Re: a question regarding which laptop for around $1000 that I might install Ubuntu on?

On 09/01/2018 03:51 PM, Steve Litt wrote:
> On Fri, 31 Aug 2018 10:55:00 -0700
> Ray Steding <[email protected]> wrote:
> I hypothesize the most likely differentiation between the machines is
> that the desktop mounts / (and therefore /usr/bin and /usr/local/bin
> and /opt) on an SSD, whereas the laptop mounts everything on a 5400 RPM
> spinning disk. When my laptop's warranty runs out, I might swap in an
> SSD to test that hypothesis.

Sounds like a good plan.

Going back to the original question: of the components, the CPU is the hardest to swap out. After checking to make sure the RAM and storage aren't
soldered on, which you can usually figure out from a service manual, you should consider buying something with the right CPU and putting in your own
purchase for those two items. It may be easier to get something for < $1k that way. You'll want to invest in an anti-static setup if you do that; that
should cost $50 or less (or avail yourself of any local hacker space.)

It's also helpful to preserve the original windows install for things like BIOS updates as many manufacturers don't give you any other option. You can
also more easily return the computer if you can't get a working Ubuntu install.

Personally I suspect you'll have better luck with drivers for laptops targeted to businesses rather than the typical consumer. Lenovo, HP, Dell all
have business lines. Some of them even allow you to buy without Windows pre-installed and give you a discount for it.

--Sarah