Remilia Scarlet

Last Friday I ordered a new laptop for myself, which just arrived today. This is the third laptop and seventh computer I currently own, so it wasn't quite like I needed it, but I bought this one to actually replace my previous laptop. The last one, an Alienware Area 51-M, turned out to be too heavy and bulky for everyday use (it weighed about 10-12 lbs, not including the 6 lb power block); after using it for about two years now, I was tired of lugging it around.

When I went looking for a new laptop, I went about it differently than I did last time. I rarely play games these days, and most of my time is spent either programming, doing Linux administration stuff, or browsing the web, so a laptop with a hefty video card wasn't a necessity. I was also looking for one that I knew could run Linux, a problem my Alienware had. When I had tried to install Slackware on it, the thing said "no" (stupid Promise SATA RAID controller). It wasn't just Slackware, either. Debian did the same thing. In the end, I was forced to use Ubuntu, which isn't bad...but it isn't Slackware, either.

Anyways, my Alienware laptop was basically overkill for what I needed to do. I had no need for a RAID 1 array or dual DVD+-RW drives in a laptop. Instead, I needed a non-gaming machine, and I was determined to get one that would work with Slackware. After shopping around a bit, I came across a local company called System 76. They were a bit pricey, but looked pretty good, and they installed Linux (albeit Ubuntu) by default. Eventually, I decided on them.

My decision paid off. This new laptop runs Slackware flawlessly, it's built really well, performs very nicely, and best of all, it has a keyboard layout I love (page up/down and home/end are vertical and on the right-hand side).

Specs:
-Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.13Ghz
-2gb RAM
-60gb 7200rpm hard drive
-Integrated Intel 950 graphics (like I said, I don't need a hefty card)
-Integrated wireless card (never had one before, actually)
-Slackware 11.0, decently modified
-15.5" screen
-About 6 lbs

Since I mainly use laptops at school to take notes, write LaTeX documents, program, and administer servers/computer labs, I think this one will more than adequately serve my needs. And best of all, it won't weigh me down anymore.