Best Linux notebook!

I want to get a notebook that can boot Linux, preferably a Debian-based distro like Ubuntu.

In my case, not being able to use Linux would defeat the purpose of having a notebook in the first place.

I will only buy a notebook if it will allow me to use Linux, preferably without much trouble and using as much onboard functionality as possible (by that I mean Wi-Fi, card reader, etc.)

I tried many brands & models and I noticed, for example, that all notebooks using ATI Radeon graphics cards failed to load properly – graphics at least. (The only distro in my arsenal that loaded flawlessly on every single notebook was Dreamlinux 2.2 - http://www.dreamlinux.com.br/english/index.html).

I found Dell notebooks most practical, however I want to move beyond the “Intel 950”, which is a bit pathetic in terms of graphical options.

Can anyone provide some information on the ATI driver issue?

Perhaps some feedback on Dell Inspiron 6400, or Dell Latitude D620 or D820?

…or any other brand & model worth considering.

 

What issues were you having with the ATI cards? My Acer (8204) has an ATI x1600 card and seems to work flawlessly with Ubuntu, at least that's what I've run on it so far, I've yet to spend the time to actually partition and format and really install it (just run it from CD) but so far no issues.

 

I have a Compal (see my sig) that runs Ubuntu flawlessly, native wireless support, bluetooth, and graphics acceleration. I've even got Beryl running on it. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a good Linux notebook, especially as Powernotebooks will ship it without Windows if you want.

 

I've run into trouble with the m200 ATI card. Based on that I'd be more partial to Nvidia cards. That said if you are not gaming I've had aiglx and compiz running on the Intel cards without much problem.

I've just been searching the Ubuntu forums with the gpu brand and number to see what problems do or don't turn up.

 

Yea it seems that half dedicated half integrated cards like the Nvidia 6120 series, intel 1100 and ATI m200 series all have... difficultys shall we say

 

i havent dual booted yet, but i have an ati x1400, and it seems to run fine when i use ubuntu on vmplayer, but when i use the live cd, it uses 800x600 (or mayb a resolution a little bit higher), but nothing close to what i can run on windows (1600x1050..or something close to that). do i have to download drivers? or will i be stuck with that?

 

It uses 1024x768 res. You have to install the fglrx drivers to get 3d acceleration and proper resolution.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/ATI follow these instructions to install it.

 

No that is definitely not the resolution the Ubuntu is supposed to work at So like lysander said you need the drivers, follow the instructions he provided and everything should be fine.