Laptop For Running Fedora 5

[Gumballl]

I'm looking to buy an inexpensive laptop (for about $500 or less) that can run Fedora 5.

I've seen some commercially available laptops that run Linspire that fit my budget. Do any of you think that it would be possible to rebuild this system with Fedora 5?

My main concern is the availability of device drivers for all of the laptop's functions (i.e. wi-fi, touch-pad mouse, sound, video, etc).

BTW, for those of you who are not familiar with Linspire (previously known as Lindows), it is based on Debian linux. Read here for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linspire

[slackula]

Remember that any version of Fedora should always be considered a beta release as it is a development platform.

The single best way to test a laptop's Linux usability is to download and burn a live cd (like Knoppix etc) and boot from it in the shop before you hand over any money.

Also, get the specs and google them for any Linux driver problems.

I have installed various distros (Slackware, Fedora 3, Redhat 9) on Compac, IBM and an Acer notebooks. The IBM was absolutely the easiest, including wifi, 3d graphics and the trackpoint/scrollpad. Next easiest was the Compac and finally the Acer. I avoid anything with Radeon graphics cards like the plague, they can be configured but it is more trouble that it is worth imho.

http://tuxmobil.org/mylaptops.html

[Richard-BKK]

Hello Gumballl

If you looking for a notebook to run Linux and you worrier that you maybe getting into driver problems, you probably want to look at Acer notebooks (http://www.acer.co.th) as Acer has notebooks models which are running a Linux version very similar to Fedora/Redhat so drivers in RPM format are not problem and are very likely to work also with Fedora Core 5 (worked with a Acer Aspire 3004NWLMi http://www.acer.co.th/product/travelmate/a...0_/index_p.htm)

Richard

[Gumballl]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I bought a Dell Inspiron E1505 with the intent of installing FC5 onto it. Had trouble searching the web for an easy install of a driver for the ATI Radeon 1300 video chip set. Thus, I gave up on it, and installed WinXP onto this system.

Once I was happy with the WinXP install on the Dell, I blew away the WinXP on my 2-year old Compaq Presario X1030 with an install of FC5. Everything went smooth. All I had to do after the initial OS install was to download the appropriate s/w to permit the viewing of DVDs and to control the volume using the multimedia buttons.

My X1030 has the following specs:

1.4 GHz Pentium M

ATI Radeon 9200

60GB HD

512 MB RAM

Intel Centrino Wi-Fi chip set

I was surprised that FC5 had a driver for all of this hardware, minus the stuff needed to control the multimedia buttons as discussed before. Even the Wi-Fi works!