E16 or X16 HD Pro (for Ubuntu 9.10)

[SteveH1UK]

Hi

After not using Linux for about 5 years I am considering getting a Linux laptop and in the search stumbled on Novatech.

From this forum it seems that either the E16 and (hopefully) the X16 can be used to get a linux laptop (I fancy Ubuntu 9.10). I will do this for both some Java development, open office and web browsing.

I require the following:
1.) Use of dual screens (I have a 23" wide screen monitor)
2.) Wireless connection to my home router/modem
3.) Working sound card

Are both of these OK for this purpose

Also do I need Windows on my PC to use wine?

Any recommendations on which laptop to get (assuming I can fund the more expensive one). I will use Eclipse Java IDE, an application server (WebLogic or tomcat) and Oracle XA

Regards
Steve

[mrgoose]

Well, first up, the penguins have marched a heck of a long way in the last five years. Some of today's distro's are superb. Not tried the dual screen thing. But I think that everything else you need works on the *16's, albeit with a bit of tweaking.

I use an X16 Pro - in fact I'm using it right now. I also bought an E16 for my mum. Both machines run Ubuntu 9.10 64-bit very well indeed. Very stable & very long uptimes, in my case typically more than two weeks. I also develop stuff (Moodle, PHP etc) and I tend to have tonnes of stuff open at any one time. So rebooting every few days (as per Windoze) is a pain in the butt because it takes me several hours to set out my workspace again. OK it shouldn't but I'm a cyber-slob! lol! :-)

No you don't need Windows to run WINE. Wine is a compatibility layer that provides an open source version of the Windows API - well almost. It's not perfect. There is a commercial version written by Codeweavers (part of the WINE team) called CrossoverLinux, which is much more easily managed. But it still has a limitations. Here's a brief run-down of the Windows apps I've got working so far...
http://www.garfnet.org.uk/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=58

That said, I very infrequently need to resort to Windows apps at all these days. Once you start running with the penguins you soon discover how much more you can do with Linux than with Windows and you'll probably find that Crossover is more of a comfort blanket than anything else. FWIW I defected nearly three years ago and frankly I never regretted it for a second...
http://www.garfnet.org.uk/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=58

WRT setting up Ubuntu on the *16 series, the soundcard works out of the box. The wireless (and the webcam) need a kernel module. It's not difficult - especially if you already have some Linux experience. And once it's done, it works really well. You might find the links in this post helpful...
http://forum.novatech.co.uk/showpost.php?p=215057&postcount=3

I must get round to putting it all in one place sometime. Meantime, please let us know what you decide to do and how it works out for you.

HTH, best wishes, G

[SteveH1UK]

Thanks for the info. I assume you are happy with novatech as a provider for laptops that you can install linux on (I am a bit surprised that that it is not easier to find new laptops that are suitable to install linux on and without having to pay for a windows license I do not need - I could use the family PC for that)

I have do a google search on dual monitors and this seems something that lots of people do

Thanks again

[mrgoose]

Well Steve, I won't bore you with the details here. Suffice it to say I am severely displeased with the dubious and probably unlawful manner in which many suppliers behave with regard to the Windows Tax and I am preparing a formal complaint to the Office of Fair Trading and the European Commission for Competition...
http://www.garfnet.org.uk/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=74&Itemid=331

I have to say that compared with the rest of the rabble, Novatech do seem pretty good in that respect. I live not far from the Portsmouth branch. I was able to go into the store and load up a copy of Ubuntu on a Live CD and see it for myself - which I thought was actually quite helpful.

Best wishes, G.

[candtalan]

I live not far from the Portsmouth branch. I was able to go into the store and load up a copy of Ubuntu on a Live CD and see it for myself - which I thought was actually quite helpful.

I trust that they have passed that wisdom onto the Reading branch. When I last enquired there a couple of years ago, I got a friendly polite no sorry cannot do that. I have not been back there since and it has almost certainly lost them 3 sales of laptops for (elderly) friends where I needed to be certain that things would work for Ubuntu.

If they do not trust my very honest face :-) they can easily keep a couple of standard tested Ubuntu CDs in the shop......

Even Currys Digital let me boot with a live USB stick before buying a camera!

[SteveH1UK]

Since mrgoose has got both of the laptops working with Ubuntu then I do not have to worry if my local branch (Cardiff) are as grumpy as those in Reading. What do you do for Linux laptops?

[candtalan]

The three purchases were referred to Linux Emporium, where I could be quite sure that the machines would be working with Ubuntu. All three led to actual purchases. Incidentally, the vendor did very well, the experiences were very good. However, these would have been from Novatech if I could have guaranteed full functionality before purchase and I would have done the installing and configuring myself.

[SteveH1UK]

Good news (for me). My wify agreed that I can get a X16 HD Pro :) I was going to get it from the Cardiff branch

Any final tips for buying from Novatech and installing Ubuntu 9.1 (I have it on a USB stick)

[mrgoose]

Hmm, its probably easier to install from the CD ROM.But if you do manage to install via the USB stick then please let us know how you got on.

Best wishes, G.

[SteveH1UK]

Hi mrgoose
I just ordered a x16 pro to collect from Cardiff store (but no payment). However on the Novatech laptop forum Novatech say that they will have a newer model in three weeks.
My question is should I wait?
pro = higher spec machine
negative = your instructions may no longer work!

[IainK]

these will probably got on sale just before/during/after the new releases

[Ammok]

I think you'll like ubuntu 9.10 Steve, it is much better imo than 9.4 which i had some trouble with. Of course,that could have just been me being a noob. But 9.10 is more noob friendly in my experience.

[SteveH1UK]

I reckon I wiil like ubuntu 9.10 too, but should I wait for new model with risk? of it nnot fully working with ubuntu?

[Ammok]

Got to go for the new one, i would. Then if it gets sticky with ubuntu, post back and get some help, hopefully you won't have too. I had issues with my stuff, but with the kind assistance of the folk here have now got everything running the way i want it. :)

[SteveH1UK]

OK I have cancelled my order.

I will sign up for Novatech newsletter to know when the new lappy is ready

[mrgoose]

Sorry Steve, I missed your earlier post. Yes I suspect my instructions will be a bit out-of-date now you've opted for the new model. But my guess is the new model should be OK with 'Bunty anyway. Even on what is ostensibly the same model, some of the internal components may change from one batch to another. So far, Ubuntu users have worked around these differences without too much hassle.

Do let us know how you get on. And as Ammok says, if you do hit snags then I'm sure there are folks on here who will help to get them sorted. Best wishes, G.

[SteveH1UK]

re: "if you do hit snags then I'm sure there are folks on here who will help to get them sorted"

That is part of the fun, I hope ...

[naotom]

http://mou.me.uk/2009/10/31/fixing-eclipse-in-ubuntu-9-10-karmic-koala/

Something you might find useful once you get round to it ;)