I thought I’d share a bit more of my thought processes around the ongoing laptop selection process. Starting from the bottom – the chipset – the choices I’m looking at are x86, PPC, and less likely, AMD64 (unless I wait for the new Centrino-alternative chipset to make it into hardware).
Whatever the hardware, it has to run Linux and the basic UI and productivity applications I require (Gnome, Evolution, Firefox, Gaim, etc). Fortunately, all three of those architectures do. What’s been interesting to me has been how close the PPC support – at least on Gentoo – is to x86. It really is remarkable; AMD64, meanwhile, is a ways behind both platforms.
The easy choice here is x86: IBM’s Chiphopper program aside, x86 is far and away the most dominant platform for Linux applications, and just as important for a laptop, the Linux-compatible hardware options are excellent.
That said, I’m still intrigued by the possibility of running Linux on Apple’s hardware. As I mentioned previously, the main holdup is the lack of Linux support for the Broadcom chipset in the Airport Extreme card that’s embedded in the machine. What’s more, the 12″ model I was looking at lacks any PC card slot, which I belatedly realized would forbid me from picking up an EV-DO or UMTS card for broadband-over-mobile network connectivity down the line. So either way, the 12″ is out. But remarkably, I’m still considering the Apple hardware – even at a thin-and-light (as opposed to ultralight) form factor that’s not my preference.
As far as why, it’s not just that I like the Apple gear. No, it’s more because I’m interested to see what the Power architecture can do. Here’s how Linus put it:
“As to the why … Part of it is simply that I wanted to try something else, and I felt like there were enough people testing the x86 side that it certainly didn’t need me. Part of it is that I personally believe there are two main architectures out there: Power and x86-64 are what _I_ think are the two most relevant ones, and I decided that I had to at least check the other side of it out seriously if I really believed that,” said Torvalds.
That sums up my feelings nicely. For any number of reasons – hardware support, primarily – a decision in favor of an Apple platform would bring with it substantial issues, but I may go that route anyway. I’ll be thinking it over for a week or two – my Thinkpad should be good for another month or so at least – but in the meantime I’d love to hear any thoughts you guys have.
Christopher Baus says:
March 11, 2005 at 11:57 am
The Power architecture is certainly very cool. But this is a laptop, not a server box. Personally I have found Linux support is sketchy even on mainstream x86 laptop boxes.
Here's what I would do, and actually am considering: get the x86 laptop for day to day use, and buy a Mac Mini to get your feet wet with the Power architecture. The mini is probably just a laptop mother board anyway.
I think linus is likely correct. In two years there will probably only be x86-64 and Power left in the market, and I'm currently running neither platform.
sogrady says:
March 12, 2005 at 4:57 am
thx for the comments, Christopher. i agree on the hardware question, but fortunately what i find is that if you hunt around you find enough people who have been through the experience to tell you what will work and what won't. on the Apple front, for example, i have this guy (http://forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic-t-162622.html) who tells me exactly what to expect from a Power on Gentoo perspective. and actually, the spotty hardware support sort of makes the Power choice a bit easier; b/c nothing's perfect, they're all flawed to a degree.
as for the Mini idea, the desktop i run is going to need to be a workstation type device for work purposes, and it has to run Windows. so if i'm going to go Power at all, it'll be on the laptop.
not sure yet tho.
Christopher Baus says:
March 12, 2005 at 11:19 pm
I just looked over that link you posted. Hmm, looks like more is working than I would have expected. ATI has been a problem with x86 hardware as well, although since I'm not a gamer 3D support really doesn't matter to me.
Maybe my next laptop will be an apple, but I'll likely just try a mini on for size first.
Christopher Baus says:
March 12, 2005 at 11:33 pm
Hmm, this discussion makes me wonder if there is a market for power based linux laptop.
sogrady says:
March 13, 2005 at 9:17 am
well, not only do i think there's a market for a Power based laptop, i think my search indicates that there's a substantial opportunity for someone to deliver a real, boutique, high end laptop and make decent margins. not that anyone will pay 4K or something for it, but where are the best of the best at the ultralight level? the x40's good, but it's not that good.
Christopher Baus says:
March 13, 2005 at 11:50 am
I'm sitting in a cafe in Tahoe right now and the person next to me has a 17" powerbook. Pretty nice. I am starting to think these bigger monitors laptops are for me. I find myself doing development more and more on my laptop, so the more screen real estate the better.