Buying a Small, Light Linux Notebook Computer?

metamatic asks: "I'm planning to buy a notebook computer in the near future. Currently I'm looking at an iBook; however, they're a bit larger and heavier than I'd like. PC users are always telling me that PCs are faster and cheaper, and I'd be happy enough running Linux for what I want the notebook for. So: I'm looking for PC notebook computers that outperform the iBook. Must have USB and Firewire, built-in ethernet, and 802.11b support somehow (via a PC card slot is OK). Small is important, lightweight is important, long battery life is important. I don't care about screen size so long as it can do 800x600. Performance isn't a major concern, as I'm not going to be playing 3D games on it. Sounds easy? Here's the catch: I will not purchase Windows!" After all that this industry has gone through in recent years? Does one still have to pay the Microsoft tax when purchasing a laptop?

"I have no Windows software and will not be running any, not even via WINE. I have no desire to go through the hassle of purchasing software I'm not going to use and then fighting to get a token rebate that doesn't actually equate to the cost of a Windows license. Nor am I interested in buying a machine that was purchased with a Windows license, and simply having Windows erased with no refund given.

So far I've found iDot Computers, who will sell laptops with no OS installed. Unfortunately, their lightest, smallest offering is a hefty 2.8kg brick, 3cm bigger than the iBook in width and depth. What I really want is something comparable to a Toshiba Libretto or Sony VAIO R505--except that neither of those companies want to sell me a machine without Windows.

I'm sure plenty of Slashdot readers have faced the same problem--what's the solution?"

Comments

Re:money back

[t0ny]

1. the OEM is probably paying a bulk charge based on estimated number of machines sold: ie. they are paying MS so much for approximately 5000 machines, rather than 5031 machines. Its just easier to approximate than keep track. So, in effect, your single copy of Windows doesnt cost Dell more or less either way. What DOES cost Dell is paying some Support person to sit on the phone with some whacko who has a hair up his butt about MS. 2. Since you are getting a faster computer with Windows for less money than a slower computer without, how do you figure you are paying a Microsoft tax? If anything, you are choosing to pay an Apple/Linux tax. 3. If you arent going to use the Windows license, just sell it on eBay. Or send it to me: just make sure you get XP Pro.

Re:Obligatory Powerbook answer

[IamTheRealMike]

It's been said, but not like this.

Yes it has. Lots of times.

Look, what you really want is a PowerBook. You know it, everyone here knows it. You just won't admit it.

What the hell is this, Freud? He has presumably evaluated the options, and decided he wanted a PC laptop without paying for Windows. Those were the requirements. Why are people having such a hard time dealing with this? You can tell there aren't many salespeople on this site, second guessing the customer is a quick way to lose sales.

So let's compare features. The Apple certainly has no potential whatsoever of running Microsoft Windows except through some complete emulation/virtualization software. Score one for Apple.

WTF? A lack of an option is a feature? Only a true Apple shill would claim that.

The Apple comes with an actual GUI far superior to Microsoft Windows (not even a contest) and much more polished than your typical UNIX GUI.

Evidence please. Quite a few Mac users aren't so impressed.

Want more? Well, your Mac is actually capable of running Microsoft Office should you later find yourself in a bind and be REQUIRED to deal with it to put food on the table.

Except that it's not Office. If you already own a copy (quite likely), you might as well just use it, and get perfect compatability. On the other hand, he already said quite clearly he didn't need any Windows software, which presumably includes Office. Piracy can be done on any OS btw, at least on Linux you don't actually need to.

That means that you can create "lickable" GUIs using the X Window System.

This has got to be a troll. It lets you do what you have been able to do on every other OS for years, namely display X apps. It doesn't alter their appearance.

And on top of all of that...... *snip*

Why should he care about any of that? Oh, and that's a nice hidden font preview you've got there.

And you're not supporting a company that supports Microsoft. In fact, you are supporting a company that actually competes with Microsoft (on some small level).

This is definately a troll. Apple "competing" with Microsoft is an interesting parlour game, but no more. You were advertising the virtues of IE and Office earlier.

What is it around here? Do people get commission on every Mac sold or something?

Re:they're smaller

[Anonymous Coward]

much more best-of-class software than any of the Windows or Linux machines: iPhotos, iMovies, iTunes, iCal, iSync, iChat, and so on.


And iButtplug?

I am sorry. This is Slashdot. Quit fucking regurgitating Apple marketing shit here. We don't put up with it from Microsoft Zealots, and we don't need it from people who advocate closed source Hardware products either.