Ubuntu 9.10 vs. Win 7 on a T60

[lifrancis]

I have just downloaded the new Ubuntu 9.10, burned it on a disc, and playing with it on a T60 (as a live CD). All this was done in less time than installing Win 7. The Ubuntu, on start up, recognise my wireless card, my bluethooth card, and my video card that so many people have trouble finding from MS and Lenovo. In no time at all, I was connected to my wireless router, my bluetooth mouse and now fooling around with the proper screen resolution (1400x1050). All that from a CD of less than 700 MB. How is it that MS, with all their resources, cannot do that with a 4 GB DVD? As an engineer, I appreciate efficiency and this Ubuntu is certainly a good example of efficiency!

[madcow]

I agree. I just upgraded from 8.04 to 9.10. 9.10 is fast..

Problem is I can't change the gdm theme..

[qviri]

How is it that MS, with all their resources, cannot do that with a 4 GB DVD?

They focus their efforts on entirely different goals.

[Tasurinchi]

How is it that MS, with all their resources, cannot do that with a 4 GB DVD?

That's a deep philosophical question my friend

After checking your signature, I think you should keep dual booting both systems. So far I'm always trying to stick to Linux only with my TPs. Unfortunately, I had to go back to MS with my X31 due to lack of good drivers for its old ATI graphic card. But I'm really looking forward to install Karmic in my X41 this weekend!

Cheers

P.S. If I would have a T60 for personal use, I would use Ubuntu only! (Just my 0.02 cents)

[Harryc]

A bit off topic, but for those of you running 9.10, how's the battery life?

[maciejs]

A bit off topic, but for those of you running 9.10, how's the battery life?

I haven't run any tests (I find them pointless) but it seems to be better than 9.04. The difference is not huge but it's visible. If I had to give you a figure I'd say you get extra 30 minutes roughly.

Funny thing is that on win7 with all mighty Lenovo drivers and power management features I get much better estimate battery life but real life usage proves both 7 and karmic to be roughly the same (4-5 hours on a 9cell battery). Sure I could use the "battery stretch" or whatever else there's available in the Power Manager but on linux I can use powertop and battery life is, again, comparable. Only thing that annoys me is the fact that cpu fan never seems to spin down in ubuntu. I'm yet to see if the same thing happens in 7 which I don't use frequently.

[tylerwylie]

I'm running 9.10 on my T61 right now, Ubuntu releases are always worth trying out. Can't wait to see Fedora and OpenSUSE coming out later this month.

[Tasurinchi]

Hi everybody!

I did download the Ubuntu 9.10, followed the instructions from this page (http://www.pendrivelinux.com/create-a-u ... n-windows/) and installed it in my X41 via USB stick.

It's working very well. Generally speaking it feels faster compared to 9.04, although the boot time doesn't seem to be sooo much better (maybe I was expecting too much, or the slow original drive of my X41 is reaching it's maximum capabilities in terms of speed).

All in all I'm very happy and can recommend everybody that uses a X41 to give it a try...

My 0.02 cents...

Cheers