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Re: [LUG] Laptopo as test bed

 

Hi Neil,

Neil Winchurst wrote:
would a refurbished (and so cheaper) laptop be a sensible option?
Some of the newest laptops overstretch the plumbing, inasmuch as heat is dissipated from the CPU via a heatpipe ducting it away. Unfortunately one design decision, IMHO a bone-headed one, passes the pipe directly over the Northbridge chip, thereby passing heat INTO it instead of out of the machine. That has the medium to long term effect of causing the chip to come adrift from the motherboard. At which point you have a collection of electronic parts doing a very good impression of a boat anchor.

For that reason I would recommend a refurbished laptop. Also with older hardware onboard you have more chance of a new distro working out of the box with the default settings and modules. Newer ones are likely to have unsupported hardware.
are there any makes to avoid?
Personal experience: Avoid Sony like the plague - their so-called technical support is appalling, bordering on offensive when I've had to contact them previously. The kit itself is overpriced for what you get.
are there any makes to seriously consider?
Acer. Good build quality and you get more bang for your buck. Also HP/Compaq - note the HP branded laptops are their business range and therefore better built with better support. Compaq is (now) their home user range.
any recommendations gratefully received
HTH.

Julian

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