Looking For A Linux Laptop? Here's Help

There are many benefits of installing Linux on your PC or laptop. When selecting a new laptop that can support Linux, there are not many that can perform efficiently with a Linux OS. This poses a bit of a problem for people who like to use open-source software as Windows 8 prevents dual-booting, which means you cannot have two OSes running at the same time.

As cited on squidoo.com, there are also quite a number of PC laptop makers who are offering touchscreens, with only limited versions of Linux being able to work with touchscreen. Here is a guide to assist you in preventing potential errors while selecting a new device.

Things to look for whilst selecting a Linux Laptop:

1. Compatibility – Every laptop functions in a different manner with Linux operating better on certain laptops. Ubuntu (a version of Linux) comes with a list of certified hardware that can perform seamlessly with Ubuntu.

2. Price – While purchasing a computer, you are to a certain extent paying for the Windows OS. Purchasing a laptop with Ubuntu pre-installed can save you a lot of money.

3. Touchscreen Compatibility - Many PCs come with touchscreens these days and not every Linux version can help you get the most out of a touchscreen. You must ensure to get the latest version of your chosen operating system.

Touchscreen Laptops that come with Ubuntu –

PC makers like Asus have released Windows and Ubuntu versions of their touchscreen laptops. The benefit of acquiring a pre-installed Ubuntu computer is that you need not pay for the Windows OS (only to uninstall it). This results in the Ubuntu versions costing $80-$100 cheaper than the regular models. Here are some models you can look at -

1. ASUS X201E-DH01 29.4-cm (11.6-Inch) Laptop (Black) - This laptop has specification that can give complex to some $600 laptops. It comes with a 1.1 GHz Sandy Bridge processor, a massive 320 GB hard drive and a power-friendly LED display. It is also equipped with a SonicMater audio. The only drawback being that it is a small laptop.

2. ASUS 1015E-DS03 25.6-cm (10.1-Inch) Laptop ( Black )- This has the same processor and hard drive size as the X201E. However, it is smaller as it comes in a netbook sized 10.1 inches.

Installing Linux on a Chromebook - Chromebooks don't run Windows, but run their own operating system known as Chrome OS. It is based on Linux so installation is pretty easy. It is also much cheaper than other laptops with the same equipment within it. Here are some models you can look at:

1. Super Google Chromebook Pixel (WIFI) - Touch Screen 32.6-cm (12.85-inch) 2560x1700 3:2 LCD i5-3427U 4GB DDR3 32GB SSD 3.4lbs Ultraportable – A costly Chromebook, this is in Google’s version of MacBook Air. Anybody who wants an open source version of the MacBook Air, they can consider the Chromebook Pixel as a good option.

2. Samsung Chromebook Wi-Fi, 29.4-cm(11.6-Inch) – This is thin, light and has a bright, detailed display. It is Wi-Fi only and also has a 3G enabled version

3. Acer C710-2487 29.4-cm (11.6-Inch) Chromebook (Iron Gray) – Priced at $220, it comes with the Intel Sandy Bridge processor and 320 GB hard drive. It also offers 4 hours of battery life.

Installing Linux on a MacBook Pro (or MacBook Air) – Most of Apple's devices can handle Ubuntu. Here are some models you can look at -

1. Apple MacBook Air MD760LL/A - 33.7-cm (13.3-Inch) Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) -
This is a thin, ultra light device, which is great for college students.

Ubuntu-Installed Laptops on eBay -

There are quite a number of second hand laptops that are resold with Ubuntu installed in them on eBay. There are also some rarer versions of Dell and Toshiba laptops that have Ubuntu pre-installed. Here are some models you can look at -

1. Samsung P560 39.1-cm (15.4-Inch) Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.40 GHz / 4 GB / 160 GB / Ubuntu 13.10
2. Dell Latitude D630 35.8-cm (14.1-Inch) Notebook Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz Ubuntu 13.04 160GB DVD-Rom
3. Lenovo ThinkPad T420s 35.5-cm(14-Inch) Intel Core i5 2520m 2.5GHz 2GB 120 GB HDD Ubuntu 13.10