Ultraportable for Linux

[marsbound2024]

I am looking for an ultraportable laptop (13.3" and under) that is cheap and has semi-decent specs--enough to run a distribution of Linux such as Fedora. I am pretty sure that most laptops will fit this bill, especially if I choose a spin such as Fedora 14 LXDE. I have been pretty concerned that the Atom processors are too insufficient for my needs, though.

I would like to buy Dell, but I am certainly open to ASUS or Lenovo. I'd prefer something thin (1" or under), relatively light and good battery life. I have considered the Dell V13/V130 and Latitude 13 N-Series, but I think they all have pretty poor battery life. I was hoping for at least 4 hours, if not more.

Should I feel safe in going with an Atom processor with my Linux distribution, or do I need to still consider other processors? Laptop recommendations are greatly appreciated (I do not need an OS and really don't even need the hard drive, but most, if not all will come with such).

 

[weovpac]

If you don't mind buying used, you can find a good deal on Lenovo X series, like the x61s. Sometimes Lenovo's outlet has good deals as well: http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops/thinkpad/x-series.html

I run Debian Testing on my Lenovo X61s and works great.

 

[vbuggy]

Personally I wouldn't trust even a lightweight Linux install to an Atom - but I know many do and feel that it doesn't hold them back.

I use X201's as my Ubuntu / RH mules. I ended up not being too concerned about runtime, but most Lenovo's have 9-cell options.

 

[Deathhorse]

If you don't mind buying used, you can find a good deal on Lenovo X series, like the x61s. Sometimes Lenovo's outlet has good deals as well: http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops/thinkpad/x-series.html

I run Debian Testing on my Lenovo X61s and works great.

tman that stuff is expensive for refurbs are all thinkpads like that?

 

[zCypher]

Yeah, it's normal for Lenovo to be pretty expensive. They are very good though.

I was also wary of the Atom, actually of netbooks in general. My coworker got the Samsung NF310 (or something very similar, not sure of exact model). The exterior is white and the interior is black, with a chrome trim just very tastefully done IMO.

With specs of 1.5GHz Atom and 1GB DDR3, I was sure it would be slow as HELL with Win7. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it could run chrome with many tabs open while running yahoo messenger, and had no problems at all playing full screen video. It even has a vga port, several usb ports, wifi and lan, webcam for video conferencing, speakers play pretty loud...

one of my desktop systems is an xp2600 with 1.5GB ram (333 if I'm not mistaken) running xp and although it could be due to xp install being old and shitty like the HDs in the system, my coworker's Samsung ultraportable actually feels faster.

Overall a very nice finish and feels good quality, and a 250gb 5400rpm hd. I am sure if you swap the 1GB for 2GB it would be good for a lot. I can't get over how well it ran for what it is. 6 cell battery lasts a long time as well.

Possible issue that comes to mind with linux and ultraportables is driver compatibility. Even with XP it could be an issue. I guess if you are certain, before buying, that you can get everything to work in linux, then you're good to go. Definitely something to think about though.

EDIT: pics of the samsung
http://bestnetbookreviewz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/samsung-nf210.jpg
http://www.freesoftwaredownloads4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Samsung-NF310.jpg

 

[zCypher]

Another option you may want to look at

http://ca.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=HrglRhH8D60Rmlv3

 

[Emulex]

macbook air - old kind.

i have an old gen 1 for maybe $500 and a rev.b for $650 (1+ year applecare left) - you can probably do better but for 3lb and nice looking.

 

[JD50]

Personally I wouldn't trust even a lightweight Linux install to an Atom - but I know many do and feel that it doesn't hold them back.

I use X201's as my Ubuntu / RH mules. I ended up not being too concerned about runtime, but most Lenovo's have 9-cell options.

Why? I've had Fedora running on my wife's older netbook for over a year now without any problems. And I'm not talking about a lightweight spin either.

 

[marsbound2024]

macbook air - old kind.

i have an old gen 1 for maybe $500 and a rev.b for $650 (1+ year applecare left) - you can probably do better but for 3lb and nice looking.

You're selling it? If so, I'd potentially be interested.

 

[marsbound2024]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm going to keep doing some research and maybe wait and see what comes out at CES. Though I think I might get a pretty decent deal on existing laptops right now.

 

[midwestfisherman]

This looks like a nice deal. Acer Aspire AS1430-4857 Notebook Intel Core i5 520UM(1.06GHz) 11.6" 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 5400rpm Intel HD

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834115954