help recommend a laptop?

I'm looking at some laptops in the $500 to $800 range. Not sure I'll pull the trigger but I'd like to find a restriction to a few choices.

I just want some feedback by those who are more familiar with these laptops especially in Linux. However, I'll dual boot with Windows 7.

I am looking the these laptops:
HP DV6
Sony Vaio i5 cpu

Lenovo ???? has to be in budget

Dell???? ditto

Acer? not sure it is any better than the Sony or HP

The Sony and HP is available at Futureshop (FS). I am mostly looking at those because I can try in person and find out what the gpu and wifi chip is etc.

I think I would want either the Intel HD or ATI chip for gpu, right?

As for wifi chip, either Atheros or Intel? I think there's a Realtek wifi chip in some of these laptops, though.

I can't afford the Clevo and clones so don't even suggest them. I know these are great choices and I like the idea of a customized order but after taxes/duty/shipping, it's too expensive.

I don't know if there's any other choices but these are all consumer-type, machines so not of business quality. I would like the Linux compatibility even though I'd dual boot Windows. But, I'm not sure how the brands compare or if they're so similar, it's an either/or.

Comments/Recommendations?

I'd be running Debian if it matters.

 

I can only speak for Acer Nvidia GPU Systems (without optimus))
For Wifi Card
Atheros and Intel Support Packet Injection.

 

A new laptop that is Nvidia but not Optimus? I don't know of any.

If one was choosing between a Sony Vaio or HP DV6, which one would you pick and why?

These seemed like the two best choices, at least at Futureshop.

Question is, is there any other comparable laptops for the price? $800 laptops.

I don't know if Asus, Dell, Lenovo laptops for that price would compare or be any better.

Anyone who has tried out these laptops above have any opinion on that?

These laptops probably have Intel wifi 1000 card and Intel HD GPU.

I was looking for a laptop with an Atheros wifi card but haven't found one at the same price or lower. Is the Intel wifi card good enough?

 

Oh wait, one of the HP DV6 models have the hybrid ATI/Intel switchable gpu chips. Does ATI support this feature in Linux?

 

$500-$800? I'd be looking at some of the Dell Outlet Latitude models. Intel's GPU is pretty well supported in Linux. Pretty much all Lenovo T or R series as well.

If you want good support for Linux, you're gonna want to look at a business-class system. It's very hit-and-miss with any "mass market" hardware

Edit: Just checked out the E5510 on http://outlet.dell.com and it's looking like you can get this machine for $660:

Latitude E5510 Laptop
Processor: Intel Core i5-540M Processor (2.53GHz, 3M cache)
Genuine Windows Vista Business
250 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (2 DIMMs)
8X DVD +/- RW Drive

 

I can verify that Ubuntu runs quite well on my Lenovo T410 (intel graphics). If you can find one within your budget I'd highly recommend it. It's been a great machine for me thus far.

 

simple. If it has Optimus graphics switching run AWAY FAST it wont work and will cause laptop to make a fast retreat out the window ( and Nvidia is bsolutly NO help on supporting it at all).

AMD switching does work. now pick more or less whatever excites you ( I like the T410 as well as the old Dell D620)

 

You know, there are still a couple Dell D620 refurbs at Newegg for around $300. It might be worth considering that.

Newegg.com - Recertified: DELL Latitude D620 40GB XPP DVD NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo T5500(1.66GHz) 14.1" 1GB Memory 40GB HDD DVD-ROM
Newegg.com - Recertified: DELL Latitude D620 80GB XPP NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo T5600(1.83GHz) 14.1" 1GB Memory 80GB HDD DVD-ROM

 

No comments on my suggestions? Roger, that laptop is what I should have bought a year or two ago. I think it might be a bit old now. Besides, I think I could pick one of those up at a few local stores that still sell refurbished Dell Latitudes and IBM Thinkpads. The Dells are probably a better deal with more power for your money.

I was thinking of getting a 'modern' machine or one of recent hardware.

That's why I was looking at a HP DV6, Sony Vaio i5 and maybe Toshiba/Asus/Dell of similar hardware but not sure I can find one of same price range and I might have to travel a bit to find one or order online.