On May 29, 2015 7:04 PM, "John Aten" <welcome.to.eye.o.rama@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hey all,
> I would like to see if anyone could give some advice or opinions on getting an inexpensive laptop to run Debian. I plan to use the machine for lighter duty functions; writing, web browsing, programming, etc. Basically, I am looking for something with a little more muscle than a Chromebook. Most laptops that I have seen that come with Debian or other distros preinstalled seem to be more expensive than I would like, so that of course leaves me installing it myself. I have researched this, and can never seem to find solid information on the laptops that are currently available; the information is usually a little dated.
> I have some experience setting up Debian and other distros, but if there are problems with hardware configuration, I get out into the deep end fast. I would like to avoid any problems that are beyond the reach of my very modest skills.
> I see that Dell offers the Inspiron 14 or 15 3000 series non-touch laptop with Ubuntu preinstalled; this model is around the price/spec range that I would like. I figure, if it runs Ubuntu, then this is possibly a good indication that I could install Debian; I was wondering first, if that is a good assumption, and also if anyone has had any experience with installing Debian on this particular model. (I have an older Inspiron, on which I have had good luck installing several different distros, including Debian, but I don't know that this really indicates anything either.) Second, aside from this particular model, if anyone has recommendations on any other laptops in that price/spec range?
> I'd appreciate any help and opinions.
>
> Thanks,
>
> J
John,
I just bought a Dell Latitude D810, I installed 80gb ide hard drive. It came with 512mb ram. I've install a 512 module until my other ram comes in. I 2gb ordered (total 768mb). I installed Xubuntu 14.04.1 on it. It has a single core CPU. Ethernet and WiFi works. I got everything from EBay. This was a low cost laptop. I'm very happy with it.
If you want dual core & sata hd, look for a latitude D820-D830 series.
Robert
I