posted
I've been thinking about getting a laptop, but I'd prefer to spend as little money as possible on it. I don't think that performance is really an issue for me on this. I've been looking into what open source software I could use instead, and I've been giving some thought to getting a laptop with Ubuntu pre-installed. What I would like to know is is there any good open source office alternatives for Linux that still produce file formats that are compatible with Microsoft Word. Any other general advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated as well.
Posts: 2489 | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
If you're getting a new laptop, none of the laptops with ubuntu pre-installed are going to save you any money to speak of, except on software.
And yes, unless you're using using vba or some of the more advanced features, there are open source alternatives to Word that can save and open doc files, such as OpenOffice.org.
If you want to save money on your laptop, get a decent used/refurbed laptop and install ubuntu.
What do you want your laptop to do for you?
Posts: 15770 | Registered: Dec 2001
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Well, it wouldn't fit your needs, probably. Though it will ship with an Abiword install, and that can read and write simple doc files.
Posts: 15770 | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
I would use the laptop predominantly for school projects. I'll probably just be using a word-processor and the internet, and a wireless card is a must.
quote:If you're getting a new laptop, none of the laptops with ubuntu pre-installed are going to save you any money to speak of, except on software.
Are you saying that getting a Laptop with Windows will cost the same as getting one with Ubuntu? Because I can get open source software for windows that would meet my needs.
quote:If you want to save money on your laptop, get a decent used/refurbed laptop and install ubuntu.
Do you have any suggestions for used laptop retailers?
Edit to add: Sorry, I forgot to ask about security. Now, I know Linux doesn't have to worry about many viruses, but would you still suggest getting some kind of protection? Also, would I still need a firewall?
Posts: 2489 | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
Yes, I am saying that. Check out the prices for laptops pre-installed with ubuntu, and check out the windows laptop prices. I think you can sometimes get them for $50 or something less at base price . . . but the windows laptops regularly have sales and extras thrown in for free that make the real price the same or lower.
Plus, the support from vendors selling ubuntu computers (Dell, I'm looking at you) tends to be atrocious. Some of your hardware might not work when it arrives (that's happened a few times that I've heard of).
For a used laptop, check out ubid.com . They sell large amounts of refurbed computers, including laptops, and the refurbed ones come with a warranty -- not a great warranty, and usually only six months, but if it arrives and manifests problems shortly thereafter, you're covered. IME used hardware is somewhat more reliable than new hardware, particularly hard drives, since a lot of HD failures occur early in their life.
For instance, there's an HP Pavilion there with a Turion and a gig of RAM that'll probably go for about $430.
Don't get anything with less than a gig of RAM, it isn't worth it.
If you can afford it, I'd probably spend $700 to $800 and get a cheap new laptop with at least a Core Duo and a gig of RAM.
Posts: 15770 | Registered: Dec 2001
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