[ale] - [semi-OT] - Laptops in the metro

[Jonathan Glass]

Does anyone else read Linux Journal?  One of their advertisers does nothing but
linux laptops...preconfigured, ready to go.  I'll look for the URL in some of my
back issues and post it tomorrow.

Jonathan

Quoting Bob Toxen <bob at verysecurelinux.com>:

> Jason,
> > Hi folks,
> 
> > I recently started doing contract work, and I determined that it
> > is time for me to purchase a laptop.  I wanted to see where you
> folks
> > would recommend looking in the metro area.  I currently live in
> Gwinnett
> > County and work at Cobb Galleria, so those two areas would be
> preferred
> > for shopping if possible.
> 
> Last month I did extensive research for a good Linux-only laptop to
> replace my now-flaky 7+ year old Toshiba.  All statements are my
> opinion.
> 
> FIRST, check http://www.mobilix.org and
> http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/
> for Linux compatibility, especially regarding Suspend (save memory to
> disk and power down) and modem (e.g., WinBloz modems).  Some models
> insist on saving memory to a file of a particular name on a
> Winbloz-format
> file system that must be the first partition.  (You can create such a
> partition from scratch just large enough to hold the file.)
> 
> Consider money (if you're paying) vs. capability.  *I* did not find
> a reason to buy a higher end model; they generally are just lighter,
> slimmer, and a bit better ergonomically.  How much graphics do you
> really
> do, unless you're a 3-D animator?
> 
> Refurbished/used laptops are not price competitive with new ones, IMO,
> unless you can make a deal with your company/client.  I found the cost
> of refurbs to be about 2/3 (67%) of the cost for new ones BUT they
> have
> 30-50% slower processors, half the disk, and someone has been banging
> them around for 3+ years.  Don't bother with 'em.
> 
> My Toshiba had crashed about twice in the five years of almost
> continuous
> operation and 40,000 air miles prior to my September Hartsfield
> Security
> experience.  (I did not see them abuse it and it was ancient.)  Thus
> Toshiba
> was a strong contender for me.
> 
> IBM has a good reputation and most models seem well-supported.
> 
> I hear that HP is junk; Compaq seems to break but has good warranty
> service.
> 
> 
> I went with an IBM ThinkPad R31.  Right now, IBM's web site has a great
> deal
> on them: $850+tax&ship for a 1.2GHz Celeron, 20G mem, CD reader in bay,
> NIC,
> WinBloz modem, and stick pointer.  (If you do lots of pointing, the
> stick
> pointer is horrible and there is not a jack for an external mouse
> unless
> you buy a docking station.)  I added another 256M mem and a floppy bay
> for
> about $70 each, to total at about $1080, including tax&ship; 10 day
> delivery.
> Battery life is about 3 hours; replacements are roughly $110.
> 
> It's an *incredibly* fast machine, CPU, graphics, and CD.  With the
> 384MB of mem, it hardly uses the disk.  A full Slackware 8.1 install
> was painless and took 10-20 minutes.  (I've not yet had time to worry
> about Suspend, sound, or modem but they should be no problem.)
> 
> The runner up for me was a Toshiba.  Some of IBM's higher end laptops
> officially support Linux and can be shipped with it.
> 
> Seriously consider installing an encrypted file system, such as PPDD,
> to protect your confidential data in case of theft and be very careful
> around airport checkpoints.  Buy a locking cable for about $30.  Keep
> backups in a separate location.
> 
> > TIA,
> > Jason
> 
> Bob Toxen
> bob at verysecurelinux.com               [Please use for email to me]
> http://www.verysecurelinux.com        [Network&Linux/Unix security
> consulting]
> http://www.realworldlinuxsecurity.com [My book:"Real World Linux
> Security 2/e"]
> Quality Linux & UNIX security and SysAdmin & software consulting since
> 1990.
> 
> "Microsoft: Unsafe at any clock speed!"
>    -- Bob Toxen 10/03/2002
> _______________________________________________
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> Ale at ale.org
> http://www.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
> 



Jonathan Glass
Systems Support Specialist II
IBB/BME
V: 404-385-0127
F: 404-894-2291
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