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- barkingdoggy, on 10/12/2007, -2/+31$1k - $2K for a new Ubuntu Linux laptop to appease the open-source crowd?! I'm thrilled with the Pentium-II Dell laptop I recently brought back from the dead with Ubuntu for $0K.
- schestowitz, on 10/12/2007, -4/+26I still think that giving cash to a company that encourages the use of Linux is the way to go. Other companies tend to receive kickbacks or concessions for Windows preinstallation (the old OEM routine), which gives the developers and marketers a flawed understanding of 'marke^H^H^Ht share', as opposed to installed base. The chokehold on the market is criminal and it ought to stop by having the buyer take action.
- kevinisnthere, on 10/12/2007, -1/+20The Gazelle value is a more reasonable $699, still shipped with Ubuntu.
- Langford, on 10/12/2007, -0/+14Even though I know Ubuntu doesn't really need it, it's hard to resist the temptation to bump up all the specs on the configuration page.
- InsaneShow, on 10/12/2007, -0/+12The nice thing about system 76 is that all of the hardware will work in ubuntu. They are going to pick the most hassle-free hardware configurations to run ubuntu on, where as the dell, hp, gateway, etc that you buy may have some more picky hardware. If you are good with linux, you can probably get it working . . . but the system 76 machine should just work (to borrow the apple saying).
*edit* You pay a premium price for ease of hardware configuartions - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10because it is now trendy.
Sony has one, Asus has one, Apple has a few... See the trend?
Apple doesn't own the color white. - motang, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9@thcobbs The whole point is there is no Microsoft tax.
- tweder, on 10/12/2007, -5/+13I don't see the appeal -- a comparably (roughly, no webcam on the Darter) equipped MacBook is still cheaper than this, and just as capable of running Ubuntu.
For my money, I'd buy the Apple and have the bonus of being able to choose either OS X or Ubuntu. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6Update your system. They updated the drivers/software to have it working now.
- neuralgia, on 10/12/2007, -6/+12Looks like an Apple MacBook except running system software and apps that Darter doesn't have to pay to develop. If you spec it out identical to a 2.0 GHZ MacBook it costs over a $100 MORE than the Apple @ full retail (versus all the places offering $50-105 off). That's 2.0 GHZ Core 2 Duo, 80 GB 5,400 RPM drive and 1 GB RAM. And the Apple can handle Ubuntu, WIndows, etc. pretty much out of the box without too much driver hassle.
So where does all that money go aside from into the pockets of Darter execs? I know the "stock" system is under $1k, but that is still a bit for some over the hill tech. It does weigh less but it is a more bulky, etc. I don't see any advances in design. Is the penalty to support Linux hardware makers really that steep? Or are they having one over on us? - CloseYetFar, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7Why would you select a laptop that is designed for Linux and put Windows on it? 95% of all laptops today are designed for Windows, and you go out and find the 5% that are not to put Windows on that? The whole point of these types of laptops is to get one that is designed for a specific OS. "FTW", how about WTF!!
- MindTrigger, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6I did the same thing here with a Dell Inspiron 6000 I had laying around. Installed Ubuntu on it, now I actually use the thing as my linux learning machine (I'm pretty new to the inner workings of it). It's sitting here on my desk running Digg Swarm :) Hell, even the multimedia controls on the front of the laptop worked right after install of Ubuntu. Awesome!
I'm hoping I can install it at some point on my Dell X50v handheld I have sitting here. Handhelds are basically useless, so it will be fun to at least get Linux running on it. - motang, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7Sweet, a bit too pricey for my taste but very cool nonetheless.
- pufuwozu, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6The stock system price is only $995, not too bad.
- MindTrigger, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4That's because all the good names have been taken. The end is nigh.
- stonyhill, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3The Intel chip is a good choice -- enough 3d accel for desktop eye candy, while allowing for a thinner, cooler, more battery-efficient laptop.
You can't run the latest 3d games in Ubuntu anyway. Why do you want an nvidia card? - motang, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Not to mention Averatec ( http://www.averatec.com/products/portable/thinlight/2100Series.asp ). White seems to a new trend for notebook computers, black and silver are so yesteryear, I guess.
- DevilotX, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3indeed, I've got an HP DV6110US laptop, with a dual core turion64 and a gig of memory that I got for under $700 and while I had to futz with a few things, it runs amazing with Ubuntu Edgy. hard to swallow a celly with 512 for almost 300 bucks more... something doesn't add up, is it the paint job?
- stiankarlsen, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3When I buy my next laptop, I'm thinking system 76 is the way to go... maybe you can find a laptop with the same specs for a lower price somewhere, but the whole "promoting linux" really makes me like this thing.
