I'm looking to buy a laptop that can easily be set up to run debian linux. I do not need a high end graphics card, nor is there a real need for a big screen. Being light weight is not a primary factor, whereas rugged reliability would be. Can anyone suggest particular brands and models that fit this description? Top priority is that debian linux can be easily installed on the machine, while the other requirements are less important.
I am extrememly happy with my Fujitsu-Siemens C1020 - 500UKP new off www.dabs.com. IBM set the standard for ruggedness, and my Fuj-Sie is nearer this standard than, for example a Sony Vaio. Very much a non-flashy workhorse rather than a showy-offy features machine.
I have all the built-in devices working except IR, so that means USB, Firewire, modem, ethernet, sound, video, PCMCIA, and the clincher for me was success with ACPI so as to make power management as good as Windows (something that is sadly lacking from the base Woody install - APM is a joke!).
My requirements differed slightly from yours - I was after good battery life and low size and weight, but I've still ended up with a 15" screen just because the machine had such good reports on Linux stability.
Echoing Andy, I recommend both the linux-on-laptops.com and tuxmobil.org sites - they'll link you to many people who've trodden this path before.
HTH,
yan
--
To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
