Looking for Core Duo dual boot (WinXP/Linux)

G'day. I'm looking for a core duo notebook to use as a desktop replacement for my aging PIII desktop machine.

1) What is your budget?

My budget is anything up to $3000 AUD ($2100 US).

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

Ideally, I'd prefer a mainstream (15-16") model. Widescreen would be nice, but not at the expense of overall desktop real estate.

3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?

As mentioned above, it will be used as a dual boot machine with audio/video transcoding, code compilation and light gaming as it's primary tasks.

4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?

While it will be spending most of it's time on my desk, it will also be making regular trips to work, so something not too anchorlike would be a plus.

5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?

It won't be used for gaming very often (primarily counter strike, ut2k4).

6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

I've looked at some Asus machines that are quite nice, otherwise I'm open to suggestions.

7) How many hours of battery life do you need?

Something in the ballpark of 2.5-3 hours would be perfect.

8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?

Yes, sort of. While I'm not opposed to buying something sight unseen, I don't have a credit card which makes online transactions problematic at best.

9) What country are you buying this in?

Australia.

10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?

Working within the constraints of a 15-16" screen, either SXGA or WXGA(+) seems appropriate.

11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?

Not important to me. More important is response time =< 16ms, since it will be used for video.

12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

Not as important as functionality. As long as I don't have to transport it in a paper bag to avoid frightening children I'll be happy.

13) How long do you want this laptop to last?

I'll be using this machine for at least 2.5-3 years.

14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?

Minimum of 80GB, 100GB would be better.

15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?

I'd consider a DVD burner (preferably dual layer) to be essential.

---END QUESTIONNAIRE

I'd also much prefer a machine with an nVidia GPU, unless of course ATI's linux drivers have really improved since the last time I tried them, around 2.5 years ago. Unfortunately, it seems most of the core duos available in AU feature the X1400 or X1600 GPUs.

If anyone reading this can reassure me on the viability of ATI's more recent linux drivers (don't need TV out etc, just basic 2d/3d and xv support) feel free to suggest ATI based models.

To date, I've looked at the Asus a6j and v6j, the Toshiba Satellite A100 (hdd too small, plus biometrics I'll never use) and the Acer Aspire 5672.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or suggestions you can make.

 

for light CPU usage aim for best IBM you can afford there built solid n IBM has that lil linux thing going on... in any case avoid exotics as most likely anything non mainstream wont have drivers for linux

 

You can easily get a Asus V6J.
It has an intel duo core and nvidia 7400go which should rock in linux.

avoid ati in your laptop if you have the intent of running linux or even XGL

 

Yeah, I mentioned in my original post that I'd looked at the V6J. I was quite impressed with it, but I'm going to have to scrounge around a bit to find it for less than $3000 AUD.

While looking around, I've noticed that the Sony FE series may also be appropriate. Any opinions on these models?

 

The FE series is nice but really overpriced.

Check out the Asus A6JC, A8JM, A8JC. They are all core duo laptops + nvidia gpus

the A8Jm = 512mb 7600

 

Thanks for the suggestions, DJ. I'll have to check if those Asus models are available in Australia...

Regarding the FEs, the T2300 model with 80GB drive (sold here as the VGNFE15GP) isn't actually that expensive, at around $2200 AUD. This compares favourably with other similarly specced models I've seen. What I'm not impressed with is the $500 AUD price hike to the next model (VGNFE18GP), pretty steep for T2400 and an extra 20GB... That being said, the FE18 is similarly priced to the Acer 5672 and the Asus A6J.

 

then i think your looking at the FE with the integrated Intel Video card.
If your just planning on using linux as a day to day os then the intel video card is fine.

However if you want to use XGL (new Linux Gui interface) then you would need a dedicated nvidia video card.

Im sure the FE has a series with the Nvidia go7300

 

No, I've confirmed that both the FE15 and FE18 both have the go7400... actually went down and had a look at them at my local SonyCentral. Not that I'd actually buy one from there... cheaper elsewhere and the "VAIO expert" was anything but. Seems those anecdotes about Sony reps being clueless have some basis in fact.

I did a quick search for those Asus models you suggested, seems the a6c is only available as a core solo locally. The a8jm looks very sweet, but local price is around $2800.

 

I have the Vaio SZ110 dual core and installed a dual boot winXp/Linux Ubuntu on it. It works pretty well and gets better! You can see the status of my installation on http://www.arielo.net/vaiosz.html

Hope it helps!

 

TedJ,
if you can get a sony FE with the nvidia go, I say go for it. They are very nice laptops. They are better than the SZ laptops from sony.

 

At the moment, I have the Asus v6j and a8jm, as well as the Sony fe18gp shortlisted. I'm trying to see if I can get a deal on the Sony via a contact in their broadcast video division.

Something with DVI out would be good too...

 

My friend. Look no further than the A8JM from asus. It comes with DVI out as well as VGA out.

 

I wish the A8Jm would actually hit the market so we can clear up some of these lingering questions...

It's available in .au (pre-order) for around $2800 AUD, but all the sites I've checked suggest it'll be WXGA only and none of them mention DVI out, although the Asus global site does.

I'm after something with decent desktop real estate since I'm currently running 1280x1024... WXGA, while great for movies, would be a step backwards for me. If this model does have WXGA+ and DVI out, it would seal the deal.

 

Have you checked Linux compatibility for other parts of that Sony? (Wireless, network, sound are the big ones.) Sony often uses other proprietary parts.

 

I guess your kinda right.
However from pictures on the web, its confirmed that the A8JM has DVI output.

The resolution discussion wont be sealed till someone gets one in their hand. Hope for WXGA+. I know I will be.

 

I believe that the FE and SZ series share many components. If you check Arielo's SZ linux page mentioned above, it seems he's gotten everything working except the camera (big deal) and some hibernation issues.

DJ, let's hope that the pictures on the web (from CeBIT, right) are actually the A8Jm... there is a chance that it's a previous model with new stickers. Didn't this happen with the V6J?

Yeah, I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed for WXGA+

 

Actually I was refering to the pics from PCPOP. Its a Chinese pc website, that has reviewed the A8JM and they took some seriously sweet pics.

 

So.. no where.. even using omega or whatever, nothing ATI x1400 is good for ANY linux dist? I wanted to dual boot with my e1505. ; ;

Should I not even waste my time?

 

Oh, you can do it Mysticales. I believe the latest ATI drivers support the X whatever gpu's. It's just that NVIDIA produces better linux drivers and offers better support for Linux, when compared to ATI. That's why you hear linux people saying 'get nvidia'. I believe, as a rule, nvidia will put out good linux drivers for recent gpu's before ATI does.

 

nVidia driver cycles are also in sync with new gpus and are more frequent than the ati driver cycles.

 

Actually, if you believe the scuttle over at phoronix and rage3d, ATI seems committed to monthly driver releases... including linux. Whether or not they achieve this remains to be seen, however. If they do, they may be able to make up some of the ground they've lost to nVidia in the linux marketplace.

This is a smart idea since most professional 3D work is moving towards linux. Windows Vista's crippled OpenGL support will only help this transition. Someone over at Redmond either hates that id software still prefers OpenGL, or is seriously addicted to crack.

 

Ok so you think it still be worth it for me to try for a linux install then?

Ill get 3d gfx on it too easily?

 

Oh, definitely. It's just that getting the wifi and 3d working may take a little work... I'd recommend checking the linux forum over at rage3d.com and any user forums for your chosen distro if you have any problems.

A notebook isn''t the easiest install for a linux newbie, but it certainly can be done.