Computer Update

A few months ago I was asking about modern computers to replace my existing aged machines. I am now in a position financially to be able to do so, and have found these as sold by Laptops Direct:

Lenovo V145 AMD A6-9225 8Gb 256Gb SSD 15.6” FHD.

Includes DVD/RW, 1 x USB2, 2 x USB3, 1 x HDMI, Ethernet Gigabit

OS = FreeDOS, ie no Windows.

I don’t want Windows, as I intend to use Linux Mint.

Usage: General home/office stuff – internet browsing with occasional upload/download, email with occasional upload/download, occasional 2D CAD, occasional usage of LibreOffice Wordpro & Calc, DOS based database (requires use of an intermediary program), occasional use of Gimp photo editing s/w, printing, scanning.

Does anyone know anything about these machines, specifically any problems with loading/running Linux?

Thanks.

Peter G. Shaw

Mods, I've messed up on the title line. Can you correct it please? Should be "computer" not "compter"

Edited By Peter G. Shaw on 23/03/2021 09:36:25

Hi Peter, Have a read through my recent thread titled 'Windows for the scrap bin' you'll find a lot of comment and observations already there which might be helpful.

regards Mike

I'm cautious in writing this since it may just be a statistical anomaly. But over many years I have bought several PC's and laptops (business and personal) from the likes of Novatech, PCWorld and a couple from Laptops Direct and the latter never lasted anywhere near as long.

edit: Novatech may be worth looking at as they will sell without an operating system...

pgk

Edited By pgk pgk on 23/03/2021 09:47:58

I got my last PC from Refurbished By Us

(https://www.refreshedbyus.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK-Search-Brand&utm_term=refurbished%20by%20us&utm_content=UK-Brand)

This was a refurbished HP Desktop but I know that they also do laptops. They guarantee for 12 months, which is more than most.

Would happily buy from them again when I need to.

Brian

Have a couple of Lenovo's a desktop and a laptop both perform well both run Linux Mint. The V145 is described as a starter business laptop. It is I think old stock and not listed on Lenovo's site any longer. Can't forsee any particular problems with it though.

John

I'm in a similar position. Linux's compatibility with up-to-date hardware is much better than it used to be. Unless you're going for some bleeding edge gear with exotic chipsets, it will probably be OK, although occasionally silly things like a finger-print detector module won't have a Linux driver, so won't work. You should be able to test the thing out with Mint on a USB stick (if the shop will let you).

I searched 'Linux Mint hardware compatability' and got this **LINK** as the first hit. There's plenty more on the various fora... I'll be looking soon, when I decide to buy the boss her new laptop...

Having said that, older gear works far better with Linux than with bloated Windoze! So end-of-line deals may be an option, if buying new.

Edited By Kiwi Bloke on 23/03/2021 10:09:33

Peter - Not up with Linux but as a recommendation I get all my (and friends) stuff from here:

**LINK**

Their prices are competitive and I am sure they would be pleased to advise you re: Linux mint before buying.

No association just a pleased customer.

Rik

Interestingly, since submitting the above, I've been looking around for Lenovo problems myself, and have indeed found that there are/have been various problems with this model, so much so that I'm now rapidly turning off this model.

Should have researched before posting, not after!

Peter G. Shaw

I have had two s/h Dell laptops (from work) and a s/h Dell desktop for the workshop and they have been rock solid - the latter has been going for 11 years and I bought it second hand. So Dell seem reliable.

Peter,

Have you considered contacting your local (Inverness?) computer repair/shop? I am sure they can put something together to your specification for a competitive price, tailored to your specific needs.

HTH,

Rod

Hi Peter,

Personally I would not bother with new laptop, as your intended purpose is Linux you will get a lot more "bang for your buck" than if you were using Windows, I would re-purpose a nearly new or refurbished laptop instead, can prbably get two 2nd user laptops for the price of one new one

Just my $0.02 worth

... also be aware that the lifetime of computers is not infinite. Some components - particularly capacitors - have limited lifetimes. There was a particular problem some years ago with electrolytic capacitors made in the East where they had been cheapened to the point where they only lasted ~5 years. It affected many/all computer manufacturers including the "good ones".

That problem was addressed and I think such machines have all passed out of the system by now. Nonetheless, electrolytic capacitors are still one of the limiting factors in computer life and I for one, wouldn't buy a machine more than 4 or 5 years old.

I am with you Peter - And that is someone who has 2 laptops on the table - I am typing on one - and another 4 leaning up against the table leg and there are numerous others. The newest ones are about 3 years old and the others up to 14 years old and running a selection of Windows, Pixel and Linux operating systems.

But while they all operate only one of the 4 year old ones still has a totally functioning battery - the other is warning me the capacity is not what it was. All of the rest will operate off the mains for lesser periods. I have another 'premium' system sitting in the corner that is not in use as it cannot be upgraded to Win10, its batteries are dead and I have no need for another Linux box at present.

Basically if you want a reliable 'new' laptop - that is what you need to buy. If you are prepared to accept a shorter battery life (and that of some older laptops wasn't anything to write home about, even when new) and potentially screen, power socket or keyboard issues then go ahead and buy a used one. I have done that in the past but would not do so again.

Most of those I have here have been superceded in other roles and so did not cost much if anything - but the 'main' desktop and 'main' laptop were each bought new.

I have not long bought a Raspberry Pi 400 which plugged into the TV is a very competent Linux based machine, however my most recent good buy was an HP Chromebook £180 off Amazon (is that allowed?) and it will do everything that you want with the possible exception of run MsDos programs - but most Chromebooks will now run Linux software so it ought to be possible. If not databases are the easiest programs to export data from into a more compatible application, far more so than graphics, DTP, spreadsheets and WP.

Edited By Nick Clarke 3 on 23/03/2021 17:42:28

That one will run very well with Linux, the battery may not be strong in a second hand laptop, that is the only slight concern.

Edited By Frances IoM on 23/03/2021 17:51:04

Edited By Frances IoM on 23/03/2021 17:51:30