix.co.uk • GMail/G+/Twitter/Flickr/Facebook: lproven MSN: lpro...@hotmail.com • Skype/AIM/Yahoo/LinkedIn: liamproven Cell/Mobiles: +44 7939-087884 (UK) • +420 702 829 053 (ČR) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
On 04/11/14 15:54, Liam Proven wrote: On 4 November 2014 16:42, Gareth France gareth.fra...@cliftonts.co.uk wrote: Thanks. I've seen what I'd like but it's in PC world. I really don't think I can make a purchase if it is effectively an endorsement of Windows 8! I'm sure there must be another way. The real reason doesn't get talked about much. It costs money to /not/ preload Windows. Liam is right. The only way you can try to make a point is either by: 1. Buying a machine from somewhere that sells then sans OS or with Linux. 2. Attempting to get a refund for the Microsoft Tax... If you search google you will find cases where suppliers have refunded the license cost - and in doing so it arguably gives you an even better platform for broadcasting about it rather than just quietly buying a PC with Linux or no OS... (Here's my story from July 2009 - and note the comments): http://www.theopensourcerer.com/2009/07/getting-your-microsoft-tax-refunded-1010-for-amazon-uk/ But it doesn't always work... Al -- Libertus Solutions http://www.libertus.co.uk -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
Now this I like! I shall be attempting to get a refund for windows in the near future I think. On 04/11/14 17:17, Alan Lord (News) wrote: On 04/11/14 15:54, Liam Proven wrote: On 4 November 2014 16:42, Gareth France gareth.fra...@cliftonts.co.uk wrote: Thanks. I've seen what I'd like but it's in PC world. I really don't think I can make a purchase if it is effectively an endorsement of Windows 8! I'm sure there must be another way. The real reason doesn't get talked about much. It costs money to /not/ preload Windows. Liam is right. The only way you can try to make a point is either by: 1. Buying a machine from somewhere that sells then sans OS or with Linux. 2. Attempting to get a refund for the Microsoft Tax... If you search google you will find cases where suppliers have refunded the license cost - and in doing so it arguably gives you an even better platform for broadcasting about it rather than just quietly buying a PC with Linux or no OS... (Here's my story from July 2009 - and note the comments): http://www.theopensourcerer.com/2009/07/getting-your-microsoft-tax-refunded-1010-for-amazon-uk/ But it doesn't always work... Al -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
Guys -- Just FYI, like a lot of other people, I bought a Dell with Ubuntu pre-loaded. In my case, it's the Sputnik 3 (XPS 13 9333) 'Enterprise' with HD5000 graphics. It shipped with a Dell-approved build of 12.04, which worked well enough, but had a funky boot process during which it was pretty much impossible to enable LUKS. So I upgraded, and now on 14.04, there are wireless issues which are pretty annoying, which Dell is very quiet about. So, really, unless a vendor is going to commit to Linux, don't fool yourself into thinking that everything will be peachy. I spent quite a lot of my personal money on this laptop, and frankly the support from Dell is non-existent. Ubuntu ran better on my Thinkpad (although the laptop itself wasn't as nice), and on my eeepc 10. Whatever you do, check every component for current kernel support, and hope for no vendor abandonment or driver regressions. I really hate to say it, but I've been looking at Macs again after 10+ years as a Linux on the desktop user. For the money I paid for this Dell, I could have bought the similar Mac. And I bet wireless would work pretty much all the time. I've been thinking about how we ALMOST had a real Linux on the desktop movement. But it's the little details that count, and if Dell and Canonical can't keep a flagship product supported in the mainline release, well, I can't say that I'm optimistic. travis PS -- I know this is a little bit of a hi-jack, but my friend that recently started at Google was offered his choice of environment. On the desktop: Linux or Mac. On the laptop: ChromeOS or Mac. What happened to Gubuntu on the laptops? PPS -- And the funny part? I kind of LIKE Unity. So there. On 04/11/14 17:44, Gareth France wrote: Now this I like! I shall be attempting to get a refund for windows in the near future I think. On 04/11/14 17:17, Alan Lord (News) wrote: On 04/11/14 15:54, Liam Proven wrote: On 4 November 2014 16:42, Gareth France gareth.fra...@cliftonts.co.uk wrote: Thanks. I've seen what I'd like but it's in PC world. I really don't think I can make a purchase if it is effectively an endorsement of Windows 8! I'm sure there must be another way. The real reason doesn't get talked about much. It costs money to /not/ preload Windows. Liam is right. The only way you can try to make a point is either by: 1. Buying a machine from somewhere that sells then sans OS or with Linux. 2. Attempting to get a refund for the Microsoft Tax... If you search google you will find cases where suppliers have refunded the license cost - and in doing so it arguably gives you an even better platform for broadcasting about it rather than just quietly buying a PC with Linux or no OS... (Here's my story from July 2009 - and note the comments): http://www.theopensourcerer.com/2009/07/getting-your-microsoft-tax-refunded-1010-for-amazon-uk/ But it doesn't always work... Al -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
