Minimalist laptop

[temljrmjrlmr at comcast.net (temljrmjrlmr)]

From: sweetser at alum.mit.edu
Cc: discuss at blu.org
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.64.0601062053240.21952 at localhost.localdomain>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

  

>> Hello Folks:
>> What types of specs in terms of speed, RAM, hardisk, cards, etc.
>     would
>> you consider the minimal requirement for a laptop that was ONLY going
>> to run Linux? I am interested in having a laptop to take to meetings
>> and demo my TV shows. I bet there is not one universal answer to this
>> question 

I have worked for 1+ yr to resolve this very question - "...what would 
be the best value in a dual boot laptop- with all of the minimal 
functionality + some basic multimedia ; capable of running (L*ux/M$ 
win32)... & dependable for the lowest price" and came up with a working 
prototype which seems to fit the bill pretty well. MPCI Modem and WIFI 
drivers were a pain - but not fatal (yet) - troubleshooting info was 
generally available in forums & newsgroups; gory details available upon 
request...
Refurbished Thinkpad T20 (or T21) P3 700 - 384Mb - runs kernel 2.6.12 
well; FedCor3 (or Debian/Knoppix); 12gb HD (I would strongly recommend 
20gb instead). I dont think USB is fully up to 2.0. Has run well > 1 yr. 
All this will run about $400 refurb (incl wifi) - or if you shop 
shrewdly and patiently - you might get away with a steal for < $350. 
Nota Bene: Get the 20gb drive, extra memory, and CDRW/DVD combo and be 
happy.

Louis Rouleau,
Email/Sys Admin