Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Neal]

>Yes, but can a chromebook be wiped and reinstalled with Linux?

Besides missing Fn keys be sure it isn't also missing the DEL key, like an
HP Chromebook I've been using for a couple years. Makes me giddy with joy
when I get on a proper laptop and can delete the character to the right of
the cursor. :-)

NealS
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Russell Senior]

> "Michael" == Michael Barnes  writes:

Michael> Yes, but can a chromebook be wiped and reinstalled with Linux?

In many cases, yes.  Look up "GalliumOS".  Before that, there was
crouton, which is basically running a "real" linux in a VM, though I
found that rather unsatisfying.  There are many different Chromebook
models, and some work better than others.

I am running GalliumOS, and it works well on my device.  The keyboard is
slightly limited.  You can get F1 through F10 rather easily.  F11 and
F12 are a bit trickier. Installation was slightly scary, and you need to
wake through some alphabet soup of model names (I have a SWANKY and a
GANDOF, different model years of the Toshiba CB2) but ultimately very
easy.  I needed to install a new BIOS to enable booting non-chrome.


Storage space is a bit limited (16GB) as well, though the SSD is
replaceable with some disassembly, and it has an SD slot.  I haven't
replaced the SSD or, for that matter, needed to do it.


-- 
Russell Senior, President
russ...@personaltelco.net
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Tom]

Done that (googled the thing many times).

I was hoping for hands on experience and opinion from someone who has
replaced Crome with Linux and is experienced Linux user to notice the
lack of Fxx keys. So far I've seen only ChromeBooks running linux from
an SD card by various people I know in some dual boot way; Or blogs
about that it can be done - not really elaborating about the
practicality of doing it.

Thanks, Tom

On Mon, 2016-11-14 at 13:46 -0800, Chuck Hast wrote:
> Google is your friend:
> install linux on chromebook
> will return you a long list of hot to and what to do entries
> 
> On Mon, Nov 14, 2016 at 1:14 PM, Michael Barnes <
> barnmich...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> 
> > Yes, but can a chromebook be wiped and reinstalled with Linux?
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > On Mon, Nov 14, 2016 at 3:40 AM, Russell Senior <
> > russ...@personaltelco.net
> > > 
> > wrote:
> > 
> > > > > > > > "Josiah" == Josiah Luscher 
> > > > > > > > writes:
> > > 
> > > Josiah> Just my 2¢.  Shop first for speed, it's both the thing
> > > that
> > > Josiah> costs and the thing that will make your computer last
> > > IMHO.  I
> > > Josiah> paid the Windows tax and the spinning ferrous disk tax
> > > and got
> > > Josiah> an ASUS X540L for ~$350.  If I did it again I'd get a
> > > better
> > > Josiah> screen, it's fairly low resolution.
> > > 
> > > For me, a laptop is more about mobility, longevity and
> > > connectivity, so
> > > light-weight, a good display, a usable keyboard, good wifi
> > > drivers and
> > > battery life are prime features.  With a network connection, I
> > > can ssh
> > > to a "real" CPU to do computation.
> > > 
> > > I actually type on a Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015) more than
> > > anything
> > > else, about $300.
> > > 
> > > 
> > > --
> > > Russell Senior, President
> > > russ...@personaltelco.net
> > > ___
> > > PLUG mailing list
> > > PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> > > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
> > > 
> > ___
> > PLUG mailing list
> > PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
> > 
> 
> 
> 
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Rich Shepard]

On Mon, 14 Nov 2016, Tom wrote:

> As I mentioned before, I got HP Stream 11, but I am thinking about getting
> one cheap laptop to prevent over-subscriptions teen fights.

Tom,

   Consider buying a couple of small Dells. I bought a Dell Latitude 2100 on
eBay for $50 and it works with linux (as do other Dell Latitudes and, I
presume, their other model lines).

   Looks like you don't need to support an enterprise on these so older,
32-bit portables might be your best choice.

Rich
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Tom]

As I mentioned before, I got HP Stream 11, but I am thinking about
getting one cheap laptop to prevent over-subscriptions teen fights. I
understand that my life will become more interesting looking for two
laptops, instead of one, hidden somewhere "by accident". While another
"blue" laptop is probably the best choice in my circumstances, I've
been looking at ChromeBooks for a while.

Beside Michael's Q, how do you boot this thing when you completely wipe
the small 16GB SSD on laptop without normal BIOS 

How do you work around lack of functional keys (F1-F12) on ChromeBooks?
I use the Fxx keys often when using Linux, and it often saves the day
when you cannot get to X for whatever reason.

