[ubuntu-uk] buying a laptop?

[Grant Sewell]

On Sun, 16 Jan 2011 17:39:31 +0000 (GMT)
George Tripp wrote:

> Up to now I've put Ubuntu on ancient PCs I already had. Currently I'm
> thinking about getting a laptop but don't want to spend my hard
> earned cash find I've bought something that can't run the operating
> system I wish to.
> 
> Looked at a couple of companies which will sell machines without any
> op system. Pcspecialists: apparently there's a problem that the
> touchhpad doesn't work with ubuntu
> Novatech: don't know if their hardware is compatible with ubuntu or
> not
> 
> Looked round PC World a few machines there look reasonable spec/price
> but don't appear on the Ubuntu-certified hardware list.
> 
> What do other people do? Any advice?

As it stands at the moment, I wouldn't put too much store in the Ubuntu
Certified list.  As the list grows and more vendors sign-up, then it
will be worth it.

The odd occasion I've got a new machine I've taken a Live CD/USB to it
and given it a go on the machine in question.

Obviously you can't do this with on-line orders, but there's nothing
stopping you from testing out a few machines in store and then taking
the hardware details on-line... and of course, leaving a stack of
Ubuntu CDs in the shop. ;)

Grant.