System76 notebook for Canadian customers?

Does anyone recommend the system76 notebooks?

Like this one:
http://system76.com/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=88

First of all, If this is a good laptop for Linux, I was wondering about the quality of the hardware.

Secondly, I was wondering how much the customs charges/fees are for Canadians that order the laptop. Does anyone know?

If it significantly adds to the cost, then it's no longer a good deal, I think.

But, specs wise, it looks like a solid machine and comparable, imho, to the Sony Vaio Z series which has similar specs (except only Nvidia 9300M).

DVI, HDMI, eSATA.... not bad at all. I assume there is no LED screen which is the only drawback. The Sony Vaio Z540CTO and Z590CTO has LED, HDMI...

Comments? Advice?

 

You might be better off buying this with no OS. It has all good specs right off the bat, and has a significantly more powerful GPU. If you configure the two machines similarly, you'll find that the Sager's much cheaper, even ignoring the GPU advantage.

Well, since you're in Canada, you might get a better deal from these guys. Others know more.

 

I was looking at the System76 machines a while back when Linux didn't run as well on laptops. I am not sure of their quality but their price seems high to me. With Linux being as good as it is now and with all the drivers it has, I would go for something cheaper or one of the popular brands.

 

Which brand do you recommend then?

I think you're right, they seemed pricey. I think most laptops with the same specs or similar enough will work in Linux.

I'm looking for: Centrino 2, DDR2/DDR3 (either one works), INTEL wireless, Realtek or Intel Ethernet LAN, Nvidia or Intel graphics (although, Nvidia seems to be the best bet for Linux). What do you think?

I was thinking of the following top choices (for a Linux laptop) with the above specs:

1) Sager (I'd order from Cdn distributor)
2) Sony SR or Z
3) HP dv5 or dv7
4) Asus G50? I forget the model but it consists of the same specs

I would like the LED backlit screen but I think the Sony is the only one that would have that.

If there's any other alternatives, please suggest. I know this is going off the topic somewhat but I'll still take a look at System76 since I know I can base similar specs of other notebooks to it.

 

Have you looked at the Thinkpad machines? I love mine and it works great with Linux. I think you will get a lot more for your money if you shop properly with Lenovo.

 

What do you mean by 'if you shop properly?'

 

Meaning wait for good deals, make quotes, use online coupons etc...