SparkyLinux Forums

Software & hardware support => Hardware => Topic started by: kd4e on August 03, 2021, 03:49:15 AM

Title: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 03, 2021, 03:49:15 AM
What laptops have proved SparkyLinux friendly?

Looking for under $400. in the USA.

15.6" display - desktop replacement features.

e.g. HP lists Linux support for their ProBook 650 G2 https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04912074

I'll look at new, manufacturer reconditioned, and user refurbished.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 05, 2021, 11:57:31 PM
Is SparkyLinux not often used on laptops?

Or, does everyone use more expensive laptops?

Is there any reason to anticipate the HP ProBook 650 G2 not working?

Thanks
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: paxmark1 on August 09, 2021, 06:04:51 AM
No NVidia graphics and the mention of support on their website for info on it  for Ubuntu is encouraging.  I am not qualified or willing to comment on the various wifi versions, but the mention of Ubuntu being supported would lend hope, but ...   If you find success stories on web via individuals installing linux onto it,  that would be even more encouraging. 
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: Revit on August 23, 2021, 11:09:32 PM
If you can stumble across a Dell XPS should be smooth sailing. My 9360 has ran everything I've thrown at it.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 25, 2021, 03:13:42 AM
If one installed Debian Buster or Bullseye could one then install SparkyLinux from there on a HP Chromebook 14?
https://digitaloceancode.com/install-linux-on-hp-chromebook-14-step-by-step/

Or maybe directly install SparkyLinux on it using his instructions?

Thanks
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: Revit on August 25, 2021, 11:08:21 AM
There have been a lot of success using chromebooks and to use paxmark1's words...encouraging. Due diligence in research for any obstacles/issues with particular hardware compatibility should be given top priority to prevent banging your head off the desk ;D

Another often used laptop is the Thinkpads....
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 26, 2021, 12:26:53 AM
I hate to recall the many dollars and days I've wasted trying to force things to work where Linux was deliberately sabotaged in firmware. The same device with a slightly different firmware and ... brick wall.

Now, I'll only buy hardware that I can return if it doesn't work.

I'm looking at this one https://www.amazon.com/HP-Chromebook-Processor-Lightweight-14a-na0021nr/dp/B08YKGZF7P/

I just need to be sure that I can save the factory install, install SparkyLinux, then - if it doesn't work - successfully restore to factory and return.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: Revit on August 26, 2021, 01:52:03 AM
Just installed Sparky minimal on the wifes Dell touchscreen Inspiron 5515 Ryzen 7/Radeon. 10 minutes in, but running like a well oiled machine. Haven't looked in the logfiles yet, but everything appears to be fine with 1 minor exception. Screen tearing in Firefox, but that should be a simple fix....

Probably better interfaces for the touchscreen than openbox, but hey, it works!

There is another you can put on your radar.....
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 27, 2021, 12:06:54 AM
Quote from: Revit on August 26, 2021, 01:52:03 AM
Just installed Sparky minimal on the wifes Dell touchscreen Inspiron 5515 Ryzen 7/Radeon. 10 minutes in, but running like a well oiled machine. Haven't looked in the logfiles yet, but everything appears to be fine with 1 minor exception. Screen tearing in Firefox, but that should be a simple fix....

Probably better interfaces for the touchscreen than openbox, but hey, it works!

There is another you can put on your radar.....

$800. is a bit too rich for my budget, maybe I can find a good used or refurb for lots less.

Just found them for $546. shipped Refurb with 1yr warranty. Hmmm ...
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: Revit on August 27, 2021, 03:15:08 AM
The 5515 does have a glitch or 2. I am working through solving suspend when lid is closed. Normal settings thus far haven't worked. Also  have a couple errors in dmesg i need to research what up with those. The xps on the other hand has been issue free for 4 years.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 28, 2021, 12:21:11 AM
The 13.3" 9360 is $799.00 new, $759.00 "reburbished".

