Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I've now decided that I would like an Acer C7 Chromebook, except that I don't know if it would be possible to jump to a newer release once it comes out. (Trisquel 7) If updates will work smoothly, then I will probably buy a Chromebook. Has anyone else gone this route, and if so, how well has it worked out?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I don't know although you should be able to install GNOME after running the Trisquelizer script.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I hope it's not too hard to turn Trisquelized Chrubuntu into a Vanilla Trisquel install.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Does the 'Trisquelizer' script install GNOME classic into the Chrubuntu install, or would I be stuck with Unity?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
The site is h-node.org.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
El 23/05/13 19:00, myself...@gmail.com escribió: To ssdclickofdeath: 1. A replacement FLOSS compatible wifi module can be bought from 3-5 bucks on eBay. I recommend the Atheros AR5B95 card. Would you please report it on h-node.com -- Saludos libres, Quiliro Ordóñez Presidente (en conjunto con el resto de socios) Asociación de Software Libre del Ecuador - ASLE Av de la Prensa N58-219 y Cristóbal Vaca de Castro Quito, Ecuador (02)-600 8579 IRC: http://webchat.freenode.net?channels=asleuio=OT10cnVlJjEwPXRydWU3a Todo correo que reciba será tratado como información pública, de libre copia y modificación, sin importar cualquier nota de confidencialidad.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I wouldn't feel comfortable building coreboot from source, as I'd likely brick my computer, and I would need to get a specific motherboard revision.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Not in free software. Should there be, somebody would yank it out pretty quick.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Battery is detachable. RAM can be upgraded up to 8GB (from product specification).
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
The one problem with Asus is they don't sell notebooks without MS Windows. @Chris They do. It depends on the market they are offered to. I can find a lot of large screen notebooks without a preinstalled system (actually they have FreeDos) in my local shops. Most laptops are without a system (76%), some with Windows (18%), and a few with Ubuntu (6%). The bad thing is Asus does recommend Windows, and most likely doesn't care about free software compatibility.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I found myself in this situaiton --looking for a laptop-- a few weeks ago. Buying a computer with proprietary software --new or used-- supports people involved in that business model. It's money that could support businesses that are friendlier to our community. We have to research so many aspects of compatibility before buying from a non-free hardware distributors. That's because people who came before us purchased from non-free hardware distributors. Just as we are doing here today. And finding a free-software compatible computer, from a proprietary software/hardware vendor, is no assurance that you'll be able to find a similarly free-software-friendly computer from them the next time you're in the market for a computer. Supporting a free-hardware distributor is at least some assurance of that.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I think it's reasonable to buy a used laptop, whatever is on it.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
To muhammed: It would support them if you buy a new one, but why would it support non-free software developers if you buy a used one? By not supporting a free-software-compatible computer seller?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Was it MeeGo?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
That's one reason. If free-hardware distributors disappear or scale back their offerings, for lack of demand, the non-free ones will have a bigger share of the market. Curtosey of our community. Also, as Chris said, others will see you using the hardware. People may take that as an endorsement or support for that item. The positive association may help those manufacturers like advertising does.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I doesn't knew Coreboot isn't fully-free (e.g. contain binary-blobs). Wikipedia states that it's released under under the GNU GPL and doesn't specify additional licenses. It's a shame, that Coreboot went the same way like Linux did. Nevertheless, if I'm stated in a position to make a decision btw. a 90% free software, or a 100% pure proprietary BIOS, I'll rather choose the prior. This doesn't change my mind because it's easier to reverse-engineer some code, rather than the whole, and possibly there will be someone who can make it and do it himself. That cryptographic thing bothers me the most, because it prevents reverse-engineering of the blob, and make the whole process that is itself very hard to do, even harder. Anyway, thanks for the clarification . P.S.: Isn't this Phoronix article I read a long time ago the same thing you're talking about?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Nevertheless, if I'm stated in a position to make a decision btw. a 90% free software, or a 100% pure proprietary BIOS, I'll rather choose the prior. Of course that's better but this doesn't mean settling for that. What we should be going for is 100% free, and that can be achieved by using and recommending different computers (not the Chromebooks.)
