Buying new notebook for next school year...would like some advice

Hello all,

Long time reader, short time poster (or new time poster, eh, whichever).

Sorry to bother you all with another, 'I'm a newb and need some help thread', but I would appreciate any advice!


I have been on a Mac PB G4 for 3 years, I've gotten my money out of it, but its time for a new baby. I am going to be a junior next year in college. I am studying GeoPhysics. I am currently trying to decide whether I should go with another Mac, or go back to PCs ( but that is a whole other problem). I am here, asking you all, assuming I go with PC (most likely, havent been too happy with PB hardware, sent in to AppleCare 6 times in 3 years).

I have not kept up with the whole windows/linux thing, pretty much been cooped up in my Mac bubble.

So, let's get started.

I have been looking at a computer along the lines of either the new Sony SZ5/6, IBM X61/R61, ASUS along similar size and hardware.

What computer may be better suited (possibly one I haven't listed) for linux?

What do I need to look for when spec-ing out hardware options to make sure linux will run smoothly on my new machine?

Can I run Vista and Linux? Linux for my personal use, and Vista (or XP) for my school programs?

There are programs that use use a lot on my Mac that I would like to make sure linux has similar. Acquisition, Xtorrent, VLC media player, Photoshop (ImageReady, Acrobat, etc.).

I have been in such a bubble, I am a bit ashamed of how confused I am making myself while I look into this whole PC/Windows/Linux/PC Hardware/Notebook debate.

Again, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

 

Hiya Mike:

I'm not too familiar with the Mac side of things, so I can't really tell you how Linux works on the new MBPs. I'll leave that to somebody else.

VLC is cross-platform, and runs on Linux just fine. KTorrent or Azureus or something along those lines will handle your torrents just fine. Krita or GIMP can do things similar to Photoshop, but otherwise I think it can be run from within Wine.

I'm not familiar with Acquisition.

Hope that helps somewhat.

- Trip

 

Sure! Anything helps at this point, haha...well, except maybe the useless bantering....doh!

How are those Photoshop replacements? I do photography on the side from school, so will I notice much of a hit?

Acquisition is a very good P2P (made by the same guy who did Xtorrent).

I'm sorry, but what is Wine (can run within Wine)?


Oh, and I guess to make it clear. I'm really not worried about linux on a Mac. If I stayed with Mac, I would stay with their OS (and windows for whatever apps at school won't run on Mac).

Thanks,
Mike

 

Wine is a compatibility layer that allows you to run some Windows programs on Linux. I'm pretty sure Photoshop CS2 works, for instance. Also, some games (such as WoW) work. GIMP should be a pretty good replacement for Photoshop in many respects though.

Linux has a torrent software built in, so you should be good there. The best way to find out if an app is compatible is to visit the site and see if they list Linux compatibility or do a Google search. As for hardware, you're looking for Intel wireless cards and Intel or nVidia graphics cards. These usually work with as little hassle as possible. Of course, you could look at Dell laptops which have Linux pre-installed. Generally, Dell and Lenovo seem to be good for having the most compatible hardware. Asus seems to be kind of hit or miss when it comes to certain things, same with HP. Smaller or lesser-known brands generally have issues.

 

Awesome ftw. Some more good info! Thanks! I saw the forum, of the Fusion (CompComm?) That definitely sparked my interest in linux, as it doesn't look like it will be to bad of a transition from my OSX to that. Is that CompComm its own OS? Or is that an add-on download for Ubuntu? Sorry, I am a newb with linux, just trying to learn as much as possible from the guys who know it.

So, would you say that the Sony SZ5/6 or FZ would not be the wisest choice if I plan on running linux?

I priced out a couple lenovo Thinkpads, but, still, I am a bit lost on all the hardware compatibility issues.

 

Compiz Fusion will run on any modern distribution.

 

I'll admit up front that I'm rather biased against Sony. Plus I don't know the specs.

If you're willing to wait a bit, I've recently ordered a Toshiba P200-ST2061 (custom) that should be coming in the next week or so. I could tell you how Linux is on that, not that I know what specifically you're looking for. And I'm leeching a connection since I'm on vacation, so I'm not in a position to look at the Sony models you mentioned.

- Trip

 

Sony isn't necessarily a bad choice, but from what I've heard, they use a lot proprietary stuff. A lot of things like webcams will typically have issues, and when you have a company like Sony, they make a lot of these things themselves, so you have to rely on them for drivers. It all really comes down to the laptop. For instance, Linux on a Dell Inpsiron 1501 probably isn't going to be the easiest to set up, but the Inspiron E1505 and E1420 come with it pre-installed.

 

I just think the amount of laptops to choose from is a little ridiculous. I mean, come on. Make 3 laptops for 3 different base price ranges, and let the user customize the internals. Eh, maybe it isn't that easy.

So, a question that hasn't been addressed yet: Can I run linux and windows? Can I order the laptop with Vista or XP, and then install linux and have them both?

I really appreciate all the help.

I too have always been biased against sony's computers, but there new line seem to be getting more praise. I'll have to look into that one.

 

You can easily have Linux and Windows on the same computer. With most distributions, all you have to do is insert the Linux disc (making sure Windows is already installed first) and install it. It will usually do all the necessary partitioning for you, though you can do the partitioning yourself if you would like. Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS seem to be especially good at this in my experience. Another option to look into is to use wubi, but hard disk access performance will be slightly lower than a typical install.

 

Wow...well, not gonna lie, I've been hearing and reading, and I am a bit intimidated with all the compatibility issues. Even things like burning a simple data CD can either be a sinch, or multi-day adventure. Hmm, I don't know if I'll have the time for that sorta perma-troubleshooting.

I like OSX, but I am horribly tired of Apple and their shenanigans. Probably wouldn't MIND a MBP Santa Rosie, but really would like a 14" or smaller. Ugh...what to do, what to do.

Need...more...help!

Move on apple! You f-ed up the iPhone...lets get back to computers. Or how about we just start making gaming consoles, then Plasma TVs, then laundry machines, then a coffee maker!

 

Sorry if this is a dumb question, im new to Mandriva Spring 07 but i cant seem to find this torrenting software.
Where can i find it?