Need to find a new laptop to install Linux Mint on

Skymist · 23 August 2017 at 3:55PM

Hi Techies...I’m in need of some help.

My Windows 7 Acer Aspire 5741-A, has just died! It’s overheating, and on looking at some Youtube videos on how to clean it….well, it’s just too much for me! I’m a 67 year old OAP, and
taught myself how to use a laptop back in 2005.

I managed to avoid the...for me ...dreaded Windows 10, and have over the years flirted with Linux Mint! I can use it, but mostly it’s just through sheer luck, not any IT knowledge!

Anyway, I have an even older Acer Aspire (5535), which came with Vista installed, but the backlight kept going, hence my Windows 7 machine!

Anyway, after Windows 7 EOL….. and I haven’t been updating either-just been careful….I was planing to install Linux Mint Mate 18.1 on the 5535, and had made a CD of it. Fortunate that I did,’cos the 5741 stoped last night, but also fortunately, the backlight is working at the moment on the 5535, so I installed th Linux Mint OS!

But...I’m aware that this could go at any minute….a shop quoted me £140 to fix the backlight, so that’s why I bought the Windows 7 machine.

Right...I need some help with finding/buying a new...and cheap...laptop with the sole purpose of installing Linux on, but have read in several places that a lot of the cheaper laptops are now blocking this, so any ideas please?

Sorry for the long waffling post, but trying to put in all info! I use my laptop for general browsing, email Skype and watching stuff...if that’s a consideration!

Many thanks in advance, S

JJ_Egan · 23 August 2017 at 4:02PM

<I use my laptop for general browsing, email Skype and watching stuff...>>

Would an Android tablet not cover the above for you .

rorrism · 23 August 2017 at 4:03PM

When I have shopped for laptops before (it's been a while, MacOS now) finding one without the OS included was troublesome and I imagine it will still be the case. The manufacturers see Windows as a high value add-on at low cost to the due to their volume licensing agreements. If you shop about there are still machines available which come with Windows 7 so you have a backup.

WAYT · 23 August 2017 at 4:12PM

Skymist wrote: »

Hi Techies...I’m in need of some help.

My Windows 7 Acer Aspire 5741-A, has just died! It’s overheating, and on looking at some Youtube videos on how to clean it….well, it’s just too much for me! I’m a 67 year old OAP, and
taught myself how to use a laptop back in 2005.

I managed to avoid the...for me ...dreaded Windows 10, and have over the years flirted with Linux Mint! I can use it, but mostly it’s just through sheer luck, not any IT knowledge!

Anyway, I have an even older Acer Aspire (5535), which came with Vista installed, but the backlight kept going, hence my Windows 7 machine!

Anyway, after Windows 7 EOL….. and I haven’t been updating either-just been careful….I was planing to install Linux Mint Mate 18.1 on the 5535, and had made a CD of it. Fortunate that I did,’cos the 5741 stoped last night, but also fortunately, the backlight is working at the moment on the 5535, so I installed th Linux Mint OS!

But...I’m aware that this could go at any minute….a shop quoted me £140 to fix the backlight, so that’s why I bought the Windows 7 machine.

Right...I need some help with finding/buying a new...and cheap...laptop with the sole purpose of installing Linux on, but have read in several places that a lot of the cheaper laptops are now blocking this, so any ideas please?

Sorry for the long waffling post, but trying to put in all info! I use my laptop for general browsing, email Skype and watching stuff...if that’s a consideration!

Many thanks in advance, S

You have misunderstood. Windows 7 is supported until January 14, 2020

You need to use the laptop on a hard and flat surface.

debitcardmayhem · 23 August 2017 at 4:15PM

Novatech sell machines sans o/s, but they don't "support" *ix , but that shouln't be problem. Sometimes you can get refurbs without o/s too, but you can also buy a lappy with windows and ditch it , but the license will stay with the mc, or dual boot... 67 ain't that old , it's all in the mind:eek: I too am "old"

WAYT · 23 August 2017 at 5:01PM

Ok, I've watched the teardown video and see your point. I too wouldn't be keen on taking it almost completely apart.
Why not buy a cheap refurb, that either has Windows 7 installed or can have Windows 7 installed to it?

I_have_spoken · 23 August 2017 at 7:41PM

OP, one of the kewl kids!

System · 23 August 2017 at 8:23PM

Get on Ebay and buy yourself a Lenovo Thinkpad T420 or T430. Bombproof laptops that were £1000 new with good Linux compatibility.

agrinnall · 23 August 2017 at 8:51PM

Not sure what your fear of Win 10 is based on, my suggestion would be to forget all about Linux and buy a laptop with Win 10 already installed and just use it like a normal person would.

GunJack · 24 August 2017 at 7:16AM

If you find a decent local independent computer bod, they'll probably get both your current machines working properly again for around £100-120....worth shopping around. Sounds like a cleanout & renew heatsink compund on the newer one, and inverter/screen cable/screen on older one...acer parts are plentiful on ebay

ThemeOne · 24 August 2017 at 7:33AM

You might do better posting on the Linux Mint Forums, if you haven't already, for laptop recommendations.

Having said that I think you'd be unlucky to have massive problems installing Mint on any laptop you choose.

Need to find a new laptop to install Linux Mint on

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