Question:
Cheap student laptop (for Linux)
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
$500 maximum.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Development and taking notes in classes. Linux is a must.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Taking it places.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Text-based or 2d games only.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I've had trouble ordering from HP and dislike their mail-in rebates. However, I can work with them if they have the best solution. (And they likely do.)
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Three hours minimum.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No, I don't mind.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
Minimum screen resolution 1024x768.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
No.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Buying now; should last 2-3 years with no issues
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
20GB will suffice. Even 10GB would do.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Any optical drive, or else USB boot support.
Also, either builtin wifi or a PCMCIA (or similar modern expansion type) slot is preferred. (I'm strong, I can use an ndiswrapper.)
Answer:
Re: Cheap student laptop (for Linux)
Well, check out the Compaq Presario V3000
try to customize it here:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...ompaq+Presario
Answer:
Re: Cheap student laptop (for Linux)
dhasenan, try Compaq Evo N600c. My friend bought it from one dude just yesterday for 13000 rubles ($480).
The configuration is P3-1Ghz/1Gb RAM/20Gb HDD/14'' matrix/2 usb/2 pcmcia/cd/dvd-rom
Battery life - about 3,5 hours (we sat at NYP watching movies, photos, etc. :) )
imho, that's great device under $500 (for in use, of course)
Wish you a great deal!
Answer:
Re: Cheap student laptop (for Linux)
Thanks, Dreamer; it seems everyone who needs a cheap laptop is going with the v3000 series these days.
bloodcarter: I've heard many, many bad things about Compaq laptops from before the merge with HP; do you know how reliable the Evo is? In point of fact, a friend of mine had a Compaq that looked identical to those, and he had to get the motherboard replaced about three times. I've heard several similar stories that inspire me with a complete lack of confidence. So will it actually last two years?
Answer:
Re: Cheap student laptop (for Linux)
The Evo is much outdated.
I would go for the Compaq V3000 series that Dreamer mentioned. It has a lot of quality for the money - sturdy construction, decent screen, and comfortable keyboard. You can see it in person at Best Buy.
Answer:
Re: Cheap student laptop (for Linux)
dhasenan, there is no guaranties, of course! :) Decide yourself!
Chaz, yeah, but it meets all dhasenan's requirements! :)