Re: OT: laptop recomendations

[Bernard <bdebreil@teaser.fr>]

Dotan Cohen wrote:

> 2008/12/11 Micha Feigin <michf@post.tau.ac.il>:
>  
>
> > Hello,
> >
> > Sorry for being a bit off topic but it's time for a new laptop that will run
> > linux solely and I'm looking for recomendation on what has a good build
> > quallity (will travel), descent battery life, although more important is good
> > computing power and a good screen at 15.4" (needs to be workable with the
> > screen) at a price range of around 1500$ rough ballpark. Good service is a must
> > since it's a working laptop.
> >
> > I know that hp and compaq are a big no no (build quality is shaky at best).  I
> > also have the worst experience possible with Sony support on just about every
> > continent (haven't managed to run into worse).  Lenovo 3000 series also has a
> > bad track run at our uni in terms of build quallity, no experience with the
> > ideapad pad heard that they are not much brighter.
> >
> > Currently the best candidates are the lenovo thinkpad series (either stick with
> > the older and probed t61 or go with the t500 or similar), mac (not sure about
> > the one button issue although the design is nice).
> >
> > Runner up is Dell, although the hardware seems a bit cheap when looking at the
> > drivers (especially the touchpad which tends to be alps which isn't up to par
> > with the synaptic).
> >
> > Toshiba local dealers didn't prove themselves with a friends laptop.
> >
> > Can't find anyone with experience with lg and fujitsu.
> >
> > Will be happy for feedback/experience/hardware trouble/Service experience in
> > case of mulfunciton etc.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> >    
>
> I've got a Dell Inspiron E1505 / 6400 2.0 gHz Duo Core laptop with 2GB
> of RAM that I've been lugging on my back since January 2007. 15.4"
> 1680x1050 screen, works great with Compiz, wifi, bluetooth. Terrific
> keyboard too. At the time it was about $1200 but it should be less
> now. My only regret is the 80 GB hard drive, which is too small. Be
> sure that you get a 7200 RPM hard drive no matter what size you buy.
>
>  
I have read this thread with much interest, since I am planning to 
purchase a new laptop. My old IBM Thinkpad 600 is too old (about 8 years 
old). I might have bought a Lenovo Thinkpad T61, but they are awfully 
expensive here : in the range 1800 to 2400 Euros, while DELL is much 
cheaper (380 Euros for a DELL Inspiron 1525, which is 4-5 times 
cheaper). The Inspiron 1505 no longer exists, as they write on their 
website, pointing out that the new 1525 is better and cheaper.

Does anyone know about that DELL Inspiron 1525 ?   It is being sold with 
Ubuntu v8.04 installed, but I plan to install Debian Etch instead, maybe 
even Lenny. Its default characteristics are as follow :

- Intel Celeron processor 560 (2.13 GHz, 533 MHz FSB
- 1 MB L2 cache
- screen WXGA 15.4" (1280x800)
- HD 120 GB 5400 rpm
- battery 6 cells (I suppose it is a Li-ion, but it is not specified)

There is an extra charge of 85 Euros if you want a HD 160 GB that spins 
at 7200 rpm ;
an extra charge of 240 Euros for a processor Intel Core 2 duo TB100 ;
and an extra charge of 300 Euros for Intel Core 2 duo TB300

I might request the HD that spins at 7200 rpm since it is being said 
that it is safer in case of fall.

Thank in advance for your any advice or recommandation.