On Sun, 2011-01-16 at 20:25 +0000, Tyler J. Wagner wrote: > 1. When reporting hardware needing replacing, just don't tell support > you installed Linux. "Uh, yeah, I click on properties and ran the > Windows test tool. Nope, it says nothing wrong." "Yes, I restarted > Windows. Nope, problem is still there." I've done this many times for > laptop screens with dark areas, and once with a fan that wasn't properly > balanced (made a lot of noise).
If it comes Ubuntu pre-installed - no problem. It takes a while to get through to a techie that knows Ubuntu, but after that, just fine. I had the webcam in my NetBook fail a few weeks ago. Dell were just great once I got the right Indian. > 2. You may need to replace the PCI/PCI-X wifi card, especially if it's > f&%*ing Broadcom. A perfectly capable Intel wifi card can be had for £10 > on eBay, and you'll be happier with it. Not at all. Dell support the Broadcom cards with a proprietary driver. You just need to have an Ethernet cable plugged in to get it. Of course, if pre-installed, the driver is already there. > 4. It's hard to find no OS or Ubuntu pre-loaded. Yes, you may have to > take the copy of Windows that comes with it, but I doubt you'll find a > _laptop_ that's cheaper without Windows, whatever you think of the > retail price of the OS. You can always get the install disc and load it > as a VM in Virtualbox. As I said, Dell supply the Inspiron 15R pre-loaded with Ubuntu. And you aren't expected to pay for a licence for an OS you'll never use. In the UK, ElpaTech http://www.elpatech.co.uk/ offer a range of PC's pre-installed with Ubuntu and the prices are really good. Unfortunately they don't sell laptops, but I think the proprietor, Ed Barnard might help you source one. He's an Ubuntumaniac. Ed - are you out there? Help. Regards, Barry Drake. -- What do you see when you use your Computer? Same old thing? ...There IS a Better Way! Ubuntu! -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
