Laptop configuration for opensuse

danielalvares · April 27, 2016, 7:15am

Hi friends,
Im new here and to linux. I would like to install opensuse and work on it.

I wanna purchase a new laptop, since my old one is broken. So i would like to know the proper laptop configuration which would work opensuse n windows.

Please help me to select the good one. Which brand is suitable.

Reg
dan

OrsoBruno · April 27, 2016, 3:31pm

Hi and welcome to the OpenSUSE Forum!
There is one single rule to avoid trouble with OpenSUSE (or GNU/Linux in general): avoid fancy hardware.
That might inculde:
avoid gamers models or versions (those might exploit tricks not supported by the standard kernel);
avoid (or be prepared to be unable to use) non-standard peripherals (joysticks, fingerprint readers, odd audio configurations);
avoid if possible unusual video configurations, and unless you really need graphics performance, you might have less problems with integrated graphics alone and avoiding discrete graphic chips that might require proprietary drivers and extensive tweaking;
avoid a few WiFi or network cards (scan the forum for names of those asking for more trouble);
don’t look for the very latest CPUs (e.g. Intel Skylake AKA i3-i7 6xxx require the latest kernel and still might have problems), “last year’s” models are likely to be supported better by the standard install configurations.

If you find an “all Intel” model with an i(n)4xxx processor and no discrete graphics that suits your needs you are generally safe.
The widespread “Optimus” (Intel + Nvidia) laptops are generally well supported, although they require proprietary drivers and tricky configs (i.e. “bumblebee” or “suse-prime”) to work properly.
Every major manufacturer has several models in the mainline consumer or business segments that should run OpenSUSE without major problems; extreme “multimedia” or “workstation” models might need closer analysis before purchase; gamers models are “off my list”, as said.

Hope This Helps.

j_andrew · April 28, 2016, 1:55am

What is your budget?
What type of jobs do you intend to run on this laptop?
How much battery time do you typically need?

danielalvares · April 28, 2016, 10:43am

Dear
Thank u very much for the info. It is very helpful.

OrsoBruno:

Hi and welcome to the OpenSUSE Forum!
There is one single rule to avoid trouble with OpenSUSE (or GNU/Linux in general): avoid fancy hardware.
That might inculde:
avoid gamers models or versions (those might exploit tricks not supported by the standard kernel);
avoid (or be prepared to be unable to use) non-standard peripherals (joysticks, fingerprint readers, odd audio configurations);
avoid if possible unusual video configurations, and unless you really need graphics performance, you might have less problems with integrated graphics alone and avoiding discrete graphic chips that might require proprietary drivers and extensive tweaking;
avoid a few WiFi or network cards (scan the forum for names of those asking for more trouble);
don’t look for the very latest CPUs (e.g. Intel Skylake AKA i3-i7 6xxx require the latest kernel and still might have problems), “last year’s” models are likely to be supported better by the standard install configurations.

If you find an “all Intel” model with an i(n)4xxx processor and no discrete graphics that suits your needs you are generally safe.
The widespread “Optimus” (Intel + Nvidia) laptops are generally well supported, although they require proprietary drivers and tricky configs (i.e. “bumblebee” or “suse-prime”) to work properly.
Every major manufacturer has several models in the mainline consumer or business segments that should run OpenSUSE without major problems; extreme “multimedia” or “workstation” models might need closer analysis before purchase; gamers models are “off my list”, as said.

Hope This Helps.