I hope that I am not hijacking this thread from Michael by asking this,
Tomas

On Mon, 2016-11-14 at 13:14 -0800, Michael Barnes wrote:
> Yes, but can a chromebook be wiped and reinstalled with Linux?
> 
> 
> 
> On Mon, Nov 14, 2016 at 3:40 AM, Russell Senior <
> russ...@personaltelco.net>
> wrote:
> 
> > > > > > > "Josiah" == Josiah Luscher  writes:
> > 
> > Josiah> Just my 2¢.  Shop first for speed, it's both the thing that
> > Josiah> costs and the thing that will make your computer last IMHO.
> >   I
> > Josiah> paid the Windows tax and the spinning ferrous disk tax and
> > got
> > Josiah> an ASUS X540L for ~$350.  If I did it again I'd get a
> > better
> > Josiah> screen, it's fairly low resolution.
> > 
> > For me, a laptop is more about mobility, longevity and
> > connectivity, so
> > light-weight, a good display, a usable keyboard, good wifi drivers
> > and
> > battery life are prime features.  With a network connection, I can
> > ssh
> > to a "real" CPU to do computation.
> > 
> > I actually type on a Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015) more than anything
> > else, about $300.
> > 
> > 
> > --
> > Russell Senior, President
> > russ...@personaltelco.net
> > ___
> > PLUG mailing list
> > PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
> > 
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Michael Barnes]

Yes, but can a chromebook be wiped and reinstalled with Linux?



On Mon, Nov 14, 2016 at 3:40 AM, Russell Senior 
wrote:

> > "Josiah" == Josiah Luscher  writes:
>
> Josiah> Just my 2¢.  Shop first for speed, it's both the thing that
> Josiah> costs and the thing that will make your computer last IMHO.  I
> Josiah> paid the Windows tax and the spinning ferrous disk tax and got
> Josiah> an ASUS X540L for ~$350.  If I did it again I'd get a better
> Josiah> screen, it's fairly low resolution.
>
> For me, a laptop is more about mobility, longevity and connectivity, so
> light-weight, a good display, a usable keyboard, good wifi drivers and
> battery life are prime features.  With a network connection, I can ssh
> to a "real" CPU to do computation.
>
> I actually type on a Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015) more than anything
> else, about $300.
>
>
> --
> Russell Senior, President
> russ...@personaltelco.net
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
>
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Russell Senior]

> "Josiah" == Josiah Luscher  writes:

Josiah> Just my 2¢.  Shop first for speed, it's both the thing that
Josiah> costs and the thing that will make your computer last IMHO.  I
Josiah> paid the Windows tax and the spinning ferrous disk tax and got
Josiah> an ASUS X540L for ~$350.  If I did it again I'd get a better
Josiah> screen, it's fairly low resolution.

For me, a laptop is more about mobility, longevity and connectivity, so
light-weight, a good display, a usable keyboard, good wifi drivers and
battery life are prime features.  With a network connection, I can ssh
to a "real" CPU to do computation.

I actually type on a Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015) more than anything
else, about $300.


-- 
Russell Senior, President
russ...@personaltelco.net
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Joe Shisei Niski]

On 11/12/2016 10:06 PM, John Jason Jordan wrote:
> On Sat, 12 Nov 2016 21:41:38 -0800
> Tony Schlemmer  dijo:
>
>> I recently ordered a Kudu laptop from System76.com. It has 16GB of
>> memory, a 512 GB PCle M.2 SSD, and a lighted keyboard too. But you said
>> you did not was a huge laptop and the Kudu is 17".
> I can recommend System76. I also have one of their 17" laptops and it
> has been quite rugged and extremely configurable. Since they ship their
> laptops with Ubuntu you can be assured that all the vital functions are
> supported. I might also add that I had a warranty issue that required
> shipping the computer to them. They paid for shipping both ways and
> were very quick with excellent communication.
>
> I haven't looked at their offerings lately to see if they have smaller
> laptops, but if they do I would have no qualms about recommending them.
> And best of all, you don't have to pay the 'Microsoft tax,' since their
> computers don't come with Windows.
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

I second the System 76 recommendation. I have a 15" Gazelle Pro that's a 
few years old. I shopped around a lot, and was pleased with the base 
machine (a Clevo,  this is my 3rd) and with the options and service 
System76 provides pre- and post-sale. My wife has a System76 Starling 
netbook that's well over five years old and still happily humming along.



