Member Avatar for mattb0611

Hi everyone,

After 3 loyal years, I think it's about time to replace my current laptop with a new one. The problem is, there are so many more options around since last time I researched a laptop, I'm not quite as sure where to find the best deal.

I'm not going to be running Windows on this machine--it will get Gentoo as soon as I have the chance to run the installation. Therefore, bundled software packages mean nothing, and if I can eliminate them to save money, so much the better.

Additionally, I want an Nvidia graphics card. Those of you with an ATI card running Linux know why: ATI sucks in Linux.

I don't care about processor speed, but I'd like something modern that will last me another 3+ years easily. I'd also like at least 1GB of RAM. Battery life is paramount, followed by screen size, resolution, and quality. I won't be running games on this machine, so I don't need a powerful graphics adapter.

I don't care about weight, dimensions, or anything like that.

Suggestions?

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Dani AI

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Brief, practical guide for based on the priorities you listed (Gentoo install, Nvidia preference, battery life top priority, >=1GB RAM, no gaming).

Pick hardware with good upstream kernel support and easy serviceability. Historically that matters more than brand buzz: modular Wi‑Fi that uses Intel/Atheros chips, a mainstream GPU supported by the vendor driver, a user‑replaceable battery, and easy access to the RAM/HDD make life much simpler when compiling kernels and chasing firmware. If maximum battery life is the goal and heavy 3D is not required, integrated Intel graphics usually give far better power behavior than discrete cards; if an Nvidia GPU is nonnegotiable, verify the exact GPU model is supported by the current Nvidia Linux driver before buying.

Simple pre‑purchase checklist and tests to run from a Live CD/USB (do these in store or immediately after delivery):

lspci -nnk        # shows device IDs and kernel modules
lsusb             # lists USB devices
dmesg | grep -i firmware
iwconfig          # check wireless interface
suspend/resume test from the Live environment

Look for firmware errors in dmesg, confirm Wi‑Fi scans/associates, and test suspend/resume + brightness keys.

Practical tweaks and cautions: plan for 2GB or more if budget allows (Gentoo compiles and modern browsers benefit), keep kernel headers and matching toolchain handy for the Nvidia binary driver, and use powertop / laptop‑mode tools / cpufreq to squeeze runtime. Vendor bundles can be removed; focus on hardware compatibility rather than bundled software. As noted by and , vendor/model differences and Wi‑Fi chipset choice matter — verify the components above rather than relying on brand reputation alone.

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Member Avatar for John A

Have you looked into Sony? The Vaios seem to have fairly high-end laptops with decent reliability.

This one from NewEgg looks particularly promising.

[edit] Only problem is all that software they throw in :P

Member Avatar for Sturm

I just got a dv6000t laptop from HP and am running debian. Its pretty good at gaming. Make sure that on any laptop you get it has a 3945 intel wireless card. There linux friendly. Or how bout a intel mac book pro? They look pretty cool
and my friend has one and likes it.

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