Hi-end small notebook

Hello all, I'm considering hi-end small laptop with linux without problems. Can you give some advise?

I want a small (14" or less) device with high resolution and performance worth it...

Without problems means for me I put in ubuntu 9.04, run it and devices like wifi, bt works fine, after closing and opening lid successful standby/wake happens and if I plugin external screen / projector - I do not have to edit xorg.conf.

Do you have some hint please? or is it a dream and no linux for me, just unix (... osx...) with this kind of 'no problem'?

currently I'm considering VAIO Z31XN , Lenovo X301 and Lenovo T400. that shows the quality/price range I hope.

thanks
bu

 

You could try a notebook from System76 like. http://system76.com/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=89&osCsid=9f62d9facaaf2ce106e1a78082d57838 But you can usually get a cheaper ($100 difference) deal if you get a barebones Sager with the same specs and install Ubuntu yourself. If you really don't wanna deal with any installation or anything I recommend you go for the system76 notebook.

 

yeah, I know about system76, but...
- it looks ugly and cheap comparing to sony or lenovo
- no docking
- long-distance support if something goes wrong...

btw, installation / some configuration is not the problem. I just don't want to rewrite config and restart X after disconnecting external DVI screen and connecting a VGA one... and so on

 

http://www.powernotebooks.com/category.php?catId=53

I've had great luck buying my last two high-end notebooks from powernotebooks. Don't let the pro-America, pro-Christian aesthetics of the website scare you off. They are a great little outfit.

Basically they buy quality barebones units straight from taiwanese manufacturers and customize them for you for a more than reasonable price. Not only do you get to pick your own hardware, you also have the option of not paying for Windows. I select the No OS option and then just install Ubuntu. Assembly and shipping is very prompt.

The best deals they have are on their rebranded "power pro" laptops because they include a free three-year warranty.

Donald (Paladin44) and several of his staff members regularly participate on the forums here, answering questions and such so go ahead and post in the appropriate sager/crown forums if you have questions about any of the models or upgrades.

I would pit my PowerPros (MSI 1651, Compal IFL90) against anything Sony or Levono offer at the same price. There's just no contest. Spec out a few of their laptops and see if I'm right.

Sorry if I sound like a shill but I'm just really happy with what these guys have put together for me.

 

Same notebook Viking posted but on a different site.

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np7350-built-clevo-m735t-p-2537.html?wconfigure=yes

 

I've heard very good things about xoticpc too, but I've never bought from them. Justin (?) from xoticpc also regularly participates in these forums.

 

I'd highly recommend the Lenovo laptops. They tend to be one of the more Linux-friendly machines out there. I've got a 14.1" (1440x900) T61 here for work and I love it.

 

The only problem I've had with my Sony was the graphics driver, but an update fixed that real quick.