Joe Shisei Niski
Portland, Oregon, USA
至誠


___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Josiah Luscher]

Just my 2¢.  Shop first for speed, it's both the thing that costs and the thing 
that will make your computer last IMHO.

I paid the Windows tax and the spinning ferrous disk tax and got an ASUS X540L 
for ~$350.  If I did it again I'd get a better screen, it's fairly low 
resolution.

Good luck!

On November 11, 2016 11:46:26 PM PST, Michael Barnes  
wrote:
>I may be in the market for a new, inexpensive laptop for Linux. Nothing
>fancy, but would like something relatively current. I'm looking for
>something fairly lightweight and small, in the 10-11 inch range. I'd
>like
>to completely wipe it and install a fresh Linux distro, probably Ubuntu
>to
>start with. I know in the past, the Asus eee laptop was fairly popular.
>I
>don't really want to spend a lot on this.
>
>Thanks for any ideas,
>Michael
>___
>PLUG mailing list
>PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
>http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

-- 
Sent from my Android device with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Tom]

I use the original HP Stream 11 for $199 new (much improved now - more
RAM (2->4GB) and better screen) as general machine for kids with
Ubuntu. It has been running great for over year and half, lasts about 8
-10 hours on battery, depending what the kiddos are up to.

Much better & cheap machine than the eePCs in my opinion, no fan, OK
keyboard, light and very sturdy. Can do anything the kids want, office.
printing, graphics manipulation, plays YouTube and Netflix, it is great
at browsing The storage is big enough in combination with networked
storage/GoogleDrive/ownCloud/NFS/SMB. It is not upgradeable as far as I
know (I did not feel the need to open it).

http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/Laptops/hp-stream---11-y010nr-%28energy-s
tar%29-x7v29ua-aba

I hope that this is what you are looking for (as long as you do not
mind the blue color),
-Tomas

On Fri, 2016-11-11 at 23:46 -0800, Michael Barnes wrote:
> I may be in the market for a new, inexpensive laptop for Linux.
> Nothing
> fancy, but would like something relatively current. I'm looking for
> something fairly lightweight and small, in the 10-11 inch range. I'd
> like
> to completely wipe it and install a fresh Linux distro, probably
> Ubuntu to
> start with. I know in the past, the Asus eee laptop was fairly
> popular. I
> don't really want to spend a lot on this.
> 
> Thanks for any ideas,
> Michael
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Daniel Bolduc]

For an inexpensive laptop in the size you requested, I highly recommend a
Thinkpad x230, or x220 if you want to save more money. They are available
all over eBay and craigslist, have extremely well documented Linux support,
use standard drives, have tons of ports (including Ethernet), and are about
3 pounds. The x230 has usb 3, not sure about the x220. Both models also
have multiple battery sizes available and you can slot them in as needed.
Honestly other than graphics there's not a lot different about an x230 than
a newer laptop performance wise - the newer Intel chips give you better
battery life but the benchmarks are still competitive on these laptops
especially with the i7 model. RAM can be upgraded to 16gb I believe, and it
uses a standard 2.5 drive so you can get whatever SSD capacity you want.

I replaced the display panel on mine and it took me about five minutes,
which coming from the apple universe really sold me on them.

If you decide to get one, do yourself a favor and get one with an IPS
display, or buy it afterwards for $60. It makes a massive difference.

On Nov 11, 2016 11:49 PM, "Michael Barnes"  wrote:

> I may be in the market for a new, inexpensive laptop for Linux. Nothing
> fancy, but would like something relatively current. I'm looking for
> something fairly lightweight and small, in the 10-11 inch range. I'd like
> to completely wipe it and install a fresh Linux distro, probably Ubuntu to
> start with. I know in the past, the Asus eee laptop was fairly popular. I
> don't really want to spend a lot on this.
>
> Thanks for any ideas,
> Michael
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
>
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[John Jason Jordan]

On Sat, 12 Nov 2016 21:41:38 -0800
Tony Schlemmer  dijo:

>I recently ordered a Kudu laptop from System76.com. It has 16GB of
>memory, a 512 GB PCle M.2 SSD, and a lighted keyboard too. But you said
>you did not was a huge laptop and the Kudu is 17".

I can recommend System76. I also have one of their 17" laptops and it
has been quite rugged and extremely configurable. Since they ship their
laptops with Ubuntu you can be assured that all the vital functions are
supported. I might also add that I had a warranty issue that required
shipping the computer to them. They paid for shipping both ways and
were very quick with excellent communication.