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
From what I understand, 'Trusted' Computing is built into the hardware, and would override any Operating Systems installed. Is this incorrect?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
On Sat, 25 May 2013 20:42:54 +0200 (CEST), you wrote: I doesn't knew Coreboot isn't fully-free (e.g. contain binary-blobs). Wikipedia states that it's released under under the GNU GPL and doesn't specify additional licenses. It's a shame, that Coreboot went the same way like Linux did. For those interested, you can read the coreboot mailing list thread about the topic (found on DDG): http://www.coreboot.org/pipermail/coreboot/2012-April/069564.html -- Stefano Fortune of the day: Tonight's the night: Sleep in a eucalyptus tree. signature.asc Description: PGP signature
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
1st paragraph. Agreed. It's not as easy as with a classic proprietary BIOS but it still can be done (very easily on Pixel). The Intel vs. AMD situation on the Coreboot side is a practical (Intel) vs. ethical (AMD) choice. On the desktop side, I would probably go for AMD (Coreboot) and buy a Nouveau supported nVidia card, while on the laptop side I'll go for Intel. 2nd paragraph. I doesn't searched through all the Chromebook models so the older generation might contain non-Atheros cards, but those what I recommended do not, and are supported by the ath9k driver (no idea about bluetooth support, which is integrated on these cards, but I can search for this if you were interested).
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Do you know of any COMPLETELY FREE computers?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Interesting reading: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_itempx=MTEyNTE
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I done the same thing when I bought my laptop PC. It is better to go this way not just because you doesn't buy a new Windows license, but also the hardware is recycled (a second chance for the computer), so you're not contributing to the pollution of the mother Earth. Also, judging by your hardware requirements, it's a necessity for you.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
+1 on the reuse of perfectly-good hardware and not causing a new Win license to be generated.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
There are some other completely free laptops outside the Chromebooks that have a heavily out-of-date/low performance/incompetitive hardware, are very expensive, an many of are incompatible with the x86 architecture. Many of these has a proprietary BIOS that needs to be reflashed with Coreboot, which is a non-trivial task to do even for an experienced hacker, and can easily brick your device (there are recovery methods, but it requires expensive tools and professional knowledge). I can post you here the list of these devices if you're interested, but since most of these devices doesn't fulfill people basic requirements (web browsing - usually small/low resolution screen, videocalling - lack of hardware accelerated encoding of video, 3d gaming - non-existent or very basic 3d acceleration), these are only just toys to play with and not a device you can rely on a business trip. http://libreplanet.org/wiki/LibrePlanet:Conference/2013/Program/Coreboot_Install_Party
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Sure, but I just wanted to supplement what he already said.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Regarding microphone/line out: most laptops have an internal microphone so the external one isn't needed (my netbook 1001px has this connection and it works for headphones. I use the internal microphone).
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I support re-use/recycling as well. Our posts here pit environmentalism against civil liberties. This frames the issue in a strange way: It suggests that our tiny community of free-software users could abandon their cause --civil liberties-- to contribute to the environment's well being. The environment has bigger problems than our tiny free software community. It has consumer culture generally, including non-free users, to contend with. Maybe a good compromise (every decision to use technology is a compromise with the environment) would be to buy free hardware, and commit to using it for as long as possible.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I dub tapes to CDs, using an Alesis iO2 Express USB audio mixer. Do USB inputs work in GNU/Linux?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
What you raise a technical issues, and some of it seems to be a distraction: 3D acceleration, for example, is generally problematic no matter where you look, although that's improving, but really that's an orthogonal issue to the BIOS. The free software movement's not about technical things, and is not trying to make the argument that we can make things technically better by being free. Some people look for freedom. Others look for convenience and only use free things when they are convenient. Your response helps to clarify positions there: We're looking for different things. I'm reminded of this little blurb: http://aws.bluehome.net/better.oga I selected the ThinkPad X60s because it's supported by Coreboot and I was actually present at the Coreboot Install Party at the FSF's LibrePlanet conference. That's when Coreboot was installed on my laptop.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
