[nmglug] advice on purchasing a new laptop

[Nick Frost]

On 05/15/2013 02:20 PM, Will Pearson wrote:

> Try to get an nvidia chipset in it. ATI's graphics drivers in Linux are
> horrible. I'm uncertain how the touch screen of an ultrabook is managed
> in Linux, so I cannot help you there.

I'd recommend avoiding both;

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/linus-torvalds-nvidia-linux/

I have an Nvidia Optimus based Asus N56VZ and I wish I'd gone with a
straight Intel video chipset.  As it is I only use the Intel GPU but
cannot utilize the HDMI port as that's bound to the Nvidia GPU.
Therefore that means VGA out for the Intel GPU into an external LCD
which works but isn't optimal :-)  Those that plan to use the laptop for
gaming or 3D probably would want an Nvidia chipset...but for basic
desktop work an Intel chipset will use far less power and be simpler to
use and maintain.

"I got an Asus few months back, only too find out Nvidia Drivers support
is very bad for the graphic chip I have"

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5503047

A Lenovo Thinkpad T4xx series can be customized (depending on budget)
with an Intel 4000 series GPU.

A $700 Dell Inspiron 14Z Ultrabook has Intel Intel HD Graphics 4000 and
there are quite a few other vendors with Intel GPU laptop offerings
without the Nvidia/ATI headaches.

-N

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Nicholas S. Frost
7 Avenida Vista Grande #325
Santa Fe, NM  87508
nickf at frostitute.com
http://www.datamender.com/
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