The 15.6" 5515 is $546. "refurbished".

Is the 9360 that much better than the 5515?

BTW: I almost never close my laptop without powering it down, so that's not an issue - it's really more of a desktop replacement I can carry now and then.

Do the "... couple errors in dmesg" effect operation or are they just irritating?
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: Revit on August 28, 2021, 12:59:08 AM
Well, the xps is available with ubuntu from Dell, not in all configurations though. The 9360 was NOT listed as available with ubuntu but all the hardware specs were the same at the time of manufacture. It has a better screen to my eyes, and it has proven itself to be a little workhorse of a laptop. I've been very happy with it. I bet if you keep digging you can find them for 3-400 bucks used. Those used thinkpads can be bought on the cheap too if your patient

The 5515 so far I am really in test mode with it finding out what is happy with. A testament to Sparky...it is the ONLY distro thus far (out of the box) that has been really good on it. Garuda Gnome, i3, and Sway editions fail to activate touchpad scrolling upon booting into live media. Hibernate so far seems to work better than suspend as on suspend the touchpad fails to respond when awaken. I havent really looked into it yet, but have been more booting into live environments seeing what it is happiest with to find a solid starting point. Right now, Sparky is staying on it unless some big magic happens. I intend on trying ubuntu and fedora and that will be about all.

As far as dmesg errors, I havent concerned mysef to much with them yet as the system is very functional and havent noticed any concerning issues.Temps are good at 38C, sound, function keys, brightness controls, wifi etc all work out of the box with Sparky minimal. I'm happy to give more info on it once I get done playing and get down to configuring, but that may be a few days or so.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: Revit on August 28, 2021, 01:54:52 PM
Fedora was her selection from the live images tried on the 5515. Have to admit, it is quite nice on Gnome 40 right out of the box so thats what will live on that one. I found no show stoppers on Sparky Openbox with it and would not hesitate to run it as a daily driver if it were mine as I prefer less bleeding edge for my use. Just less to keep up with.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 29, 2021, 03:13:38 PM
The Dell 9360 appears to hold its value well. Even at $299 - $329 they are offered incomplete https://www.ebay.com/itm/114899395449

Partially disassembled, no SSD, no battery, case screws missing, damage to bezel - the Lenovo ThinkPad W520 I'm using is complete - it's just becoming less reliable.

Will keep looking - and sure appreciate the info and updates re. your 5515 tests.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 29, 2021, 11:11:47 PM
Dell XPS 9360 15" 2017 2.5GHz i5-7200U 12GB RAM 256GB SSD - Excellent Condition $449, shipped

https://www.ebay.com/itm/194317298398

Any reason to expect problems with the 15" different than the 13"?

I was going to go with the newer 5515.

It's not a lot better but it's a little bit newer technology.

They're out of stock. Sigh ... waited too long.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: Revit on August 30, 2021, 11:39:49 PM
Maybe if you could get the build # and look it up on dell to get all the specs. On the xps it's under the tag on the back. I'd check that if possible.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 31, 2021, 03:37:48 AM
Is this what I need?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/194317298398


Or, this, based on Sub-Model # "p56f001"
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: Revit on August 31, 2021, 10:18:59 AM
Yes, the service tag #.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on August 31, 2021, 11:58:24 PM
Nothing found on the Dell site for "BHG1MH2"
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: Revit on September 01, 2021, 02:15:12 AM
https://dl.dell.com/topicspdf/xps-15-9560-laptop_specifications_en-us.pdf

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/servicetag/0-aG5HblRrOWVmUC9WNTBtUUlPYk43Zz090/docs
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on September 01, 2021, 02:22:53 AM
Please see hardware comparison - XPS 13 vs XPS 15 below.

Does the XPS 15 look compatible with the XPS 13 model you're testing?

