Thinkpads Forum

Hi,


Which current model of thinkpad supports linux? Or is there any
particular model that comes installed with Linux.


I searched a lot at the ibm website and also tried their notebook
finder interface but did not reach a link where it suggested that linux
comes installed on a particular one.

Also, within the archives of this forum I read a post suggesting that
thinkpad t42p may come pre-installed with linux. I have browsed all
the models in t42p and sadly all come installed with only one OS that you
all know about. Here is the link giving all models of t42 series.

>>http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... &langId=-1

Therefore, can anyone suggest a particular model in t42p series that
should give a clean linux installation.

I require the following flexible specs and the linux installation should
provide their support i.e. drivers, etc.


P-IV, 15" screen, Wi-Fi [802.11-b/g], ethernet, modem




Does anybody have any suggestions? Specifying a particular model in
t42p series would cut my work short.


Thanks in advance,

First of all, pretty much all Thinkpads support Linux, better than any other laptop manufacturer.

Now, for the preinstalled part, there are Thinkpads that come preinstalled with Linux (usually Suse) but I believe they are CTO (customized to order) machines.

As you have not mentioned where you come from, I cannot give you specific advice. If you live in the US, I believe www.emperorlinux.com sell Thinkpads with preinstalled Linux and phone/on-site support. If you live in a European country please state which, and I will try to give you more info.

Stavros

First of all, pretty much all Thinkpads support Linux, better than any other laptop manufacturer.

I agree with you for the most part. However, I have seen on their web page HP also offers a notebook with Linux.

I have further browsed ibm website and concluded that T42 series
is better suited to linux as it is mentioned in one of ibm press releases
as well.

>http://www-1.ibm.com/press/PressServlet ... owContacts$

In addition, just to share with everybody else, here is another
page that I found at ibm.com that gives linux compatible thinkpads.

>http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 8NT8D.html

I actually come from Pakistan and hope to find a local ibm dealer here.


Thanks for your help.

If you want to read success (or failure) stories about Linux installation on Thinkpads, go to http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/ibm.html . You'll see exactly how each Thinkpad accepts various Linux distros. Also, it is FAR better to install Linux yourself, as you'll learn a few things that will definetely come handy later.

As for buying a Thinkpad in Pakistan, I would suggest to call or email Bill (the owner of the site/forum). He ships worldwide and usually, even including customs charges, he is much cheaper than any non-US dealer. I believe, for a small fee, he will even check your Thinkpad to make sure it arrives dead-pixel-free.

If you decide to install Linux and want to ask some more questions please post them or PM/email me, I'll be happy to answer

Stavros

Item #11 in the FAQ.

nonny wrote:Item #11 in the FAQ.

Nonny, just a note: The linux-thinkpad.org site has not been updated for ages. A much better site is now www.thinkwiki.org , which is a wiki and as such is continually updated. Maybe you'd like to update that in the FAQ, as well as adding http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/ibm.html for Linux installation stories.

Stavros

Sure, no problem. I was really pointing him there so that he would find the mailing list which appears to still be active.

Thanks for all your help and replies.

I think customize to order option at ibm might help me get a
pre-installed linux with oem support.


I have today located the local dealer and requested for a quote.


Thanks again.