Linux or no linux on lenovo thinkpads

[ryengineer]

Matt wrote:

Now it’s your turn. I know some of you have been itching to get to the end of this post so that you can start flaming. So flame away, but how about sharing a few tidbits at the same time. Answer the poll question if you’d like and then give us some additional feedback in your comments.

How would you want to buy a notebook to run Linux from Lenovo?

Full story can be found here.

[mattbiernat]

Linux or no linux on lenovo thinkpads

sure why not? let people buy whatever OS they want to use.

How would you want to buy a notebook to run Linux from Lenovo?

I would want to buy one from lenovo website preferably. weird question.

[ryengineer]

snip.....I would want to buy one from lenovo website preferably. weird question.

Actually Matt is running a poll at lenovo blogs giving you 3 choices to choose from. Lenovo blogs is down at the moment but the choices are:

How would you want to buy a notebook to run Linux from Lenovo?

-No formal preload, no tech support, drivers for ALL hardware functions for distributions formally listed as supported.

-Preloaded distributions, no tech support, availability of drivers to support MOST hardware functions.

-One or two popular distributions preloaded, full tech support, all drivers and utilities included along with key ThinkVantage tools for recovery, connectivity, etc.

[crashnburn]

snip.....I would want to buy one from lenovo website preferably. weird question.

Actually Matt is running a poll at lenovo blogs giving you 3 choices to choose from. Lenovo blogs is down at the moment but the choices are:

How would you want to buy a notebook to run Linux from Lenovo?

-No formal preload, no tech support, drivers for ALL hardware functions for distributions formally listed as supported.

-Preloaded distributions, no tech support, availability of drivers to support MOST hardware functions.

-One or two popular distributions preloaded, full tech support, all drivers and utilities included along with key ThinkVantage tools for recovery, connectivity, etc.

I'd put more clear details on his options.

e.g.:

- OS: MS XP / MS Vista / Windows Server / ABC Linux / Mac OS X (I think apple should try to expand their software platform just like they did for their Hardware Platforum with the MacBookPro)
- Drivers (Available for each of the OSes)
- ThinkVantage Tools
- Tech Support

Each of the above being an optional. Take the kind of permutations & combinations that can be had.

Flexible Licensing.

[mattbiernat]

How would you want to buy a notebook to run Linux from Lenovo?

-No formal preload, no tech support, drivers for ALL hardware functions for distributions formally listed as supported.

-Preloaded distributions, no tech support, availability of drivers to support MOST hardware functions.

-One or two popular distributions preloaded, full tech support, all drivers and utilities included along with key ThinkVantage tools for recovery, connectivity, etc.

[/quote]

is it me? or are their choices not very clear. can someone explain what do they mean? then i will cast my vote.

[ryengineer]

snip.......is it me? or are their choices not very clear. can someone explain what do they mean? then i will cast my vote.

The proposition are:

1. Lenovo will sell you a notebook without any OS, technical support for drivers, and will direct you towards supported distros and compatible drivers present online for it's machines.

OR

2. Lenovo will preload a distro, supply the drivers but won't provide any technical support.

OR

3. A popular distro like Suse Enterprise from Novell will be preloaded along with all drivers, utilities and Thinkvantage tools and Productivity Center which will have full backing and technical support of lenovo.

[mattbiernat]

ty im gonna go for 3

[The Spirit of X21]

I like installing Linux on systems myself, but I would really enjoy having all of the ThinkPad software and the security of knowing that if I ran into a problem that I could contact someone at a help desk. Choice #3 for me, please.

[ryengineer]

A new poll was carried out on lenovo blogs offering 25+ distros targeted to satisfy the needs of linux enthusiastic end users. It went in the favor of Ubuntu by far.

Lenovo will be launching it on one of it's mainstream machines by the end of this or start of next year.

In addition, lenovo has started to ship SLED 10 for enterprise channels on Thinkpad T61 series. Interested individuals/organizations can call 1 866 428 4465 for inquiries.

Two test configurations are available at this time:

1

2

[mattbiernat]

i actually liked xubuntu so much better than ubuntu or kubuntu. IMO all 3 should be availabe as a choice.

[corsac]

i actually liked xubuntu so much better than ubuntu or kubuntu. IMO all 3 should be availabe as a choice.

Come on guys, all *ubuntu are the same, just remove what you don't want and install what you want. It's a pain for the vendor to offer those 3 choices, and that's not its role.

[ajkula66]

I'd go with the choice #3 myself...choice #1 is already available in the respect of: pull out the original HDD and load what you feel like on a different one, and choice # 2 makes absolutely no sense to me...if I'm buying something with an OS installed, I'd like some support for it...especially for the fact that any OS that IBM/Lenovo uses differs from its "normal" retail version...

Just my opinion, obviously...