Building a laptop

[Pikidalto]

I'd like to build a Linux laptop. Here's what I expect from it:

Speed
Long-lasting battery power (obviously ;-) )
OpenGL support
I've decided on Intel as the CPU because they have proven (at least
for me and a couple friends) to last longer and be more reliable

What hardware would you recommend for a tight budget? What would be
the rough estimate of what this would cost? What would roughly be the
system specifications?

 

[Paul]

I'd like to build a Linux laptop. Here's what I expect from it:

Speed
Long-lasting battery power (obviously ;-) )
OpenGL support
I've decided on Intel as the CPU because they have proven (at least
for me and a couple friends) to last longer and be more reliable

What hardware would you recommend for a tight budget? What would be
the rough estimate of what this would cost? What would roughly be the
system specifications?

Have you priced barebones laptops ? Some of them are more
expensive than finished laptops from the major manufacturers.
And they still need parts added to them.

And not all barebones products, have retailers. A person wishing to
get into the business, has to buy a pallet-load of laptops to start.
You can't just buy one from a wholesaler. A huge investment. Not
many are willing to do it (products become obsolete fast).

I really think you're dreaming.

Better off with a cheapo from the majors.

And even if there were plenty of barebones laptop makers,
your list of "speed, long battery life, tight budget" ain't
going to happen. Pick one of three.

The 1420N has Linux as its OS.

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&kc=6V440&l=en&oc=DNCWJL1&s=dhs

Paul

 

[harikeo]

I'd like to build a Linux laptop. Here's what I expect from it:

Speed
Long-lasting battery power (obviously ;-) )
OpenGL support
I've decided on Intel as the CPU because they have proven (at least
for me and a couple friends) to last longer and be more reliable

What hardware would you recommend for a tight budget? What would be
the rough estimate of what this would cost? What would roughly be the
system specifications?

imo I wouldn't bother building a budget laptop. I'd buy one of the
cheaper brand models and stick linux on it but it depends what you want
to do on the laptop. A cheap laptop isn't going to be up to much and I
doubt you'd do as well for your money as a pre-built model. Dell UK have
an Inspiron 6400 with Ubuntu pre-installed for £329 ($650).

 

[philo]

I'd like to build a Linux laptop. Here's what I expect from it:

Speed
Long-lasting battery power (obviously ;-) )
OpenGL support
I've decided on Intel as the CPU because they have proven (at least
for me and a couple friends) to last longer and be more reliable

What hardware would you recommend for a tight budget? What would be
the rough estimate of what this would cost? What would roughly be the
system specifications?

No. You definately do *not* want to build a laptop...
it would actually cost more than just purchasing a completed unit.

If you want to save money...build a desktop from old parts.

I've literally built 100's of desktops from old parts...
the average price per system is about $5 or so

 

[Phil_12345]

I'd like to build a Linux laptop. Here's what I expect from it:

Speed
Long-lasting battery power (obviously ;-) )
OpenGL support
I've decided on Intel as the CPU because they have proven (at least
for me and a couple friends) to last longer and be more reliable

What hardware would you recommend for a tight budget? What would be
the rough estimate of what this would cost? What would roughly be the
system specifications?

I don't think you want to "build" a laptop because frankly I don't
think you would have the skill and willing to spend 'that' much to do
it. By the end, the 'project' would cost many time more than just go
out and buy the MOST expensive laptop available and it's still
consider cheaper than to 'build'.

 

[John Doe]

I'd like to build a Linux laptop.

The more I think about that, the more it makes sense

 

[pcbldrNinetyEight]

I'd like to build a Linux laptop. Here's what I expect from it:

Speed
Long-lasting battery power (obviously ;-) )
OpenGL support
I've decided on Intel as the CPU because they have proven (at least
for me and a couple friends) to last longer and be more reliable

What hardware would you recommend for a tight budget? What would be
the rough estimate of what this would cost? What would roughly be the
system specifications?

These links may shed some light:
http://www.faqs.org/docs/Linux-HOWTO/Laptop-HOWTO.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/05/04/building_your_dream_notebook/

On a less practical note I once envisioned building a Laptop using desktop
parts, home made case and an LCD monitor. I knew I would pay a (heavy)
penalty in weight and battery time. The battery, charger and making
everything fit into a reasonable size case is the biggest hurdle. I'm a
pretty fair fabricator and I enjoy this kind of challenge. I haven't
totally given up on the idea yet.

 

[John Doe]

I really think you're dreaming.

Paul

Something about "building a Linux laptop" gave me the same
impression.

 

[Matthew.Dalessandro]

Something about "building a Linux laptop" gave me the same
impression.

Buy a used one off of ebay and throw linux on it. Just make sure the
wifi chipset is supported by the kernel you are using if you want
wireless. Or, you can always use ndiswrapper if its not.

 

[KlausK]

I'd like to build a Linux laptop. Here's what I expect from it:

Speed
Long-lasting battery power (obviously ;-) )
OpenGL support
I've decided on Intel as the CPU because they have proven (at least
for me and a couple friends) to last longer and be more reliable

What hardware would you recommend for a tight budget? What would be
the rough estimate of what this would cost? What would roughly be the
system specifications?

You are not serious, are you? Building a lapton doesn't make any sense.