t22 or t23 better in terms of linux compatibility?

[chili]

Hi folks,

I am about to buy a second hand Thinkpad T22 or T23. I want to run Linux on it (preferably Debian which I have been using on the desktop for some years now). Normaly I would tend to the T23 with the PIII 1,13Ghz - but then I read that the T22 is a bit more easy in terms of making all the hardware work properly under Linux. The T22 with a PIII 900Mhz wouldn't be too bad too.
Any suggestions on choosing between T22/T23?

Second question: are the sxga+ displays better quality (brightnes, viewing angle) than the xga (or just higher resolution) - in other words: should I go for a T22/23 with the sxga+ resolution? (will use the laptop for: lots of writing, internet, some gimping, some DVD-watching)

Thanks for your help!

Chili

[stgreek]

There is absolutely no difference, as both use chipsets/hardware that is fully supported by Linux. The only problems might be with the savage/supersavage graphics chips, but I believe the latest kernels have built-in support for them (if not, you can have patches that add support, so don't worry too much). I would definetely go for the T23, the different architecture makes it much faster than the 200 Mhz clock difference mght suggest.

As for the SXGA+ vs XGA I haven't seen any major difference in quality, but unless your eyes are not too good get the SXGA+, as it offers a lot more screen estate for your uses (esp. internet,office apps and graphics)

HTH
Stavros

[awolfe63]

Ditto - there should be no difference in compatibility.

I had both a T21 and a T23 (and a T20, now a T42). I found the SXGA+ to be the biggest benefit of the T23 - especially for writing. I would get it.

I found the speed less of an issue (I had an 800MHz T21 and a 1.2GHz T23)

[carbon_unit]

Ill third the motion, I have tried linux on all of the T2x series and they all are well supported but you might as well get the T23 as it runs considerably faster.
A T23 with Xandros is my main computer. I think there is some Win2k on here too but I can't remember the last time I booted it.
Viruses........I don't have time to fool with them, I am too busy using my computer.

[chili]

Thanks for the answers! I am now the proud owner of a T23 with 1,2Ghz PIII and SXGA+ display. The Debian/Sarge install went like a charm: display, audio, usb, "mouse" all working. The fine-tuning is going on now. Have to check out acpi etc. will be back with more questions

Chili

[systemparadox]

NOOO!!!!!
I feel sorry for you. You're probably going to regret buying the T23 until you find another laptop.

There is absolutely no difference, as both use chipsets/hardware that is fully supported by Linux. The only problems might be with the savage/supersavage graphics chips, but I believe the latest kernels have built-in support for them (if not, you can have patches that add support, so don't worry too much). I would definetely go for the T23, the different architecture makes it much faster than the 200 Mhz clock difference mght suggest.

As for the SXGA+ vs XGA I haven't seen any major difference in quality, but unless your eyes are not too good get the SXGA+, as it offers a lot more screen estate for your uses (esp. internet,office apps and graphics)

HTH
Stavros

Oh but there is a whole load of difference. I used to have T20. Excellent. OK so the modem was from 3com and didn't stand a chance of Linux drivers, but it's miniPCI so I could have changed it for less than 20 quid.

The T20, T21 and T22 have a Crystal CS-426x soundcard- excellent. The T23 has a whole load of integrated intel stuff. That includes the soundcard which is... the intel 8x0. *shiver*. That useless piece of crap is incapable of playing multiple PCM streams- that's multiple sounds. It requires the software to do it. I hear that it is possible to do it in Linux with ALSA DMix, but I haven't been able to set it up properly (severe lack of documentation, very difficult), and no OSS programs can use it.

The T20, T21 and T22 have an S3 Savage IX 8Mb. The T23 has an S3 SuperSavage IX 16Mb. Presently neither has OpenGL drivers for Linux. But at the moment the Savage driver can do similtaneous LCD and external monitor display (dual desktops). The SuperSavage cannot.

The SVGA+ panel also has problems with Linux.

Stavros, what's this about a different architecture? What was it before? What is it now?

I would love it if someone could prove me wrong here. Any help setting up multiple sounds (and recordings), dual displays, opengl, ultrabay hotswap, and suspend and hibernate would be greatly appreciated.

The T23 is the best laptop I have seen so far, but I'm thinking about changing it because of these issues. If I could resolve them it would be AMAZING.

Simon