[NTLUG:Discuss] Laptop recommendations?

[Chris Cox]

Dennis Daupert wrote:
> I'm in the market for a new laptop. Through my employer I have
> access to some deals with vendors: Lenova, HP, Dell for a few weeks, so
> it would be nice if I could find something along those lines that work
> with Linux without too much fiddling (as in, things work out of the
> box). I've searched sites like www.linux-laptop.net, but it seems the
> sales I have access to don't include older machines, and the linux
> laptop sites don't yet have reports on the newer stuff.
> 
> I'm looking for large screen (16 - 17"), good battery life (3 - 4+
> hrs). I want take along on photo shoots and interviews, dump photos and
> mp3's to the laptop, and do some graphics and sound manipulation. I've used a number of distros, but have mostly used Kubuntu and Debian the past couple of years. 
> 
> 
> Does anyone have experience with any newer machines that might fill the bill?

Historically, Dell has had the upper hand over HP, but now, I find that most HP's work well too.

With that said, I only test with higher quality (and more expensive) business lines.

For Dell, I recommend Latitude or Precision (but stay away from Radeon GPUs).

For HP, I like the "w" and "p" lines of Elitebooks.

I currently own (not work) an Elitebook 2530p.  I have installed for others on the 8730w and the 6xxx series (maybe one back from current).
As for Dells, I haven't tried any of the "E" Series Latitudes yet, but the last edition "D" series were good.  The "D" series Precisions worked well
too.  I believe (can't say for sure) that the "E" Series should work well.

I'll second the Dell warranty recommendation, however, you don't need Gold.  Just go for NBD onsite with Complete Care.  Then, even if something gets
a bit scratched up, you can get it replaced.  Excellent way to refresh the platform before the warranty runs out.  And... if you go with a 4 year,
it's VERY likely that Dell will run out of parts in which case you will get a brand new (faster CPU, better GPU) laptop at the end of the warranty
period.  Just my observation (not a guarantee).

HP is NOT allowed to enter your house... so like others, you have to send it into a service center for any repairs... and they really don't have
anything like the Complete Care warranty option.  I know you used to be able to add even a CC warranty to Dell's outlet laptops... that's good since
they are usually hundreds of dollars less than the brand new ones.... but the warranty service is so good, you might as well save some bucks.

I own the 2530p mainly because Dell doesn't have anything like it right now... and the rest of the Dells at the house are "D" series and I didn't want
to have two docking stations (might as well try something else... e.g. HP).