To some degree although your still contributing to the inflation of the value of used laptops which came with MS Windows. Indirectly you still contributing to Microsoft. Unless your buying a used laptop that was not licensed to run MS Windows.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Is it possible to buy used free hardware right now? I'd probably buy a laptop from Thinkpenguin, but even the Gentoo Penguin Notebook is $499.00, and I'm not even willing to spend that much on a computer.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I haven't looked into it recently although Asus North America will not sell systems without an OS. We couldn't get them OS free from Asus.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
The problem with used hardware are it doesn't scale easily and lots of problems are created through used hardware. Most people don't realize how difficult it is to even properly support a small set of systems or identical hardware. Now try doing that on a massive scale. It doesn't work.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
They should. We sell a USB mic. It's a standard.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I meant on eBay or Craigslist, if an individual purchases a free hardware laptop from you or some other company, then sells it at one of those places.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Ladies and Gentlemens, we have a winner : http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/detail.page?LegacyDocID=MIGR-64191 It has a 14.1 inch display (matte, 1400x1050), Core Duo processor (2GHz), Intel Graphics (GMA 950), supports up to 3GB of RAM (DDR2), and finallyit's supported by Coreboot . It's also cheap and can be bought second-handily on eBay for around $100-200 bucks: http://www.ebay.com/sch/175672/i.html?_nkw=thinkpad+t60_sop=15 Beware that this laptop is available in many different configurations, so make sure you get the one with Intel GMA graphics, and the 1400x1050 resolution display. Now this convined me to sell my own ThinkPad R60 and replace it with T60, although I read a long time ago that the motherboard in the R60 is the same as in T60, just the casing in made from different material, which is quality-wise better on the T60.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
No, at least not this time. The reason why Google has chosen to go this way is because he wanted to have chromebooks with the quickest boot times, fool-free (if the system is screwed up, the BIOS detects it and can automatically fix it even if you bought and assembled a completely new HDD, by restoring the system from a previously created system recovery USB key). Chromebooks was not designed to be used with any other operating system other than Google Chrome OS, but Google does not prevents users from doing that. Conversely, he supports doing that. In the latest model of Chromebook (the Pixel) the developers figured out how to make other users possible to boot from an image file so that alternative operating systems (like GNU/Linux) can be installed. Unfortunatelly, this can be done only on the Pixel the moment (and possibly all the later models after the Pixel), and on previous models only by installing ChrUbuntu.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
If you have physical access to potentially interesting machines (and permission to do so) you could fire up a Trisquel live CD or live USB to check if the various parts work.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
It's true, but this doesn't apply to chromebooks, because (as I previously mentioned) they use a free software (GPL) BIOS called Coreboot.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Are you saying Coreboot can't boot live media or ?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Yes, but along with SeaBIOS.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Giants starting organized team outside the two main training took over the absence of both the New York Giants began their first organized team, off-season training, two large, took over, but the team did not attend. -Victor Cruz since we wanted and the team signed a long-term contract on renewal did not take part in training on a voluntary basis. Best Jerseys In Sports But head coach Tom kaofulin for another star, took over the absence of Hakim-nicks are surprising. I don't know, kaofulin said when he was asked about the Knicks. He should be here. ” Cruz has been so far without taking the player take saiqi can volunteer to participate in the activities, Free Soccer Jerseyshis agent Tom-Canton and the Giants are trying to sign a renewal of the contract. Team-owner John Mara and Steve Tisch has repeatedly expressed optimism about their end of the contract. Giants Knicks of contractual issues. Best Soccer Uniforms The Knicks are about to enter the final year of his contract, the Giants want a long-term contract to keep number one, they took over. Knicks knees some small problems, but he has repeatedly said he feels good now. Kaofulin said the Knicks ' health problems is not a reason for his absence of training. Nike NFL ShopYes, I'm sure, kaofulin, referring to whether he hope that the participation of the Knicks said. I want everyone to take part in the training, we want the team to be better here. His body does have some small problems, but that is not the reason for his absence. ” Eli-Manning Knicks surprised in his absence. Nike NFL ShopI can't find a reason to think he's not here, said Manning. Manning in the saiqi moratorium has repeatedly said he wants Nick to appear completely healthy state this season. The Giants ' offense last season by the Knicks beat troubled by knee and foot injuries are very unsatisfactory. Thanks to Cruz and absence of the Knicks, Louis Murphy and Excellence, Thunder, You-Jernegan got more catch opportunities. Does the show left a deep impression in the training, his team's depth also ranked after Ruben-landaier on the table.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Could an admin remove the spam by mario201313?