Note: This was originally published on Posterous.
This afternoon, UPS will be delivering my new laptop, and this time it's not a Mac. I've decided it's time to delve deeper into Linux, and how better to do that than with something Linux-only?
So, last week, after looking at Linux-based options from Dell and others, I ordered a Pangolin Performance laptop from System76 (actually, it's an early birthday present from my wife--thanks, honey!). They're a Colorado-based retailer of desktops, laptops and servers running Ubuntu Linux, and they've accumulated quite a reputation for service and for making stuff that Just Works. What more could an Apple user ask for?
The Pangolin Performance is based on the Sager NP7680, and is nicely customizable. Why buy from System76 when I could save a few bucks by buying from Sager directly? Because System76 takes the time to make sure that everything is working properly, whereas I'd have to do the usual debugging if installing Ubuntu directly on a freshly formatted drive. I'd like it to just work at the beginning. There'll be plenty of time for me to screw it up later. :-)
Anyway, here's how I configured it:
Operating System: Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) 64 Bit Linux
Display Resolution: 15.4" WSXGA+ Super Clear Glossy LCD (1680 x 1050)
Processor: Core 2 Duo P8600 2.40 GHz 1066 MHz FSB 3 MB L2 (25 Watt)
Graphics: nVidia GeForce 9300M GS 256MB DDR2
Networking: Gigabit LAN (10/100/1000), WiFi
Memory: 4 GB - DDR2 800 MHz - 2 DIMMs
Hard Drive: 320 GB 5400 RPM SATA II
Optical Drive: CD-RW / DVD-RW
Wireless: 802.11 agn
Bluetooth
Extra 6 Cell Smart Li-ION Battery
The price out the door was at least $600 less than I would pay for a comparable Mac. I could have spent even less, but I wanted something with powerful enough specs that I wouldn't have to update or replace it for quite a while.
Next post: the unboxing!