So with my laptop in the state of no return, I have been pondering what my next machine will be. Of course a machine would be empty without its operating system!
Repairs alone would cost more than 1700 MYR, so rather than dumping that money on an old machine, I thought I’d invest in a new one. I’ve been looking around the market, but my eyes have been fixated on the low end Macbook. I don’t really need Apple hardware, but after comparing it with the IBM/Lenovo ThinkPads, that are currently available, the Macbook provides a better bang for the buck!
What are the extra benefits of getting a Macbook? Leopard! (well soonish, its only Tiger for now)
Rumors have it that Apple is just about to release (somewhere around October 26) their update to their operating system, dubbed Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard, featuring more bling. Meanwhile the Ubuntu community have also been hard at work on their next version 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon, to be released on October 18th!
Sure I could just buy the Apple hardware and dump Ubuntu on it, but Mac OSX is oh so blingy, though Ubuntu is also very blingy with Compiz!
So my options?
- Wait till the end of October, or beginning of November to get Leopard preloaded on a Macbook
- Get the Macbook now and load Leopard (or whatever comes next) later
- Purchase a non Apple laptop, and use Ubuntu
Perhaps someone would like to donate me a laptop? It will most definitely make me decide on my next operating system. Please.
Or perhaps I should just consider another brand…Dell, HP? Any recommendations? Definitely not Acer though.
I love my aging IBM ThinkPad R52. But you know, once you’ve got it, you’re still looking out for new hardware.
Well looks like Dell has given us another reason to pick up their machines.
Everyones picked it up, so you’ve probably heard it already. Dell is pre-loading their machines with Ubuntu. (The latest Feisty Fawn if you’re curious).
Awesome.
What does this mean? Initially it means more FOSS computers running without restricted drivers. Well if Dell decides to bring this to Malaysia, especially with their investment for a support center in Cyberjaya, Ubuntu business may be picking up in Malaysia. Especially in terms of support. If there is a marketing push for it locally, we have to work with them.
So yes Dell Malaysia, that is an open invitation.
So to the FOSS Community, things are picking up. What are you going to do?
For Starters
Well for starters, you can ensure that you are professional skilled in supporting Linux. That’s right guys, how about taking Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Certification Examinations.
If there is interests, than I hope we can also introduce the Ubuntu Certified Professional.
After installing the new Ubuntu Feisty Fawn I was looking around through the settings and saw this: System » Administration » Restricted Drivers Manager .
Oh yeah…doesn’t it feel good to not run any restricted drivers. A completely Free Operating System. The dream of RMS.
The Truth
Actually it’s not true. I am not running a completely Free Operating System. Its only free in terms of hardware. But when running things like video decoders such as for DVD playback, I have to rely on “non free” elements due to regulations in place which restrict the distribution of “unlawful” (sarcasm also intended) software.
Conclusion
But in terms of getting your computer up and running, being free of restricted drivers makes it so much easier. Maybe that’s why my Ubuntu installation went very easily.