I haven't looked at their offerings lately to see if they have smaller
laptops, but if they do I would have no qualms about recommending them.
And best of all, you don't have to pay the 'Microsoft tax,' since their
computers don't come with Windows.
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Tony Schlemmer]

I recently ordered a Kudu laptop from System76.com. It has 16GB of
memory, a 512 GB PCle M.2 SSD, and a lighted keyboard too. But you said
you did not was a huge laptop and the Kudu is 17".

Tony

On Fri, 2016-11-11 at 23:46 -0800, Michael Barnes wrote:
> I may be in the market for a new, inexpensive laptop for Linux.
> Nothing
> fancy, but would like relatively current. I'm looking for
> something fairly lightweight and small, in the 10-11 inch range. I'd
> like
> to completely wipe it and install a fresh Linux distro, probably
> Ubuntu to
> start with. I know in the past, the Asus eee laptop was fairly
> popular. I
> don't really want to spend a lot on this.
> 
> Thanks for any ideas,
> Michael
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[King Beowulf]

On 11/11/2016 11:46 PM, Michael Barnes wrote:
> I may be in the market for a new, inexpensive laptop for Linux. Nothing
> fancy, but would like something relatively current. I'm looking for
> something fairly lightweight and small, in the 10-11 inch range. I'd like
> to completely wipe it and install a fresh Linux distro, probably Ubuntu to
> start with. I know in the past, the Asus eee laptop was fairly popular. I
> don't really want to spend a lot on this.
> 
> Thanks for any ideas,
> Michael

I've had good luck with Dell and ASUS and MSI, although MSI tends to be
a bit flimsy.  Most hardware these days are well supported but there are
still the occasional wifi, bluetooth and power management issue (mostly
suspend/resume).  You do need to check to see how easy the cases are to
open for upgrades.

There are good reviews on: Dell XPS 13

If you are not tied to a particular brand, you should check out
https://system76.com/laptops
http://zareason.com/shop/Laptops/

I currently run Slackware on Dell Latitude E7440, Asus X200CA, and older
MSI U123 atom netbook (all with SSD drives!).

Have fun!

-Ed
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Vedanta Teacher]

Beware that some new laptops are 'sealed' e.g. you can't
open them with a screwdriver. I have an ASUS lap top wherein
you have to pry open the corner with a screwdriver and slide a credit
card or something around the perimeter 'breaking the plastic clips loose';
sometimes the clips break off.

I wanted to add RAM but it was soldered in place and could not be upgraded.

The battery was also sealed inside the case so you couldn't pop it out.

If you think you'll ever need to upgrade RAM, hard drive, etc. I'd go to
your
favorite store and physically handle the item in question.

Also note that some manufactures 'lock out' the BIOS.
Quick web searches on particular models might save some grief.

Blessings,
Paul W.

On Fri, Nov 11, 2016 at 11:46 PM, Michael Barnes 
wrote:

> I may be in the market for a new, inexpensive laptop for Linux. Nothing
> fancy, but would like something relatively current. I'm looking for
> something fairly lightweight and small, in the 10-11 inch range. I'd like
> to completely wipe it and install a fresh Linux distro, probably Ubuntu to
> start with. I know in the past, the Asus eee laptop was fairly popular. I
> don't really want to spend a lot on this.
>
> Thanks for any ideas,
> Michael
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
>
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Paul Mullen]

On Fri, Nov 11, 2016 at 11:46:26PM -0800, Michael Barnes wrote:
> I may be in the market for a new, inexpensive laptop for Linux.
> Nothing fancy, but would like something relatively current. I'm
> looking for something fairly lightweight and small, in the 10-11
> inch range.

Anything from the ThinkPad X series should serve you well.  They're
lightweight, compact (12.5" display), have great battery life, and run
Linux without issues.  Like most ThinkPads, they're also durable, and
easy to expand and repair (at least relative the rest of the laptop
world).

If you're willing to live with 4-5 year old technology, an X220 can be
had for $200, give or take.

  http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:X240


-- 
Paul Mullen
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

[PLUG] Linux Laptop Recommendation

[Michael Barnes]

I may be in the market for a new, inexpensive laptop for Linux. Nothing
fancy, but would like something relatively current. I'm looking for
something fairly lightweight and small, in the 10-11 inch range. I'd like
to completely wipe it and install a fresh Linux distro, probably Ubuntu to
start with. I know in the past, the Asus eee laptop was fairly popular. I
don't really want to spend a lot on this.

Thanks for any ideas,
Michael
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug