How to Conquer the World for Linux 16805

The problem with the laptop he describes (386, 4-Megs RAM, 32MB HDD) is that it is pathetically weak. It would probably be "okay" in running some of the smaller distros but starting and running apps people want like OpenOffice would quickly bring this screaming 386 with 4-megs to its knees.

I won't speak for everyone but I think that most people would rather spend an extra couple $100 and get a system that's powerful enough to be usable. It doesn't have to have the absolute latest technology but it needs to be a decent performing system.

In related news.... Less than 2 weeks ago I bought a new laptop from Dell. Received it last Tuesday (6 days ago). I wasn't looking for cutting edge performance since I basically plan on doing light-duty computing on it. Web-surfing, email, word processing, etc. I wanted something decent but some expensive $2300 laptop.

Dell had a one-day $750 instant rebate sale. I ended up getting a new laptop, 60-gig drive, 512 megs RAM, 1.6 Gig Pentium-M (not Celeron) processor, 15.4" wide-screen LCD (1280x800), upgrade to the better battery, CD-DVD with dual-layer DVD writer and built-in Centrino wireless. Final price was $760 with free shipping.

This is a pretty nice system that has a full warranty and is more than fast enough. Before I bought this I looked around and the closest thing that I could find was stuff that OverStock.com had. "Reconditioned" 850Mhz systems with 14" screens, half the Ram, half the HDD, no wireless, crappy warranty, etc. for around $550.

When you can get so much laptop for around $750 these days it's hard to justify spending $450-$550 and getting so much less for your money.