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I found the Acer C7 upgrade instructions - http://acer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/19264/~/how-do-i-replace-the-ram-on-my-acer-aspire-one-756%3F So, with this computer, do you install ChrUbuntu, then use a package that converts it into Trisquel?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I think I know how this spam bot bypassing CAPTCHA. It constantly use the same digits. It it fail, it will try again and again. Alas, this does not take as much time as you would expect.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Hello again. I found the Acer C7 upgrade instructions Both storage and memory is replacable/upgradable. The maximum supported RAM is 16GB. You can also replace the HDD with SSD, or with a higher capacity HDD, but there is a slight difference in the thickness of the drive accepted by the laptop, and you cannot install a classic-sized 2.5. The following video shows a hack about how can you install a classic-sized 2.5 SSD into it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0gNi4sNLiQ So, with this computer, do you install ChrUbuntu, then use a package that converts it into Trisquel? This is pretty much the basic idea how should this be easily accomplished by a general user. This older model lacks SeaBIOS and ChrUbuntu is a community hack to make a workaround for this problem. On Pixel, you can install Trisquel directly from ISO. Either you choose to buy C7 or Pixel, you get the best what money can buy today.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
remember that Chromebooks are using Coreboot, and the source code is available for download, study and ever recompilation). Ha! Good luck finding one of these machines without binary blobs needed at some point in the process after pressing the power button. For example: Sandybridge requires (besides the MRC binary) a MEI binary, for the embedded controller in the chipset. Without a proper MEI firmware, the CPU won't even start executing x86 opcodes. The MEI firmware is signed (with some private Intel key). You (or someone) might be able to reimplement the raminit part. Good luck cracking the key to MEI firmware signatures. http://www.coreboot.org/pipermail/coreboot/2012-April/069598.html
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
ChrUbuntu is already proved to be working, and switching to Trisquel is just about changing the repositories, and purging out some non-free stuff. You wanna tell me that using a proprietary BIOS is better than using Coreboot? Sure, it has some bottlenecks but you should agree that using a completely-free (even by Mr.Stallman's merits) computer with some trouble is better than buying a laptop, where you cannot get rid of the non-free BIOS no matter what.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
In the Chromebook C7, I like the freeness of the BIOS, but the screen is so small, and it is difficult (but not impossible) to boot other operating systems than ChromeOS. Is there a computer that works well with free software that also has easily upgradable hardware? Not a recent one, because I don't want it to be too expensive. The freeness of the bios doesn't matter, though, as jxself said, proprietary blobs are loaded on power up, anyway. I can't afford the Chromebook Pixel, but I want a computer that is capable of medium to light photo and video editing, meaning a processor and screen resolution/size that can accomadate it. To clarify the RAM limit, I want the board to be able to address at least 4 GB of RAM. As I said earlier, please feel free to tell me if such a computer does not exist.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
You wanna tell me that using a proprietary BIOS is better than using Coreboot? That's not what I'm saying. Sure, maybe there's less proprietary software with Coreboot installed but since Coreboot has adopted proprietary software to support these, proprietary software's still there either way. Making an argument that it's better than 100% proprietary isn't much of an a argument, I think, because the goal should be to find something that can be used without any proprietary software *anywhere.* 100% freedom, not 95% freedom or even 99.9% freedom. Sure, it has some bottlenecks but you should agree that using a completely-free (even by Mr.Stallman's merits) computer with some trouble is better than buying a laptop, where you cannot get rid of the non-free BIOS no matter what. Except that the Chromebooks don't fall into this category of being completely free: Coreboot has adopted binary blobs. Perhaps the free software community needs a Coreboot-libre, where someone saying that it runs Coreboot-libre would be a way to know that the device can be used in freedom. With the adoption of binary blobs, saying it runs Coreboot doesn't mean anything anymore. In addition, cryptographic signatures are in place to verify that these blobs are never modified. The addition of a crypto system makes things far more difficult so, if anything, such crypto signatures take us even further away from having freedom than a machine that doesn't use such a thing and has only binary blobs. I'm not saying binary blobs are any better - Either way you don't have freedom - but what I am trying to say is that this huge task of working to get freedom becomes even bigger, perhaps impossible, when strong crypto is added to the mix. so I can recommend it to others If you're going to recommend something, it should be something that is actually possible to use in complete freedom in practive. While no means the only example, my ThinkPad X60s with Coreboot would be one example. In this case no binary blobs from Coreboot are needed.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Something like your Thinkpad was what I was thinking about, though I was scared away from the Thinkpads because of the 'Trusted' Computing chips inside them. Do they actually do anything while Trisquel is running instead of Windows?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
