Where does that leave those that don't know which hardware they should be looking for or don't feel like spending time searching for Linux-friendly hardware setups?
Well - purchasing a computer with Linux pre-installed on it of course! There are a few different places that sell computers pre-loaded with Linux and today I would like to mention one that is fairly new to the scene - BluSphere.
BluSphere is a community focused, open source company that only sells computers with Linux installed on them. They have a focus on mobility as well so they currently only sell laptop and tablet systems.
Their more powerful "BluBook Pro" sports an i7 processor, an nVidia GTX 560m graphics card and starts with 8gig of RAM. That should be enough to keep most gamers happy (and it reminds me that it is about time I replace my older Sager Notebook). For non-gamers they also sell a "BlueBook" that has a sleek 1" form factor. Finally they also sell a small android tablet called "Physix" which sports a 1ghz processor and 512meg of RAM.
One of the reasons I like BluSphere (and am giving them this small plug) is because they give 5% of the profits on every notebook they sell back to open source projects.
Now even if you don't care for Ubuntu (Or Unity) the best thing about buying a Linux pre-installed system is that you know all the hardware is supported by the kernel. Meaning with a small bit of work you should be able to get your Linux flavor of choice up and running on it (plus BluSphere doesn't use Linux unfriendly hardware like ATI and Broadcom).
~Jeff Hoogland
also consider lenovo thinkpad t-series and w-series, System76 is my second choice
ReplyDeleteWARNING!!!! there logo's hypnotic. once you look at it you can't help but stare deeper and deeper into the magical blue swirls
ReplyDeleteI have been using Linux for 4 years, I build my on boxes, and don't use nVidia or Intel. I have never had a problem with ATI or AMD. My wife has a laptop with intel graphics that has some issues. I believe it is a broadcom modem. I used to work, but not since 9.10.
ReplyDeleteWith Broadcom having recently joined the Linux Foundation, The good news is that all newer Broadcom chips will have no issues. All major Wifi chipset vendors are members so Linux has come a VERY long way since I began using it in 2005 when getting Wifi to work really was a lost cause in most cases. I will say my new Acer Aspire 7741z would run at around 12-14w at idle under Windows and runs at 9-11w idle using Arch Linux. Plus all the drivers I need are right there and there's no messing around.
ReplyDeleteThe bluos.com domain is for sale. Does this company still exist?
ReplyDeleteSadly I don't believe so.
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