Linux Laptops

[fritzdeelman]

I did some research regarding laptops that come preinstalled with a Linux distro and was stunned by how difficult it is to find information and suppliers. With Microsoft's (in collusion with hardware suppliers) monopolistic strategy of having Windows pre-installed ("bundling"):eek: on most laptops distributed these days basically forces you to pay for Windows even though you wish to run Linux only.

Apparently there is some refund (http://www.linux.com/articles/59381), but it does not really worth the effort and the hardware suppliers for most laptops is colluding to ensure that no drivers are available for Linux.

Does anyone know of a hardware supplier that actively supports Linux on their laptop products?

[general_koffi]

I don't know how active their support is, but Sahara bundle Linux with some of their notebooks.

[Jonny Two Shoes]

I believe you can ask Dell for Linux Pre-installed but not sure if it was fact or something they were 'thinking' about. It was definately in demand though.

Also the Asus Eee laptops are all shipped with Linux and have probably only begun to ship with Windows as of late on specific Eee models. Hardly a laptop though but rather a fancy little helpful gadget :rolleyes: :)

The support is another story though...however every major Linux distro has their own forums and support base just as Windows does. Ubuntu is a good example.

I would imagine if Dell and Asus can pre-install with Linux then they should provide some level of support.

[SuperAntMD]

Dell fully support the latest ubuntu

[.Froot.]

Well, definitely not HP. You could try IBM or Lenovo. There is an article on MB that mentions laptop manufacturers that support Linux.
The Asus EEE is really useful as a presentation laptop in the corporate or academic (university lecturers) department.

[killadoob]

Sahara, before you say anything, their laptops are pretty good to be honest and very cheap.

[.Froot.]

+1. I don't have experience with them, but a friend of mine is a dealer for them and is more than happy with them and their service.

[SuperAntMD]

Seems like i made a mistake. Dell fully supports ubuntu http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/linux_3x?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs Dell South Africa don't appear to however (?)