It could even be used to make your own version of Secure Boot. At this point it begins acting as an agent *for* you, rather than *against* you, so there's no need to fear it.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Not that I'm going to use Windows, I meant are there restrictions, such as DRM while using GNU/Linux?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I recently bought an ASUS notebook with Intel i5 processor and Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics. It has an aluminum case. Wi-Fi works. Camera works. Two things don't work with Trisquel. One is Bluetooth and the other is SD card reader. It was also more expensive then what you want (about $600). When I was searching for a laptop, ASUS was the best brand choice for me, because ASUS computers usually had Atheros-based Wi-Fi. But I'm not sure it would be a good choice for you. They might offer different Wi-Fi on different markets or with cheaper processors.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I have an Asus 1015 PE, in which everything works with Trisquel. I think the screen is only 9 or 10 inches, which is fine by me, since I don't need one, and space is at a premium. It gets over 5 hours per charge, and can be topped off in 3 hours. Oh, the price was right, too, since it was on close-out or something, though I did pay the 'windows tax'.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I bought a direct-from-china Bluetooth dongle that worked in Debian with no proprietary drivers, so I'd guess that it would work in Trisquel. Many things I bought at that store were junk, but the dongle works great. It's not too difficult to plug a dongle in for Bluetooth because the built-in one doesn't work, though it is more clunky.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
They might offer different Wi-Fi on different markets or with cheaper processors. Are you in the US?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
K55A-SX500 Not from US. Southern Europe.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Searching the model number shows .rs websites, so that must be a region-specific model. Which year was it released? That may help me find the US equivalent.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I believe they had a lot of trouble getting things to work. But the reason they wanted a free BIOS (?) was to speed up the boot time. It was not an ethical reason.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Moving away from x86 is the answer to the larger problem. I don't think its a fix yet though. There is a lot of work that still needs to be done. For instance non-x86 systems are lacking on the software front and I believe there are still problems with 3d acceleration due to blobs.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I don't think what your looking for exists at the price point you want it. At least not without doing a bit of work. Essentially what you need to do is: 1. Buy a system that is NOT branded by Dell, HP, Lenovo/IBM, or Toshiba. That will ensure you can replace the wifi card with a free software friendly one. 2. Check that it is using Intel graphics only and does not have NVIDIA/ATI graphics. 3. If you can test it for a week that would be ideal. Otherwise you may discover problems later (suspend to ram works, but not properly, or the wifi worked, but for some reason the system disables it and there is no way to re-enable it).
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
The dongles to get are those with the CSR chipset. Unfortunately there is a lot of junk out there. That is particularly true of bluetooth USB dongles though.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
When I found the specs of that model, I also saw some pictures, too. I noticed that it was quite thin, so I wondered if it had a replaceable battery, or RAM. Does it?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
On Sat, 25 May 2013 04:07:27 +0200 (CEST) ch...@thinkpenguin.com wrote: The one problem with Asus is they don't sell notebooks without MS Windows. I bought an Asus X101ch and it didn't have Windows on it. It had some sort of proprietary OS on it though that can use Chrome, but I replaced it immediately with Trisquel GNU/Linux.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
When I got this Asus, I didn't know about Trisquel, so, installed another distro. Had to get the boot booster turned off, to let me boot from media such as flash and optical disks. I replaced the included Win 7 with that distro.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
That is a netbook. I was referring to laptops (13.3 + screen).
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Would it be wrong to buy a used laptop with Windows on it? You wouldn't be supporting Microsoft by purchasing a laptop containing their product as someone already purchased it before you.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I think its still harmful. It's having a negative impact even if it's minimal. If I was invited to play x-box for example with a friend I'd decline. I won't touch the modern gaming systems. It's value increases by me playing it. Even though I haven't contributed financially the fact I'm talking about it, others are seeing me play it, etc will likely contribute to more people buying a system for there own enjoyment. It is promotion. Something I try to avoid. I'm not perfect and I don't expect anybody else to be either. However I am not a big video game aficionado and declining such an invitation is extremely easy for me.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
The problem could be solved by putting a Trisquel or GNU/Linux Logo over the brand. :) What brand are the laptops you sell?
