Interested in laptop for programming

[ETAkoG1T]

I want to find a laptop for programming, I want it to work perfectly with ubuntu. Preferably made for ubuntu. I found the computer called "xps 13" but it is not available in australia.

Additional criteria:
SSD
Fast processor
Nice screen
Not big - 14" screen max, and not thick

If anyone have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated, please don't suggest apple products because I already know of them all.

Also is there a site were I can buy xps 13 from australia? :)

[ResidentBiscuit]

Most major laptop venders allow you to choose custom parts and they'll assemble it all for you. That's always an option and you get exactly what you want.

[andywestken]

Have you checked out the Ubunbtu Certified hardware site?

Ubuntu Certified hardware
http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/

For desktop, laptop, and netbook computers:

Ubuntu desktop
http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/desktop/

I'm currently looking at a (basic) laptop to use with Linux, too.

- The one I'd quite like to get isn't available in the UK -- the System76 Lemur Ultra-thin. But they do ship form the US to the UK, Australia, ... Of course, then there's shipping and duty :-(
https://www.system76.com/laptops/model/lemu4

- There is a Linux-based (small) laptop/netbook available in the UK (only, I think), called the MeeNee. It's not very powerful, but it is pretty cheap. Prob. not worth the efforts of shipping elsewhere.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meenee-MNB737-Generation-Laptop-Bluetooth/dp/B004GGBUJY

- Currently looking into the assorted Asus models which hit no issues with Ubuntu during testing, even if it means installing Ubuntu myself.

Andy

PS Dell is charging £1,079 for the XPS 13 here in the UK, approx $1660 (US and Australian) at today's exchange rate. cf. $675 (approx £440) for the Lemur. While I haven't compared their specs yet, I do see they both use Intel i5 (or i7, as an upgrade) processors.

PPS In the US, it looks like the XPS 13 is only $749.99 (down from $999.99), so we've got a poor deal over here...

ETC More about the Lemur

Hands On With The System76 ‘Lemur Ultra’ Ubuntu Laptop
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/06/hands-on-with-the-system76-lemur-ultra-ubuntu-laptop

[devonrevenge]

I use an advent netbook, I have a partition with ubuntu on, it works perfectly, watch your eyes with a small screen, I got bad headaches in the evening til I got some glasses,

A really mild correction meant I had a mild astigmatism but my eye muscles were still working hard to correct tiny adjustments

[ETAkoG1T]

The difference is the size and look. Also the dell comes with some extra software, the lemur doesn't include ssd as default, so if you add that it will be more expensive. The most important thing to me is that it is pretty thin, nice to look at, fast at what it is meant to do. Price isn't my biggest priority.

[ETAkoG1T]

PS Dell is charging £1,079 for the XPS 13 here in the UK, approx $1660 (US and Australian)

I couldn't find the developer edition in australia, that is the only one I am interested in. Please provide links :)

[3qX21hU5]

I wouldn't worry to much about your laptop coming with a SSD personally. The main reason for this is that you can buy one and install it yourself for much cheaper then the manufacturer will charge you for that SDD.

Depending on what you want the SSD for it can be very cheap to buy a SDD off websites like newegg.com. If you just want to boot your OS off a SDD and hold a few critical applications you could get by with a 64 GB SDD which are on sale sometimes for like $50. Now if you bought a laptop with a SDD pre installed you would be probably paying $150 or more for that same SDD.

[ETAkoG1T]

The amount of things you can screw up when buying parts and the time it takes to get the items really makes up for the extra 100$. I also would love to have a thin computer therefore there is not really much upgrade possibilities.

[3qX21hU5]

The choice is up to you since you are the one buying it, but there isn't really much to screw up with on SSD's. The good brands are Samsung and Intel though other brands can be good also but them are the leaders. As for installing them it really is quite easy.

And the thickness of the computer won't matter SDD's are small and will be able to fit in any laptop you get. They also make where you install them easy to get to.

But again it is up to you, I know a lot of people prefer the convenience of having everything installed before they get it, I just like to know what parts are in my computers. I always believe the pre builts have very low end hardware on most of them with bad brands names.

[DEUX92yv]

Lenovo ThinkPads are fantastic for this. I have an OLD one (not that modern $1800 nonsense - I bought this unused, but quite out of date - it came with Windows Vista). 13" screen, I'm running ubuntu, and it works like a charm. Portable, durable, FUN. How's that for a plug?

Edit: if you got as old of one as I have, you'd probably want to upgrade the RAM - DDR2, which is expensive. So look into newer old ThinkPads.

Edit 2.0: XPS 13 Dev. edition in AU: someone asked why it's not a thing there on Dell's site. This is the answer:

Thank you for your question. As it turns out, products are released in different regions with different options according to customer demand, service limitations and logistical support limitations. If you have an idea, or special request, please let your voice be heard on http://www.ideastorm.com/. This is a great place to share and be heard.