[rbanffy]

I've been running Linux on laptops since 2004 or so. Used Debian, then Ubuntu and never had any bad hardware issues. The worst issues would require connecting the ethernet cable and downloading missing modules (that couldn't be distributed on the CD).

I just got myself a Dell Vostro v131 n-series that came with Linux preinstalled. I updated it to the latest Ubuntu and everything works flawlessly. Just about any average notebook will run Linux well, unless it's specifically designed not to. My second option was an HP netbook, but HP insisted I'd have to buy it with Windows if I wanted the 768x1366 screen.

[akkartik]

I've been running a T420s with LMDE for 4 months now, and the one issue that's been bugging me is battery life. Boot up the windows partition: 6.5 hours. Linux partition: 1.5 hours.

[rbanffy]

That's weird. Can you run a power metering tool to find out what is using so much energy? What the GPU it uses?

[akkartik]

I'd love to try that. You mean a hardware metering tool?

[rbanffy]

Try to run "powertop".

[akkartik]

Thanks! I updated my tunables, but top of the overview is the laptop fan.

Update: it's also possible the GPU is the culprit: http://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=786665

[rbanffy]

Nice!

Let us know what happens.