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I want a laptop that is +/- $350, probably used, if this is even possible.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
If you want a cheaper one then I suggest you to go for the Acer C7 Chromebook.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
There are lots of potential problems you can run into and some are hard or impossible to avoid. Here are a few of the most common. Here are a few: 1. wifi The only laptops with compatible wireless are those with an atheros chipset. 2. DRM on wifi slot Some companies place digit restrictions on the Mini PCIe card slot so that users can't replace the card except with another like card from the same manufacturer. This is in practice so that companies can profit from after-warranty sales of replacements parts which are generally due to parts dying. 3. graphics The only free software friendly graphics are from Intel. AMD doesn't cooperate with the free software community. What they have done for political reasons is released a driver that is partially free. This then loads a non-free component. NVIDIA doesn't cooperate at all either. Neither sufficient specs nor sources have ever been released. What support exists is due to reverse engineering and you won't find support for years to come. Most likely any support you get will only be available after you've replaced the laptop. Five year old graphics cards are only now sufficiently supported and even that is a stretch. 4. Trusted Execution Technology This and the AMD equivalent gives third parties control over your machine. They can prevent you from recording videos, etc. It adds a form of digital restrictions. You can read up on the CPU on Intel's web site. Avoid any CPUs that include Trusted Execution Technology. 5. vPro / AMT This technology is a potential security and privacy nightmare. It makes it possible for third parties to spy on you without your knowledge. Depending on the system it may even be possible to spy on you when your not connected to the Internet through a GSM module. For the time being you can avoid the CPUs with vPro by checking Intel's documentation on its CPUs.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I would prefer a 14+ inch screen. So I don't waste your (or anyone else's) time, I will post the minimum specs. Just tell me if such a laptop doesn't exist :) Intel Core 2 Duo 4 GB RAM limit Video card with 256 MB video RAM Hard Drive size doesn't matter, as long as it's user replaceable. 14 screen
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromebooks.html#hp-pav The reason why I suggest to you to buy a Chromebook is because they're the only laptop PCs today available with stock free software BIOS (Coreboot).
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I am sick of throwaway electronics, that is partially why I am moving away from Apple products. (I'm typing this on an iBook G4 running OS X, but I am transitioning to free software.) The MacBook Pro with retina display has non-upgradable RAM, that bothered me even before I cared about free software. I would swap out the SSD for a larger hard drive, if that is possible. The computer contains 2 GB of RAM, if it is the HP Pavilion 14 Chromebook. http://www.digitaltrends.com/laptop-reviews/hp-pavilion-14-chromebook-review/
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
To ssdclickofdeath: 1. A replacement FLOSS compatible wifi module can be bought from 3-5 bucks on eBay. I recommend the Atheros AR5B95 card. 2. This is mainly a behaviour of the IBM/Lenovo's ThinkPad line of portable computers. Just search for other people experiences in replacing the internal wifi card on the internet. 3. In short, go for Intel HD Graphics 4. You should simply avoid buying an AMD processor. Go for the Intel one. 5. Just check out the the processor model number and search for it on the Intel website.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
The Pavilion seems to be close to a Core 2 Duo. Seems like a good computer. Core 2 Duo with similar specs: http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench2/1981380 HP Pavilion Chromebook: Called 'GOOGLE Parrot,' seems the same: http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench2/1975587 If the site contains proprietary javascript, here are the scores (higher is better): HP Pavilion: 2532 HP Elitebook (Core 2 Duo Machine): 2878
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
The MacBook Pro with retina display has non-upgradable RAM, that bothered me even before I cared about free software. Yeah, that's also the case of the Pixel, which has 4GB RAM onboard. It's because the latest trend of integrating as much as posible into one piece to save production costs and in this case space, so the device remain small/thin. I would swap out the SSD for a larger hard drive, if that is possible. Yes, but it does not contain the classic 2.5 HDD sized SSD's, but a mSATA card, like this: http://www.theinquirer.net/IMG/705/224705/adata-msata-540x334.jpg?1340105535 The computer contains 2 GB of RAM, if it is the HP Pavilion 14 Chromebook. You said 4 GB RAM limit but does not specified which (upper or bottom).