- JrGhoull, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3can anyone figure this out? i'm not super computer savvy so maybe i'm wrong on this but this seems like with all the bells and whistles mentioned in the article that it should only be around 700...not 2000.
also, anyone know if its got beryl preinstalled? i understand it not being default when ur putting some liux distro like ubuntu onto a computer (for one thing the computer might not even have the capabilities to run it, which could maybe lead to problems?) but this is another situation entirely.if i was gonna sell a laptop with linux on it i'd include every piece of eyecandy on it that i possibly could. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4to get beryl working... all you need to do is
sudo apt-get install beryl-manager
(and probably change one value under /etc/x11/xorg.conf) - kraniac, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2At first I was thinking "Damn, and I just bought myself one of their Gazelles."
But then I saw the white paint job and realized that I like the Gazelle a lot better. I'll take utilitarian jet black over "look at me" white any day. Plus it's cheaper, and better equipped than the Darter. - Massif, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4Looks like a sweet system, but "Darter" is an awful name.
- sanguinemoon, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I don't think the price is all that bad.
http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/cto_inspn_e1405?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
As you can see, lightweigh Dells are easily within that price range, with a weaker processor. It takes very little to make the Inspiron E1405 to soar to 1847, much less $2K. Yes, there is an Inspiron 1405 there, but once to closer to an equal processor, its more than $1K
Lightweight laptops are expensive, folks. Yes, you can get a laptop for much less, but it won't be an ultraportable. - SimonGray, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2System 76 is an okay company with a nice cause, and I'd have got one of their laptops if only they sold it with a Danish keyboard. They should really think about internationalisation...
- LuTze, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2For all those saying that this is more expensive that an identically spec'ed Macbook. This nearly a pound lighter than the Macbook (http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html). Of course, one can always say that a pound doesn't make a difference, etc. But we all that you can always get a cheaper system if youa re willing to lug around more weight. The Gazelle series (5.5lb with a bigger screen) from system76 is more comparable to the Macbook and there if you can get it about 70 bucks cheaper if you configure it like the base model of the white Macbook retail at the Apple store. Of course it also gives you more options like th nVidia card and a bunch of different processor speeds without having to change the color of the machine unlike at the Apple store - but that is usual for most Mac systems. Of course, some of us want to a specific hardware while otehrs want a specific OS. If you want OS X buy a Macbook. If you don't then you will be paying extra for at the Apple store compared to system76. The major advantage as others have pointed out is that they are specifically focussed on Ubuntu and are very active on the ubuntuforums. If you have a problem with either the software or hardware, there is a good chance they will help you fix it because they have everything riding on it. Instead if you run into trouble installing linux on a Dell or a Macbook, you have to search the internet yourself. Right now, this is one of the best options if you are thinking of buying a system for a non-computer savvy person you want to introduce to linux - nothing more. If you are know what you are doing or are happy search the net for fixes or don't mind spending time fixing other people's machines, then this might hold little interest for you, except if you feel like supporting a hardware solution centered around a linux distribution.
- lampshade, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1@Karamba_kidy
I got my stickers and haven't heard a single mail thing about it so I wouldn't worry about getting spammed ever. - MikeCerm, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1The "Microsoft Tax" on any new system is less than $50. Paradoxically, if you buy a pre-built Linux system, it's usually from a smaller vendor, and they tend to charge much more for the same hardware than the high-volume guys do. Consequently, until Linux is the standard, it will always be cheaper to just pay the Microsoft tax, and then install Linux yourself.
I priced this system against one of the Sony 13.3" notebooks on which the Darter is obviously based. You can get it at best buy for $1099. With the same specs, the Darter is about $500 more. Why would anyone not buy the Sony? They're saving you $500 and giving you a free copy of Windows! If you could opt for the Sony without Windows, they've be saving you $550!
If you can't even compete with Sony on price, you're not even in the game, 'cause there's a Dells and HPs out there that are even cheaper. I understand that no one wants to be forced to pay the Microsoft tax, but I'm certainly not going to pay more for a system that runs Linux. - bean1975, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Ultraportable? Hm, the Samsung Q30/Dell X1 I have weights 2.25lbs. That's ultraportable. Anything over 3lbs is not.
- elnerdo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1But it's bigger and heavier and the battery doesn't last nearly as long.
- danknerd, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1not all the hardware works, I have one of their systems, the built in camera and multi-card reader do not work.
- Chandon, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Dunno. It's worth $50 to me on a $1000 purchase to not have to futz around with the little tiny screws on the bottom of a laptop and risk losing them / breaking something. I always hand assemble my desktop PCs (I do about 3 a year for my self, friends, and relatives) but my fingers are way to big to be futzing around with laptop hardware.