XPS 13 Touchscreen Display:
13.3-inch FHD touchscreen
1920 x 1080, 166 PPI, 60 Hz, touch support.
13.3-inch QHD+ touchscreen
3200 x 1800, 276 PPI, 60 Hz, IGZO2 IPS, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 400 nits luminance, 72% color gamut, Touch support.

XPS 15 Touchscreen Display
15.6-inch WLED UHD touch
3840 x 2160  85/85/85/85 degrees  0.09 mm

Dell XPS 13 9360 Processor Options

    7th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-7100U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 2.40 GHz, 3MB SmartCache, 15W
    7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-7200U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 2.50 → 3.10 GHz, 3MB SmartCache, 15W
    7th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-7500U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 2.70 → 3.50 GHz, 4MB SmartCache, 15W
    7th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-7560U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 2.40 → 3.80 GHz, 4MB SmartCache, 15W
    8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-8250U
    4 cores, 8 threads, 1.60 → 3.40 GHz, 6MB SmartCache, 15W
    8th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-8550U
    4 cores, 8 threads, 1.80 → 4.00 GHz, 8MB SmartCache, 15W

Integrated Graphics   

    7th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-7100U
    Intel® HD Graphics 620
    24 Execution Units, 300 → 1000 MHz
    7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-7200U
    Intel® HD Graphics 620
    24 Execution Units, 300 → 1000 MHz
    7th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-7500U
    Intel® HD Graphics 620
    24 Execution Units, 300 → 1050 MHz
    7th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-7560U
    Intel® Iris® Plus Graphics 640
    48 Execution Units with 64 MB eDRAM side cache, 300 → 1050 MHz
    8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-8250U
    Intel® UHD Graphics 620
    24 Execution Units, 300 → 1100 MHz
    8th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-8550U
    Intel® UHD Graphics 620
    24 Execution Units, 300 → 1150 MHz

XPS 15-9560
Processor    

    7th generation Intel Core i3
    7th generation Intel Quad Core i5/i7
Chipset Mobile Intel HM175 Express Chipset
***I tried several Searches and didn't find a reference to a Linux driver for the HM175.

Integrated Discrete Controller Intel HD Graphics 630 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Memory Shared system memory 4 GB GDDR5
***It's unclear, to me, if this is supported in Linux

Dell XPS 13 9360

    DW1820A 2x2 Wi-Fi
    Dual band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.

Bluetooth   
    Bluetooth 4.1, 4.

XPS 15
    Wi-Fi 802.11 ac
    Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
    Bluetooth 4.2
    Miracast

XPS 13
Realtek ALC3246-CG with Waves MaxxAudio

XPS 15
Realtek ALC3266 with Waves MaxxAudio Pro
***There might-maybe be a Linux driver in the pipeline. Even MS versions of windows apparently had problems with this chipset on multiple models. Got to wonder why they'd be so sloppy about the selection of an audio chipset.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on September 04, 2021, 10:35:48 PM
Well ... this is interesting ... https://frame.work/ Anyone considered the specs?

Also, the Lenovo IdeaPad S145 15.6" is said to be highly compatible to Linux.

As well as this 17" HP https://www.amazon.com/HP-i7-4810MQ-Win10P64-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B07JH536X1

Lenovo Carbon X1 14" - has been recommended as very Linux-friendly.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: kd4e on September 18, 2021, 12:37:22 AM
I may still be talking to myself, no one else may be interested, but just in case ...

About to go with this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KGZ79N6/

HP 15 Laptop, 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD Storage, 15.6" Full HD IPS Display, Windows 10 Home, HP Fast Charge, Lightweight Design (15-dy2021nr, 2020)

End of thread for me.
Title: Re: Recommended Laptops
Post by: GBano on July 10, 2022, 04:48:28 PM
In this context, I can only add my recent experience: I was specifucally looking for a lightweight system for an older ASUS EEEPC 1005PEG.
And this was a very good choice as it turned out. It ran on Mint before but much faster on Sparky now.
Appreciate it's not the most recent one though.