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
There is no perfect hardware. That's why I recommended the Acer C7 Chromebook, which is upgrade friendly.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
It almost seems like a choice between free software or free (to upgrade) hardware. :( I hope not.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
No, HP Pavilion Chromebook's codename is called Butterfly: http://www.chromium.org/chromium-os/developer-information-for-chrome-os-devices
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
The only problem with the C7 is the small screen, so I guess I'll have to think about it...
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
Yeah, you should :-P It also has nearly identical hardware, same resolution as the Pavilion, 320GB HDD (versus the 16GB micro SATA SSD on the Pavilion), and a much better price $200 (versus the $330 for the Pavilion).
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I didn't know that HP was much of a brand. I thought Apple = Brand. I really don't care about brands, just quality.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
The best brand in the price vs. quality/hardware is generally ASUS. It is because ASUS produce its products itself. Look at this webpage for explanation: http://www.coreboot.org/Laptop#Who_really_makes_your_laptop.3F
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
To mYself: I should have happened to look in your signature before starting this thread, I may have known which laptop to buy, assuming you didn't recently change it because of this thread :)
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
It isn't just IBM/Lenovo. HP, IBM, Dell, and Toshiba do it as well. This makes up a huge percentage of the market.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I believe on at least one of these Chromebooks that are being suggested there is a switch and warning that come up every time. It says something about being in developer mode should you install GNU/Linux. You can get around it with some trickery. I think it is a key combination if I recall. I think to get it in this developer mode also requires some hacking. I believe it requires you to open up the notebook and flip a switch. I don't believe the wifi card is free software friendly either. I think it can be replaced though. Maybe somebody who has one can confirm the details.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
'open source' loving Google seems to find a way to screw up free software almost every time.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
I never said that it's just IBM (now Lenovo) who's inserting these blocking features to BIOS (remember that Chromebooks are using Coreboot, and the source code is available for download, study and ever recompilation). I never had any unexpected issues with GNU/Linux on any of my or other peoples laptop computer where I previously installed Trisquel. Sure, incompatibility can happen, but it will also happen on any other operating systems like MS Windows. But on GNU/Linux people can (if nothing else) fix those issues itself (source code is available for study), or ask on forums for help, but most commonly just by Googling/Ducking (DuckDuckGo.com :) for it, because it is highly possible that there was another people who already fixed that. If we look at this from the right angle, isn't GNU about hacking (fixing/modifying stuff, to fit our needs)? For the hardware I recommended, they weren't randomly selected. I read about them before and looked for what hardware they have, so I can recommend it to others. I cannot garantee that the laptops will work out-of-the-box (they will probably not), but I can guarantee that all its hardware (CPU, GPU, WiFi, etc.) are free software compatible, and from that findings they should just logically work (if he doesn't buy a defective model, which I cannot affect).
Re: [Trisquel-users] Free Software compatible laptop?
1. You doesn't need to disassemble the whole laptop to switch to developer mode. There is just a switch on the side of the Chromebook. Newer models uses a software switch. 2. The WiFi card IS free software friendly, that's why I suggested it.
Re: [Trisquel-users] free-software compatible laptop
It is looking good to read about the free software compatible laptop and in cheap price.I have seen some pics and looks good to buy. __ fire proof cabinets
Re: [Trisquel-users] free-software compatible laptop
lol Thanks for putting me in touch with Chris, MB and miga. I ended up ordering a Gentoo Notebook. I'll post my thoughts and a few photos when it arrives.
Re: [Trisquel-users] free-software compatible laptop
The free software community thanks you for your order from Chris; LOL. My next computer will likely be a Gen 2, especially if I get my hands on one and like it before I buy.
Re: [Trisquel-users] free-software compatible laptop
Drupal, a content management system http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Content ;) The term “content management” takes the prize for vacuity. “Content” means “some sort of information,” and “management” in this context means “doing something with it.” So a “content management system” is a system for doing something to some sort of information. Nearly all programs fit that description. In most cases, that term really refers to a system for updating pages on a web site. For that, we recommend the term “web site revision system” (WRS).
Re: [Trisquel-users] free-software compatible laptop
Sorry for the foul language :)
Re: [Trisquel-users] free-software compatible laptop
Agreed. Chris is pretty good at responding at questions/comments and posts here a lot. He's pretty friendly too, from what I saw.
Re: [Trisquel-users] free-software compatible laptop
Thanks guys, I will send Chris a message.
