After a major bout with a Windows virus, we're equipping some of our network operations teams with new equipment. I've basically got a green light to buy a non-windows system. The options are Mac and Linux, with the only caveat being that we need to be able to support running VMWare Workstation and be beefy enough to run a Windows VM for things that won't transport, such as vSphere and some other specific Windows only tools. Mac is the easy answer, but I've been using ubuntu for a while and was curious what people's experience has been with high end laptops in a corporate environment running Ubuntu.
High-End Ubuntu Laptop
Archived thread 2131625 from Ubuntu, Linux and OS Chat. Markdown source: Ubuntu,_Linux_and_OS_Chat/thread_2131625_High-End_Ubuntu_Laptop.md
you woul dneed to have somethign preloaded such as dells XPS developer editionor something from system 76 or nearest Ubuntu coputer's dealer.
another option is a stock mashcine that others found it to be fully compatible.
Good info on compatible computers here:
http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/
A tip:
Personally, I use ThinkPads. Lenovo is a very Linux friendly, and is an OEM Ubuntu partner.
We use lots of Lenovo computers at work, so I have been looking that way. Also, would love to have a good docking station solution supporting multiple external monitors, which Mac seems to lack for their notebooks.
plenty of Lenovo's are compatible with Ubuntu. but some are not. perhaps a view at ubuntu certification could give a clue. http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/
though when i was looking for a netbook it turned out the list has mostly older models that were not sold anymore. but perhaps the situaiton is different in notebook area.
i actually wanted lenovo netbook, but HP had better batery so in the end i went with it. eventhough lenovo was built better. both were fully compatible with linux.
I've been happy with system76. Haven't had any problems with them yet. Probably go with them for my next build too.
knowledgequest said: We use lots of Lenovo computers at work, so I have been looking that way. Also, would love to have a good docking station solution supporting multiple external monitors, which Mac seems to lack for their notebooks.
I would look at Thinkpad T, X & W series as well as MacBook Pros.
Preferably one's with decent resolution panels.
mastablasta said: you woul dneed to have somethign preloaded such as dells XPS developer editionor something from system 76 or nearest Ubuntu coputer's dealer.
another option is a stock mashcine that others found it to be fully compatible.
why?
because often notebooks do not work with linux as intended. features misisng, driver problems etc.
btw what about Chrome Pixel or what is it called?
Doing a google though and finding out which laptops FULLY support ubuntu is not hard... and gives you a massive range of choice.
While I haven't tried one, if I had the need today I would probably buy a Dell XPS Developer Edition with Ubuntu 12.04 pre-installed and tweaked for the hardware (mentioned above already): http://www.dell.com/us/soho/p/xps-13-linux/pd
I am a total Chrome OS fanboy and I will tell you that while the Pixel is an amazing computer it is probably not a good system to target unless you are sold on the Google online platform and are sure that it will meet all your business needs. I personally believe the Cloud is going to be the way things get done in the corporate world in the future but it is still very much in its infancy.
I'm not generally a fan of OS X, but MacBooks are worth a look for sure if you are expense accounting them. Especially if showing flashy hardware will potentially influence clients in your favor. I think the suggestion of checking out the ThinkPads is a very good idea. Lenovo builds excellent workplace computers and there is a very helpful forum that you can turn to with questions, though I find that there aren't to many Linux experts there.
What about Asus ?? Is Asus ubuntu friendly ???
I hear its no 3 after Lenovo ...
arunb said: What about Asus ??
I hear its no 3 after Lenovo ...
Yes Asus also makes well built laptops, I forgot about that one. Some models also have dual HDD bays so you can have a SSD for OS and big HDD for storage.
mJayk said: Doing a google though and finding out which laptops FULLY support ubuntu is not hard... and gives you a massive range of choice.
that's true.
however it might not help much.
i went to a tech mall in Asia once. was expecting older models, but they had mostly new stuff. and plenty of it. took some price list home with me and went to google the models (looking for netbook or small highly portable ).
most models didn't fully work. some worked partially, some worked with workarrounds but not with all features, some were fully supported but had crappy battery, some worked, but had battery drain or were overheating in linux or had fans runnign wild all the time, some worked but had RAM soldered to MB and could not be upgraded, some were even Ubuntu preloaded (Dell) but had poor batery time and were heavy, some were expencive due to the brand name (i guess). most came with no OS preinstalled. becuase when you bought it they would install the OS (if you wanted it).
in the end it all came down to only two models. spent a lot of time searching and reading reviews. both models did not have USB 3.0. One had a poor battery but good build, was a bit heavier. the other one came windows 7 starter preinstalled, was light and thin (build is not so good), extra strong battery, ram upgradable to 8 GB. and it's the one i took. i am happy with it. but it came with win7 and it took me a long time to find it. so now i am using the windows on it. i plan to add Kubuntu 64bit to it and go for max ram. starter is way too limiting and doesn't even belong on this thing (home version would be better). but i think it might be usefull to me as i still have certain programmes that need windows and XP's life is running out.
and while searching (and spending too much time on that) i found that ubuntu certified list is crappy as it mostly had older models that were not sold anymore. so i had to rely on personal opinions and report from users of various forums.
dodo3773 said: I've been happy with system76. Haven't had any problems with them yet. Probably go with them for my next build too.
I'd suggest that you also take a look at ZaReason, whose URL is:
https://zareason.com/shop/home.php
Their business philosophy strikes me as admirable, and I've heard only good things about their machines.
I'd suggest that you also take a look at ZaReason, whose URL is:
Just did a quick scan of their products.... that is truly awesome! I neaver heard of them before, thanks so much for posting.
kungfupete said: Just did a quick scan of their products.... that is truly awesome! I neaver heard of them before, thanks so much for posting.
+1
knowledgequest said: We use lots of Lenovo [..]
Just btw., there are a lot of i3 and i5 (Ivy Bridge!) laptops and *ultrabooks* on the market atm., which aren't astronomical in cost (any longer!..:)); and not just Lenovo. For example:
[*]Toshiba Satellite C875-S7132NR
^ Just to list a few.
- Toshiba Satellite C855-2G8
- ASUS ZENBOOK UX21A
- ASUS ZENBOOK UX21E
- ASUS ZENBOOK UX31E
- HP Pavilion Sleekbook 15-b000sm (C6K10EA)
=)
PS. Only models with Intel HD 4000 graphics should be considered, really; especially seeing how Haswell will come out soon.
The Dell XPS 13 https://www.dell.com/uk/business/p/xps-13-linux/pd?refid=xps-13-linux seems to have a good review via The Register (UK) http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/04/11/dell_sputnik_review/ although as always one or two thinks could be better.