I understand exactly what you mean and to be honest even if I got a Ubuntu preinstall on a machine I would most likely swap hard drives and use this install I'm using now or wipe and reinstall to my standard. I'm not expecting to find some sort of Linux holy grail out there I just resent the idea that some statistician somewhere has me marked down as a willing Windows user. On 04/11/14 17:55, TT Mooney wrote: Guys -- Just FYI, like a lot of other people, I bought a Dell with Ubuntu pre-loaded. In my case, it's the Sputnik 3 (XPS 13 9333) 'Enterprise' with HD5000 graphics. It shipped with a Dell-approved build of 12.04, which worked well enough, but had a funky boot process during which it was pretty much impossible to enable LUKS. So I upgraded, and now on 14.04, there are wireless issues which are pretty annoying, which Dell is very quiet about. So, really, unless a vendor is going to commit to Linux, don't fool yourself into thinking that everything will be peachy. I spent quite a lot of my personal money on this laptop, and frankly the support from Dell is non-existent. Ubuntu ran better on my Thinkpad (although the laptop itself wasn't as nice), and on my eeepc 10. Whatever you do, check every component for current kernel support, and hope for no vendor abandonment or driver regressions. I really hate to say it, but I've been looking at Macs again after 10+ years as a Linux on the desktop user. For the money I paid for this Dell, I could have bought the similar Mac. And I bet wireless would work pretty much all the time. I've been thinking about how we ALMOST had a real Linux on the desktop movement. But it's the little details that count, and if Dell and Canonical can't keep a flagship product supported in the mainline release, well, I can't say that I'm optimistic. travis PS -- I know this is a little bit of a hi-jack, but my friend that recently started at Google was offered his choice of environment. On the desktop: Linux or Mac. On the laptop: ChromeOS or Mac. What happened to Gubuntu on the laptops? PPS -- And the funny part? I kind of LIKE Unity. So there. On 04/11/14 17:44, Gareth France wrote: Now this I like! I shall be attempting to get a refund for windows in the near future I think. On 04/11/14 17:17, Alan Lord (News) wrote: On 04/11/14 15:54, Liam Proven wrote: On 4 November 2014 16:42, Gareth France gareth.fra...@cliftonts.co.uk wrote: Thanks. I've seen what I'd like but it's in PC world. I really don't think I can make a purchase if it is effectively an endorsement of Windows 8! I'm sure there must be another way. The real reason doesn't get talked about much. It costs money to /not/ preload Windows. Liam is right. The only way you can try to make a point is either by: 1. Buying a machine from somewhere that sells then sans OS or with Linux. 2. Attempting to get a refund for the Microsoft Tax... If you search google you will find cases where suppliers have refunded the license cost - and in doing so it arguably gives you an even better platform for broadcasting about it rather than just quietly buying a PC with Linux or no OS... (Here's my story from July 2009 - and note the comments): http://www.theopensourcerer.com/2009/07/getting-your-microsoft-tax-refunded-1010-for-amazon-uk/ But it doesn't always work... Al -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
Novatech, Portsmouth UK http://www.novatech.co.uk I bought this machine there. [george] -Original Message- From: Gareth France Sent: Monday, 03 November, 2014 12:57 To: UK Ubuntu Talk Subject: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop I firmly believe part of the problem with Linux adoption is that we all go out, buy Windows machines and then wipe them. This sends out the message to manufacturers that we want Windows on our machines and so the cycle continues. I'm looking to purchase a laptop shortly and would much prefer to buy a machine with Linux pre-installed but of course choice is limited. I was wondering what budget machines are available and recommended. Yes I know Dell will sell me one for a sqillion pounds but I'm looking to spend about £500. Thanks -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
That looks great, however the message here would be no operating system, not quite so strong as saying I want linux. Shame they don't offer it as an option. On 03/11/14 13:04, George DiceGeorge wrote: Novatech, Portsmouth UK http://www.novatech.co.uk I bought this machine there. [george] -Original Message- From: Gareth France Sent: Monday, 03 November, 2014 12:57 To: UK Ubuntu Talk Subject: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop I firmly believe part of the problem with Linux adoption is that we all go out, buy Windows machines and then wipe them. This sends out the message to manufacturers that we want Windows on our machines and so the cycle continues. I'm looking to purchase a laptop shortly and would much prefer to buy a machine with Linux pre-installed but of course choice is limited. I was wondering what budget machines are available and recommended. Yes I know Dell will sell me one for a sqillion pounds but I'm looking to spend about £500. Thanks -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
On 03/11/14 13:10, Simon Greenwood wrote: pcspecialist.co.uk http://pcspecialist.co.uk give you the option to configure a machine without having Windows installed (and knock the price of the licence off on the config form, as do several other UK custom builders. Cougar Extreme is the only one I've found that will support Linux. They don't normally supplu Linux Pre-installed but they will supply a computer that they know will work OK. I think with a bit of negotiation, they might be persuaded to install a Linux system at a cost. Regards,Barry. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Choice of laptop
It's not about having it installed so much as knowing the supplier knows that is my preference. So that company sounds good. On Mon, November 3, 2014 1:53 pm, Barry Drake wrote: On 03/11/14 13:10, Simon Greenwood wrote: pcspecialist.co.uk http://pcspecialist.co.uk give you the option to configure a machine without having Windows installed (and knock the price of the licence off on the config form, as do several other UK custom builders. Cougar Extreme is the only one I've found that will support Linux. They don't normally supplu Linux Pre-installed but they will supply a computer that they know will work OK. I think with a bit of negotiation, they might be persuaded to install a Linux system at a cost. Regards,Barry. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
norman wrote: router. I am wondering whether the Inspiron 1525 would be a suitable machine to get and would welcome helpful comment, please. Yes. I have a Dell Inspiron 1520 and am delighted with it. It runs Ubuntu flawlessly and the recent improvements (funded by Dell Intel) for the Intel graphics chipset in Hardy means that even the cheap i965/X3100 based laptops can run Compiz, including full screen video, without problems. The keyboard layout is very sensible (separate keys for page up/down, home end, unlike come other laptops), the WiFi functions well and reliably, and the optional Bluetooth module Just Works. I paid extra for 2GB RAM instead 1GB since I occasionally dual-boot into Vista. To be honest even with a dozen applications open, including graphics editing, Ubuntu Hardy rarely uses more than 700MB, so if you don't intend to dual-boot, and you need to keep costs down, 1GB will do. The dual-core processor does help performance a great deal, though, and I would really miss that if I didn't have it. Another extra I got was the extended life battery (9 cell instead of 6 cell). With bluetooth and WiFi turned off, and the screen brightness reduced to half-way, this provides around 5 hours of use. With WiFi or Bluetooth turned on (but not both), it provides around 4 hours 30 mins. I expect the standard 6-cell battery would provide 2-3 hours. Hibernate and standby modes Just Work. The only niggling issue I had was if I set the machine to blank screen instead of standby when the lid is closed. Annoyingly, if I then connected an external monitor, mouse and keyboard, the LCD backlight would come back on, even though the lid was closed (an overheating risk). I solved this with a custom /etc/acpi/local/lid.sh.pre script: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gnome-power-manager/+bug/41994/comments/21 -- Andrew Oakley -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
Thanks folks for your comments which I found of help. I am swayed towards the Inspiron 1525 because it is supporting Ubuntu. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
norman wrote: Thanks folks for your comments which I found of help. I am swayed towards the Inspiron 1525 because it is supporting Ubuntu. Norman Ring dell up to order it, you can usually wangle a bit off, although this has been for business ones. Mj -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
Ring dell up to order it, you can usually wangle a bit off, although this has been for business ones. Noted with thanks. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
Kris Douglas wrote: On Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 9:25 PM, norman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ring dell up to order it, you can usually wangle a bit off, although this has been for business ones. Noted with thanks. Norman Indeed, I got my 6400 upgraded to a nice spec for very little more, they have some good deals when you ring them. I've also had a top-end Vostro off them for free when I bought a server.. Argh! I just ordered a Vostro for my dad from Dells website... Clicked the confirm order button, then switched back to Thunderbird and read these mails... Don't you just hate it when that happens... -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
LeeGroups wrote: Argh! I just ordered a Vostro for my dad from Dells website... Clicked the confirm order button, then switched back to Thunderbird and read these mails... Don't you just hate it when that happens... Snap! I'd just ordered an Inspiron 1525 with Gutsy (for my wife). Rats!!! Mac -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
Mac wrote: LeeGroups wrote: Argh! I just ordered a Vostro for my dad from Dells website... Clicked the confirm order button, then switched back to Thunderbird and read these mails... Don't you just hate it when that happens... Snap! I'd just ordered an Inspiron 1525 with Gutsy (for my wife). Rats!!! Mac Thats the disadvantage of a website, you can't haggle with it. Generally the best deals are to be had when adding upgrades, as this is where the margin is. The base spec ones are in most cases loss leaders, this is why Dell heavily pushes upgrades as well as warranty packages. Mj -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
Matt Jones wrote: Thats the disadvantage of a website, you can't haggle with it. Generally the best deals are to be had when adding upgrades, as this is where the margin is. The base spec ones are in most cases loss leaders, this is why Dell heavily pushes upgrades as well as warranty packages. Thank goodness I went for the absolute basic spec: my wife was certainly pleased with the low price! ;-) Mac -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
norman wrote: In the fairly near future I expect to have a hip replacement which will mean that I will not be able to sit at my desktop computer for several weeks. So, I am thinking of getting a laptop computer that I can use anywhere around the house until I am allowed to sit on the chair I normally use. My main requirements will be access to the internet, email and news and some photographic work and, of course, a means of contacting my wireless router. I am wondering whether the Inspiron 1525 would be a suitable machine to get and would welcome helpful comment, please. Norman The inspiron is quite a nice machine, the newer ones are much sturdier than the previous ones. The vostro business ones are quite nice too, very purposeful. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
[ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
In the fairly near future I expect to have a hip replacement which will mean that I will not be able to sit at my desktop computer for several weeks. So, I am thinking of getting a laptop computer that I can use anywhere around the house until I am allowed to sit on the chair I normally use. My main requirements will be access to the internet, email and news and some photographic work and, of course, a means of contacting my wireless router. I am wondering whether the Inspiron 1525 would be a suitable machine to get and would welcome helpful comment, please. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] choice of laptop
On Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 6:58 PM, Matt Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: norman wrote: In the fairly near future I expect to have a hip replacement which will mean that I will not be able to sit at my desktop computer for several weeks. So, I am thinking of getting a laptop computer that I can use anywhere around the house until I am allowed to sit on the chair I normally use. My main requirements will be access to the internet, email and news and some photographic work and, of course, a means of contacting my wireless router. I am wondering whether the Inspiron 1525 would be a suitable machine to get and would welcome helpful comment, please. Norman The inspiron is quite a nice machine, the newer ones are much sturdier than the previous ones. The vostro business ones are quite nice too, very purposeful. I agree, the Vostro's and the Inspirons are top machines. -- Kris Douglas Softdel Limited Hosting Services Web: www.softdel.net Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Company No. 6135915 Registered in England -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.org/UKTeam/
