wanted: suggestions for used Linux compatible notebooks

[Jay Ridgley]

On 11/7/19 5:19 AM, Liam Proven wrote:
> 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 these days mostly been replaced by 15.2"-15.6" as desktop replacement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.
> 
Good Morning Laim,

Out of curiosity: You say "Avoid Dell" I live in Round Rock, TX 
(Headquarters for Dell) and have used Dell systems with Ubuntu (I erase 
all of Windows) for years, without any problems. They are available here 
locally at very good prices, either new or used. I can recommend a local 
dealer if interested. They can and will install Ubuntu.

Cheers,
Jay

> 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
> 


-- 
Jay Ridgley
jridgley2 at austin.rr.com
Registered Linux User ID - 9115
https://linuxcounter.net/cert/9115.png
Registered Ubuntu User ID - 23320