- eyko, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Costly, I think. The Macbook, I like.
- stonyhill, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1The MacBook is slightly heavier than the Darter, but it is also slightly thinner, so for me, that's a wash. The Gazelle is significantly bigger.
The mid-range MacBook has other advantages over the Darter: 2 RAM slots (the Darter has one, plus 512 soldered to the mainboard), a Superdrive, and a webcam, all for $100 cheaper than the Darter. (both equipped with 1g ram, 80g hd, t7200 cpu)
I have been watching System76 for months -- they seem like a great company. But I need to see a lappy from them that is either better or cheaper than what I can get from HP or Apple. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4Macbooks don't use Nvidia video chipsets. Thats the deal-killer for me. If apple used nvidia cards, I'd already have one.
- dragazis, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Looks like a nice system. But I think you could find a similiar laptop with even better specs for a cheaper price if you buy the ram and a larger hard drive yourself and then put it in.
- elnerdo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1From the specs list:
"Ports: VGA, 3x USB 2.0, Mic In, Headphone Out, FireWire 1394B, S-Video " - sanguinemoon, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"No ***** sherlock. It was a joke to illustrate some linux users' elitism."
WTF? How does that possibly show Linux users' "elitism" - MikeCerm, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I could never get the wi-fi working on my HP in Linux (specifically, Ubuntu). It was something to do with the stupid Broadcom card. Did you have to do anything special to make it work?
- cecil_t, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"It does weigh less but it is a more bulky"
Spoken like a true fanboy - ewhac, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I stand corrected. I'd still like to know where they're physically located, though...
Schwab - ewhac, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Anyone besides me finding the specifications list just a little *thin*?
There's no discussion of what ports are available, or how many there are. How many USB ports? Firewire? VGA? DVI? Is there an RF kill switch for the WiFi?
There's only one photo of the system, which shows very little. Where are the ports located? Does the power cable stick out the back or the side? (Yes, it matters.)
If it came down to it, I'd have serious reservations buying from these guys.
Schwab - karamba_kid, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I just got my stickers! Thanks system76 my dell latitude c600 looks proper now.
- karamba_kid, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I never received my free stickers from system76 until I do I'll be thinking twice before handing out that kind of cash to them. I have a sneaking suspicion they just wanted my mailing info which they got. Can anyone vouch for them I believe it's been about a month and a half so far.
- fjc8, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1If you ordered it with an Intel wifi chipset or bought one and installed it, your problems would go away. Intel has open-source drivers.
- fjc8, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Macs are heavy.
My PC notebook manages to weigh less than a MacBook even with a bigger screen and more features.
The MacBook weighs 5.2 lbs and has a 13.3" widescreen, 1280x800.
My laptop is an HP Compaq nc6400 Business Notebook. It has a 14.1" widescreen, 1280x800 or some higher resolution that would make me go blind if I had to use regularly, and weighs 4.6 lbs without the optical drive (5.1 lbs with it included). It uses a regular Core/Core 2 Duo Mobile CPU, standard DDR2 SODIMMs, the same Intel 945GM chipset *or* a 945PM chipset with ATI Mobility Radeon graphics (with reduced but still awesome battery life), and full-size 2.5" laptop hard drives. And the screen has a lower DPI, making it easier to read without adjusting font sizes. It looks like and is built like a ThinkPad. Unlike the MacBook, it supports extended batteries (the regular 6 cell + a 12 cell for rated time of up to 16 hours). Many people regularly get up to 5 hours on the 6-cell battery alone. It also supports docking stations, letting you use dual external monitors (my most important feature). All HP Compaq Business Notebooks come with a standard 3-year warranty. IMO, the Business Notebook line is better than many of Dell's recent Latitudes and is very close to Lenovo's ThinkPads (yet cheaper).
Until Mac OS X has some magical features that will significantly boost my computing experience, I'll continue to enjoy my PC notebooks -- with an abundance of choice with features that really help me -- docking stations, removable optical drives, standard 3-year warranties, etc. - fjc8, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics have no trouble running fancy 3D desktop effects, and they provide a significant advantage in heat dissipation and battery life. Plus, they've got open source drivers for Linux.
- tweder, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3@dainbramage559
Neither do these -- Intel GMA950. Apples to apples. - trogdoor, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"At the moment, at least in Ubuntu Feisty, suspend doesn't work, the iSight doesn't work, and the wifi doesn't work."
And that is why you don't run Alpha ( I don't even think it's considered Beta yet ) software and expect it to work, in Edgy all three work just fine. - Thugacation, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I appreciate the fact that it runs open source software only I can't get over the price. I could buy a better equipped Lenovo for the same price and just install Ubuntu from there.
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