Re:Ask HN: Laptop for Linux Software Development
by aespinoza on Thursday November 29, 2012 @04:26PM
(#4850364)
The HP Envy 17 is expandable to 16GB and the Lenovo T430S is as well. I know this ecause I use both of them.
The HP Envy is a beautiful machine, but it lacks the drivers for Linux. I am currently using Linux in VMWare because of the lack of drivers. Especially the Graphics Card Switching driver. That is the one I miss the most, because it makes my battery last for 5-6 hours.
Re:Ask HN: Laptop for Linux Software Development
by shrughes on Thursday November 29, 2012 @05:03PM
(#4850541)
Practically all normally-built laptops with 2 RAM slots are expandable to 16 GB.
Re:Ask HN: Laptop for Linux Software Development
by csense on Sunday December 02, 2012 @06:00PM
(#4862949)
> Practically all normally-built laptops with 2 RAM slots are expandable to 16 GB.
As of this writing (Dec. 2, 2012), there are five non-refurbished Core i7 laptops in the $500-$750 price range on Newegg:
ASUS K55A-DH71
Acer Aspire AS5750-9422
Acer Aspire V3-571-9890
Acer Aspire V5-171-9661
TOSHIBA Satellite S855-S5378
Only one (the Toshiba) is expandable to 16GB. You need to check all the specs, especially if you're bargain hunting.
I haven't seen a laptop that's expandable to 16GB. But I also don't usually look higher than the middle of the market when I'm laptop shopping, so you may be able to find one if you're willing to pay a paying premium price for it.
Don't be afraid of a machine with a too-small hard drive or memory. Upgrades for both are cheap. CPU, GPU, and monitor, on the other hand, are usually difficult or impossible to upgrade in a laptop.
If you don't have a specific use for a graphics card, consider going with a machine which only has integrated graphics. It will save you a lot.