[GRLUG] shopping for linux-compatible hardware

[Bob Kline]

On Tue, Aug 11, 2009 at 10:49 AM, John J. Foerch <jjfoerch at earthlink.net>wrote:

> On Sun, Aug 09, 2009 at 10:22:51PM -0400, Adam Tauno Williams wrote:
> > > > > including 3D support which, as I understand, means I should be
> looking
> > > > > for an Intel chipset.  Thoughts?
> > > > I'd go with an Nvidia card,  but an Intel GMA965/x3100 should work
> well.
> > > > <http://intellinuxgraphics.org/user.html>
> > > I'm looking at an Ubuntu system from System76 now.  Going with a
> > > prebuilt linux system will take the hassle out of checking every part
> > > for compatibility.  The video is an onboard Intel x3100... I'll
> > > doublecheck that the board has an expansion slot for an addon graphics
> > > card, should I ever need to switch.
> > > Am I thinking clearly here?  :)
> >
> > Seems reasonable to me;  looking at their prices and specs you certainly
> > couldn't build a comparable system for less [or much less, not enough to
> > be worth the hassle].
>
>
>   In the end, I decided to buy parts and build it myself.  Building a
> Intel Core 2 Duo 2.93 GHz machine on an Asus micro-ATX board with
> onboard Intel video, sound, and network.  4GB DDR2-800 Corsair memory,
> and a 640GB Western Digital hard drive.  I did a ton of research on
> the relevant chipsets, and I think I am mostly linux-safe, though I am
> taking a little bit of a risk, as compatibility information is hard to
> find, especially with new equipment.  I will be sure to post my
> experience.  I still have to buy a case and a DVDR, but I expect the
> total bill to be in the neighborhood of $500.  Wish me luck!
>


In a similar vein, has anyone had any
experience putting Linux on Acer Aspire
(5000 in my case) laptops?  I installed
Ubuntu 9.04.  The display is fuzzy.  Like
maybe the refresh rate is not right.  But
the 60Hz option seems to be the only
one available.  The 1280x800 size is correct.

Anyway,  any suggestions about what else
to adjust,  or might this be a chipset support
issue?

Here are the specs I know about:

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/acer-aspire-5000/4507-3121_7-31394073.html

   -- Bob
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