> -----Original Message-----
> From: tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org [mailto:tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org]On Behalf Of Bruce Broecker
> Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 8:25 AM
> To: TCLUG List
> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] laptops for GNU/Linux
>
>
> I see your disagreement and raise you 'evidence'.
>
> I've got both an HP zv6000 and a dv9000 (I, too, like the dual hard
> drives and full keyboard) and have been able to get wireless working on
> both using the new kernel modules and NOT ndiswrapper. It is not as
> simple as plug and play, but SuSE provides scripts to download and
> install the correct firmware for the Broadcom chipsets. I simply plug it
> into a wired connection, run the scripts to get the firmware, and the
> system takes it from there.
>
> Bruce

I don't see relevant "evidence" at all.  DIY feasibility was not the topic.  Enjoy your bad internal physical design and poor
support and enjoy that it works some of the time.  I got mine to work some of the time also (with help from some TCLUG folk), and
when working it was fine.  However, I got really tired of the hardware failure problems and the not poor but really BAD HP support.
Transient success is hardly "evidence" against the issues I raised, and a really poor basis to recommend buying, IMHO.


Chuck

>
-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Cole [mailto:cncole at earthlink.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 11:21 PM
To: TCLUG List
Cc: Mike Miller
Subject: RE: [tclug-list] laptops for GNU/Linux




> -----Original Message-----
> From: tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org [mailto:tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org]On Behalf Of auditodd at comcast.net
> Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:49 PM
> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] laptops for GNU/Linux
>
>
> I guess I have to disagree just a little.  :-)

I'd strongly disagree with choosing an HP.  I was a fan, and had other HP stuff that was good.  I bought a top-of-the-line laptop.
HP invented the IrDA interface, but US models did not have the external window and IR devices even though the mobo controller chip
was there.  Same model sold in Europe had complete IrDA.  HP did not support Linux at all then, but had a program in France that
did.  I was eventually able to get some drivers from them.  The modem was a Winmodem, so the driver issue for that was extra hard.
The unit was not actually specified for "road warrior handling" (vibration, minor shock, etc) as the Dell Latitude series is (and
Dell has IrDA).  The CPU had ball-bond intermittent failures causing freezes.  Replaced the motherboard and it happened again.
Warranty ran 3 years and was non-renewable and HP gives NO HELP if not under warranty.  Dell has lifetime tech support (and
renewable warranty) in the Latitude series, so a lease return is a great buy.  Was able to get Linux to run most stuff, but it was a
pain and standard support was NO HELP.

I'd never buy another HP computer...  certainly not a laptop: weak or no specs, bad construction, terrible support, etc.

I am not paid by HP at all.  Based upon my direct technical experience, and that of an authorized repair center.

Chuck


>
> I have an HP dv9010us.
> Quite the beast of a laptop, but I like being able to run dual hard drives, the widescreen, and the number pad on the
> right. (Yes, this is a wide laptop.)
> The internal wireless does NOT work with Linux.
> There are all sorts of sites outlining how to make it work...
> Bah!
> Easier to just plug an Edimax EW7318 into one of the 4 USB ports.
> Otherwise, everything else "just works" with Ubuntu v8.10 amd64 version.
> --
> ==========
> Todd Young
>
>  -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: Jeff Nelson <stutterstutt at comcast.net>
> > Mike Miller wrote:
> > > To the list -- What are your experiences with GNU/Linux laptops in hotels,
> > > airports and coffee shops?
> >
> > I've been told that laptops build around Intel chipsets tend to work
> > better with GNU/Linux than others because they have better support in
> > the Open Source arena. Of course, things change and YMMV. The key factor
> > is whether or not your favorite distro supports the chipset used for
> > wireless networking.
> >
> > I've worked and traveled with two different HP business-class laptops
> > (hp Compaq nc6000 and hp Compaq nc6320). I use Ubuntu (Intrepid) and the
> > Gnome desktop. gnome-network-manager handles switching from wired to
> > wireless (and vice versa) and will automatically connect to a wireless
> > network I've been on before.
> >
> > Based on my personal experience with them, I recommend taking a look at
> > HP business laptops; they just work for me with little fuss. Refurbished
> > HP business laptops are an especially good value.
> >
> > -Jeff
> >
> > P.S. Disclaimers: I work for HP. I am speaking for myself, not HP. My
> > comments are based on my own personal experience.
> >