MetaChat - cheap laptop for linux? dumb linux n00b questions inside . . .

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16 May 2007

cheap laptop for linux? dumb linux n00b questions inside . . . →[More:] I need a laptop with which to do some basic word processing and web programming (e.g., I'll need to install apache/mysql/php). I can't afford much above $300, but I figure I could get an older used model from, say, craiglist, and install a relatively lightweight version of linux that would suit my needs. I'm a linux n00b, however, so, I don't know what to look for in either a laptop or a distribution. Will just about any distro work with any computer? Are there pitfalls to watch out for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

post by: treepour at: 15:49 | 4 comments

In my experience, used laptops almost always need a replacement battery, so if you're going to be using it in places without access to power, try to figure that into your costs.

As for linux distros, you could try Xubuntu, the lightweight version of Ubuntu.

posted by jjb 16 May | 16:22

If you get an older Thinkpad, it'll be pretty much guaranteed to work well with whatever Linux distro you choose (I suggest OpenSUSE).

posted by cmonkey 16 May | 16:55

Cool, thanks jjb and cmonkey. I was leaning toward an old thinkpad, so I think that's what I'll look for.

posted by treepour 16 May | 18:18

I have been following some eBay auctions for Thinkpads for just this reason and have found that many good candidates are selling for around $250 or so. Good luck.

posted by terrapin 16 May | 19:02

← Sandal advice, please! || Holy crap. →

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