Linux on Laptops
Last 15 years i collected a lot of experience with Linux on Laptops. First i began with a Acer Notelite, which i used nearly 6 years.
The following devices will be described here:
As a very good help in detecting defect hardware, you can use this:
Laptop installation of Linux is mostly not as easy as on standard pc-hardware, so from my experience the best you can do is:
- FIRST READ ALL AVAILABLE DOCUMENTATION
- try to find out what hardware is really installed (e.g. not only sb-compatible soundchip, find out what chip it is e.g. Via 82Cxx), you can use the Ultimate Boot CD mentioned earlier
- Try to find as many installdescriptions for your hardware, on Linux-Laptop.Net as you can
- Backup up all existing data if you plan using a partitioning tool like qtparted or PartitionMagic (TM), i don't like this tools and the can erase your complete harddisk
- If you are a real newbie to linux, go and consult your local linux-guru before installing
This prevents you from most problems coming up while installing.
If you are going to buy a new laptop so please check all infos before you buy a new device. From my point i'll never buy a new device any more, they are mostly overpriced.
A 1 year old laptop from ebay will cost less than half than a new one and provides enough power for most people.
As an additional and very good ressource i found Linux-Laptop.Net.
They provide a very good source for laptop-issues and a large list of installationdescriptions.
For more info on mobile devices and Linux take a look at TuxMobil
last updated: Dec 28 2005 11:30 am