[lug] Linux-Friendly Computer Dealers in Boulder?

[Nick Golder]

On 2004-07-20 20:03 -0600, Bill Thoen wrote:
> I'm thinking of getting a laptop computer for use as a portable
> workstation (but I intend to play on it a bit too) and I was wondering if
> there was a dealer in the area who can supply such hardware and who also
> can provide advice on Linux software recommendations and configuration? By
> "advice" I mean anything from face-to-face or phone support for a limited
> time to a good web page. Is there anyone local who's got a good rep?

I can't speak for local dealers but I can say that I have heard good
things about EmperorLinux (http://www.emperorlinux.com).  I didn't
purchase my laptop from them (Sony VAIO PCG-R505DSP) but they were more
than willing to answer some questions.  In my book, that says a lot.

> Or would you recommend I just buy a la cart online for the lowest price
> from Texas or China and bother BLUG when I have questions? What's the best
> route? I'd rather see my money stay in Colorado, but the price needs to be
> within reason too.

I have purchased my laptops via online and local resellers.
If you watch local corporate monsters, they can occasionally beat out
online dealers with either open box (which still has the same warranty)
or with rebate offers (although rebate offers are about as fricking 
annoying as using swipe cards at local grocers to get a normal, more
sane price).  Pick your poison.

As for support, BLUG exists to build a local GNU/Linux community.  Use it.
You can also check lists for your distribution of choice.  A couple of
distributions have a designated portable/laptop mailing list (such as
Debian).  There are also a couple of vendor specific mailing lists for
general GNU/Linux support.  I have seen these for IBM Thinkpads and Sony
VAIO.

> I've been using various versions of RedHat in a text-based http-smtp-ftp
> server for a few years, but now I'm interested in trying out the other end
> of the Linux world -- the GUI one. I'm not sure I want to continue with RH
> or Fedora either, and am looking at Slackware as an alternative. I prefer
> stabilty over the lastest bleeding edge experimental stuff. I don't know
> enough Linux yet to enjoy sliding down the razor's edge into a cold bucket
> of salt water.
> 

I have used quite a few different distributions and settled on Debian
about three years ago.  People are obviously very objective and unbiased
when it comes to making a decision about which distribution to use. ;-)
Therefore, I will make my unbiased and objective pitch about the merits
of using Debian.

As for an actual laptop to use, I lean heavily on Sony VAIOs, IBM
Thinkpads, and Apple Powerbooks (RISC can be better than CISC).  Again,
this is completely unbiased and objective. ;-)

Good luck!

-- 
-Nick Golder