General laptop advice

[mrwaistcoat]

Hello out there!

Firstly, just wanted to say that I discovered this distro two weeks ago and I'm hooked! I've distro hopped for a few years, searching for the right one, and I think I've found it! Never got on with KDE before but the latest version seems to be spot on. Tried a few other new KDE distros but they either weren't stable, or didn't allow me to do everything I wanted.

It speaks volumes that I don't need any help. My system is stable and I'm not having any problems.

I just wanted to explain how I'm using Kubuntu - was wondering how unusual this is? I'm using an Acer Travelmate Windows 7 laptop (which is owned by my employer)

I am not allowed of course to modify or change the laptop for non-work reasons. I have therefore installed Kubuntu onto a USB3 external hard drive (being careful not to install the MBR onto the laptop!!). I believe the laptop is USB2. Despite this, performance is very very good indeed once the boot up has completed. For example, I'm playing my beloved "Football Manager" via Steam and not having any issues.

So basically I've turned my work laptop into my own laptop in a harmless way that my employer will never know about!

I've been googling about buying a linux friendly laptop and would appreciate any advice. I'd really like to use SSD but it looks like linux specific laptops are very expensive. From what I can gather, it was the case that buying a cheap windows 7 machine was the way to go, then replace or dual boot. If I'm right, then it will be hard to find a Windows 7 laptop with SSD. I'm guessing that any linux distro would fly on a modern laptop with a SSD? Anyone got one?

I gather it's tricky to install linux on a Windows 8 or 10 laptop?

I've considered buying a USB3 SSD but doubt it would improve on my existing performance as my USB ports are USB 2.

Any general laptop advice appreciated.

Many thanks
Rick

[artbar]

Hi.

I cannot give you general advice , but I can share my own experience. I was installing linux (all kinds of *buntus - Xubuntu, Kubuntu, Linux Mint XFCE) on business class HP laptops (ProBooks and EliteBooks, second-hand ) for my family last ~5 years. All worked really well for general tasks - office apps, browsing, email, coding/scripting and gaming, which requires little to non 3D acceleration. All those laptops had/have Intel GPUs. Recently my son learned about the Steam and I'm in "trouble" now - Intel GPU is too weak for decent 3D games.

Based on what's said above I'd recommend you second-hand (from a company not from a person) business class laptop which should fit your requirements really well, with the condition you're not a gamer . Business class laptops are equipped with better HW (it is reflected in the warranty terms - 3 years business VS 1-2 years consumer ), thus I'd recommend it. But if you're intended to play lot of games, than look for AMD/Nvidia equipped laptop.

And yes - SSD makes real difference if compared to HDD. These days it is a must. Same as gigabyte LAN

Regards
Artūras

[GreyGeek]

I've had excellent results with Linux on Acer computers over the last 10 years
A good game machine will have an i7 CPU, at least 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GPU.
With a 1TB HD or a couple 250 GB SSD's the price will be around $1,000.

System76 has a "design and buy" option that lets you create the best machine you can afford. And, you are guaranteed that ALL the components will work with Ubuntu (Kubuntu), and they back up their hardware with support.

My Acer, from Amazon four years ago, came with Win7. I never used Win7 and eventually deleted it because about once every four months ago I'd waste most of a day updating files and AV. Reboot, reboot, reboot, etc. Removing Win7 and recovering the phantom drive on which the Win7 backup is stored (along with keyboard loggers ), is best done by using partition software to delete all the partitions, including the MBR, and creating your own. The nuclear option. IF you were dual booting Linux the nuclear option requires that you backup important data first. So, for Win7 boxes, it would be easiest to nuke it first and then install Kubuntu. Or, get a box designed and built with total Kubuntu compatibility at the hardware level.

[Qqmike]

A good, standard partitioning tool you can run on a live CD/USB is GParted Live:

http://gparted.org/livecd.php

With that, you can do anything/everything to your hard disks if you are installing and/or re-arranging OSs and space.

Previously, here @ kubuntu forums, still timely, and where you might find some more tidbits and tips and stories:

Linux-Friendly Laptops?
https://www.kubuntuforums.net/showth...iendly-laptops

Laptops that work well with Kubuntu
https://www.kubuntuforums.net/showth...l-with-Kubuntu

[vinnywright]

I'll just add , If you go the System76 route (I did) you will spend at least $700.00 for their cheapest offering .

I wint hole hog and shelled out $2,400.00+ for one of their top of the line (then a year ago now) laptops .

their service was excellent and the box (a Bonox8) is great ,,,,,I have never had it brake a sweet yet (get over 130%F) no mater what I do.

Regardless of what kind/brand you finally get ,,,,just make sure you get the best processor/CPU(#of cores & speed) the most RAM(and speed hear as well DDR3 over DDR2) and fastest hard drive you can afford ,,,,,,,in that order .

O and if you must consider a top line GPU I would pick Nvidia over AMD,,,,,,,

VINNY

[mrwaistcoat]

Thanks everyone for the replies, much appreciated

[mrwaistcoat]

In the UK? Just noticed this https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forum...y.php?32-Linux

Good to see they are have a dedicated Linux forum, so they also look a good option