Forum Moderators: bakedjake
Since I'm not at all familiar with linux, except the little I've read here I have many concerns about software and hardware issues.
Software:
1) I will need Photoshop and Flash so I will have to have a windows emulator software, which I've heard of, but have no idea how they work. I'm under the impression that I still need to have a version of Windows on the computer. If so, does it matter which one? And will that make me just as vunerable (sp?) as a regular windows computer to viruses, etc.?
I would also like to run other windows software such as IE, now and then for PR, etc. Plus I have other software I use sometimes that I don't think they make linux versions either. Can any software that runs on windows machines run on linux with the emulator software?
2) Music capabilities
This is a minor one really. I would like to be able to play mp3's, but I suppose that if I have a windows emulator I could still use winamp on it and Music Match software. We recently got a digital piano though and it can be hooked up to a PC or Mac, doesn't say anything about linux though. I might would never use this feature though, but thought I would ask. Basically, is there anything about linux that makes it difficult to use music related software on?
Hardware issues
1) Printers and scanners - would the ones I have now likely be compatible with linux, or would I have to buy new ones?
2) Cirque touchpad - instead of a mouse I use a Cirque touchpad for ergonomic reasons. I guess I will really have to check the cirque site for this information, if it is compatible with linux. Even though the laptop will, obviously have a touchpad, I'm concerned that if I use it for extended periods of time it will further damage my wrists because of the angle I will have to have my wrist in to use it.
3) Digital camera software and printers.
I don't even have a digital camera yet, but would like to get one soon. Does anyone know if the software for these is compatible with linux? Those fancy color printers they make now too.
I apologize if this email doesn't seem well thought out. I get in a panic mode now and then because I don't know how much or how soon I may have to spend several days out of town at a time. And I don't know if I can afford to go that long without getting any work done.
I happen to maintain (perhaps betted described as not maintain of late, but I authored it) one of the pages you referenced earlier, and as such Ill bite.
I own the dell 5150, and vendor issues aside, I have found a series of them (yes a series, hence the aforementioned vendor issues) to have run the version of linux I like, Gentoo [gentoo.org], as well as any other laptop I know of. Recent versions of gentoo boot and install gracefully, and with the possible exceptions of the wifi card and modem (the former is optional and I do not have it due to compatability issues when my machine was purchased, the latter I have neither an dial-up account nor desire to test) all hardware works well. I have found that some of the resources mentioned previously in this thread (linux-laptops.net and tuxmobile) are invaluable as a tool to find a machine that will work well. I will omit particular pros and cons of this machine, please sticky me if you would like my opinion on it.
If you have the money to burn there are a number of vendors who offer machines preinstalled with linux, generally slightly later model thinkpads. If you dont mind the extra hours newer offerings by IBM offer great compatability as do "build your own laptops" (asus branded ones come to mind).
As far as your original post goes:
1) For photoshop, Gimp is an excellent (and free) substitute. No alternative to flash at the moment, though if memory serves there is a server side library that will create (dynamic) flash content minus sound. Im not enough of an WINE user to have dabbled with flash under linux (I find it crashes plenty in its native enviornment).
2) No Problem there, I most like XMMS which is very similar to winamp. There are any number of others that will do nicely.
1) check here [linuxprinting.org]
2) No Clue
3) The software will not be compatable. The camera, provided it is not a you shop with the least bit of discression for a camera that does not invent its own standards (ehem canon, ehem), will be.
As for a "live cd" vs a distribution, I would highly recommend the latter. While knoppix is great to recover a borked system, or to test hardware compatability, or for any number of other tasks, it is a swiss army knife and as such not the best tool to cut a steak with. It will be slower, more memory intensive, and will perhaps teach you how to use linux, but not how to utilize linux. For some years back when, I used redhat, it was on a spare partition, booted into on rare occasions, and eventually deleted when disk space became a constraint. Not I utilize gentoo, both because it tought me enough to, and because subsequently I found it excelled at a number of the tasks I regularly perform.
If you have the money to burn there are a number of vendors who offer machines preinstalled with linux, generally slightly later model thinkpads.
There's an idea. You are spending money. Is it possible that a vendor can partition the drive, and install both operating systems to make the sale? Just back up the entire thing when you get it, and you're all set. Maybe.
I just looked at the IBM site and it seems most of them come with the centrino chip which earlier in this thread,it was mentioned that those are not yet compatible with linux. I didn't see any mention of them being preinstalled with linux either. It seems all these companies, if they have anything about linux on their sites at all, seem to have it somewhat hidden.
Can you tell me more about the ""build your own laptops" (asus branded ones come to mind). "?
More work to do ...
I looked more closer at the IBM Thinkpads, but I'm not so sure they are want I am looking for as an eventual desktop replacement. The features of the Dells seem much better.
The modem thing is bothering me the most right now about the Dells, I'll really need a modem that works.
Is this company legitimate: linuxcertified.com? Does any one know? They sell a couple of laptops with linux preinstalled, and they sound pretty good too with a good price. Sounds almost too good to be true. Couldn't find a way to contact them through email about their laptops either, to ask questions.
Are there other companies with Linux preinstalled?
