What laptop are you folks using these days?

As happens every Autumn, I find myself in the market for a new PC or laptop.

This time, I am looking for an inexpensive mid-range laptop to install Linux on. I am thinking of toying w/ Arch, but Debian seems to be my fall back.

I am not partial to AMD or Intel. Just looking for something that works solidly and is readily available at a local Office store or Best Buy.

Wondering what recent model notebooks you're running w/o issue these days

 

I just ordered this from Newegg while on sale for $199. It came with Ubuntu preinstalled and I must say it's quite nice and responsive. The only issue I had was that after the initial setup only half the drive was formated and recognised by the system... nothing that a bootable GPATED USB drive couldn't take care off...

 

That requirement might be a problem...

If you define what's recent in your book, it would make the choice somewhat easier...

 

Do you plan on keeping the notebook for long? If so then maybe you should look out for some refurbished or even good condition second hand business class notebooks. They tend to be a bit more robust than most consumer grade notebooks and generally have better native Linux support.

Also if you like tinkering and upgrading components then you'll probably appreciate the modular and accessible designs found on business class notebooks to keep it going for years to come.

Plus you could save a bit of money in the long run instead of having to spend on a cheap notebook every Autumn time, the amount saved could fund for an even higher spec notebook that you really like instead of having the basic ones all the time.

Not sure you can call this recent but I'm typing this on a 2007 ThinkPad T61 with a couple of upgraded mods. No major issues to report, even after standing on top it still runs like a champ. That's business class for you.

 

As far as recent goes, my last laptop was a Thinkpad x61s. I really thought the size was what I wanted, but I feel 15 inches would suit me more.

I also agree that locally available is tough. I am just an instant gratification kind of guy and also want the ability to pop in a Live CD and test before I purchase.

Best Buy seems to have an Asus rocking similar specs in a 15 inch form factor. I am going to test it out. I had forgotten that Celerons are not as bad as they used to be.

**** Edit

Well Best Buy didn't have it in stock (plus it had UMA graphics, so I would have balked). Funny story as I was checking out a Toshiba laptop there.

Best Buy Guy: Can I help you out with anything?
Me: Do you know a lot about this computer?
BBG: I know everything about this computer.
Me: can it run Linux?
BBG: I don't know. I think this one over here would be better since Linux needs a lot of RAM and this one only has 4gb.
Me: Thanks. Have a nice day.