wanted: suggestions for used Linux compatible notebooks

[Liam Proven]

On Thu, 7 Nov 2019 at 11:12, M. Fioretti <mfioretti at nexaima.net> wrote:
>
> Greetings,

Hi Marco

> * used/refurbished, max 4/5 years old.

OK.

* In what country/currency?
* International shipping OK?
* what keyboard layout etc.?

> * standard size keyboard

OK. Chiclet acceptable or only traditional?

> * 15 inches or bigger screen

That is _big_. That's about as big as notebooks go at all these days.
It will _dramatically_ restrict your options.

>   (I cannot use subnotebooks/netbooks. I did in the past, but small
>   keyboards give me cramps, and small screens make e.g. reading a web
>   page and commenting it in an editor too slow. In case it matters, I
>   have NO use for numeric pads)

This is like saying "I do not want a rowing boat" and then insisting
on an aircraft carrier.

My main laptop is a Thinkpad X220 with a circa 12" screen. It's fine
for use when travelling, I've watched movies on it, etc.

I also have a 14" screen machine which is significantly bigger. It's
not so portable but would be better for multitasking.

I used to have a 17" laptop but I sold it. Lovely, suitable as a main
PC, but barely portable at all. For that reason the 17" class has
these days mostly been replaced by 15.2"-15.6" as desktop replacement
size.

I would urge 2 things. Well, maybe 3 but one isn't about the laptop.

[1] Consider resolution not just size
[2] Consider around the 14" size range but high res, e.g. 1600*900
[3] If higher-res screens are causing you problems, get your eyes
checked. Even off-the-shelf / over-the-counter reading glasses may
help. We've been corresponding since the RULE Project days and I think
you may be around my age, and human eyes start to deteriorate at about
38-39Y of age as the lenses crystallise.

>   firefox with 20+ tabs open all the time, as quickly
>   and smoothly as possible.

So you need _at least_ 8GB RAM, and more might help. An SSD will also
dramatically improve performance.

> * fully compatible with Ubuntu, of course.

That clinches it, for me.

I always recommend Lenovo Thinkpads anyway, for superior build
quality, high-quality keyboards, and other characteristics. However, I
know Canonical uses a lot of Thinkpads (as does Red Hat) and so their
Linux support is among the best.

Avoid Dell, HP or Sony.

Toshiba can be OK.

But I would _strongly_ recommend Thinkpads.

Note, *NOT* IdeaPads or any other range. Thinkpad or nothing.

> Optional, but very welcome: models available on Amazon, so I can use
> some gift cards I got...

Not that I know of refurbed/used, no.

Use the tokens for some SSDs or RAM.

Depending on where and what localisation, and whether UK sourcing is
acceptable, I would suggest you look at:

https://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/c/512/IBM-Lenovo-Laptops/
 -- for good prices

https://www.tier1online.com/
 -- often better condition and spec but a little more expensive

-- 
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