Re: Inexpensive Laptop for Debian
On Fri, May 29, 2015 at 07:03:40PM -0500, John Aten 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
I have several times purchased used Dell laptops on ebay, a d420, a
d620, and a d630, all of which worked with Debian "out of the box" so to
speak. I also had an old Thinkpad a21m that worked flawlessly with
Debian (but required an external PCMCIA card for wifi, and installation
of relevant drivers).
./tony
http://www.tonybaldwin.m.e
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