Any companies that sell Linux preinstalled laptops with completely open hardware drivers?

[ppvheaven]

I think this option for my next laptop would be a great investment because I would be able to install pretty much whatever operating system I want without hardware issues. Thanks in advance.

 

[-DC-]

Dell used to, but not anymore (they didn't sell). And most hardware manufacturers won't release open source versions of their proprietary drivers.

 

[questinP]

Just use a different computer to make your own live cd, then install it. You dont even have to install it when you make the live CD.

 

[Ricky Ricardo]

You are completely wrong you DO need to have proprietary drivers to avoid issues with some hardware. If by your question you are implying should a company install hardware that is the most compatible with all OS then this is an impossible task.RICK

 

[Mirrasi]

Possibly the best way forward here would be to purchase a Laptop with Windows preinstalled then either Dual Boot or replace it with LinuxOverall a Linux based platform can certainly perform most of the tasks equally as well as a Windows based platform using the likes of Ubuntu and its derivative distros. However Linux does have its limitations with some applications and in particular gaming. For example I retain a partition with XP on to run specific applications which cannot be adapted through a Windows compatability layer such as Dreamweaver CS5, Office 2007 etc.http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htmI thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 10 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 10.10 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalledInstalling Linux as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioninghttp://psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubiLinux Mint has a similar installer called mint4win (mint4win works the same as the Ubuntu Windows installer so the instructions outlined above are almost identical)You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.mint4win keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.Boot in to windows insert the Linux Mint LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the mint4win installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.Once Linux Mint is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux MintLinux Mint 10 Downloadhttp://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=67Linux Mint 10 User Guidehttp://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.phpYou download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 10 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installationhttps://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowtoLinux Mint 10 as can most distros. also be run direct from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard DriveShould you choose to carry out a full installation see the tutorial belowThe Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 10 (Julia)http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-10-juliaLUg.

 

[Nathan D]

I can't vouch for completely open hardware drivers, but this is a good place to start your search:http://linuxpreloaded.com/