On Tue, May 2, 2017, at 12:33 PM, Peter Alefounder via Hampshire wrote: > If I were to get one of these: > > https://www.tesco.com/direct/acer-156-es15-intel-celeron-4gb-ram-1tb-hdd-dvdrw-red-laptop/392-0906.prd?skuId=392-0906&pageLevel=sku&sc_cmp=ppc*PX+-+DNF+Electrical*PX+-+Shopping+GSC+-+Argos+-+Technology+-+Electricals*PRODUCT+GROUP392-0906*&gclid=COLH6NjdlNMCFdUV0wodWCkLEA&gclsrc=aw.ds > > would any problems be expected with installing Linux on it?
There isn't much detail there on what parts it uses, but the most likely problems in my experience are: 1. Graphics cards: If you're not interested in gaming, stick to Intel integrated graphics. Nvidia and AMD cards are more powerful, but the proprietary drivers introduce extra complications, and the open source ones may not be as robustly tested. Intel graphics play nicely with Linux. 2. Wifi - I'm less sure what to look for, but I think Intel chipsets are a good bet again. Again, the vast majority of chips will work, but some of them are more hassle than others. Any new laptop probably has UEFI secure boot - mainstream distros like Ubuntu/Fedora should be OK with that, but if you want something more niche, you may need to turn it off in the BIOS. A search with the model number turned up one issue reported with the touchpad: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/1593943 And a few threads about issues with the E15, but hopefully that's not the same as ES15. > I sent an enquiry to Acer, but have no reply. I wouldn't expect them to offer any useful info. Consumer support will usually just tell you that Linux is not supported, and possibly warn you about voiding the warranty. Thomas -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --------------------------------------------------------------