[TiDual]

I have a 15" PB (Alu), a dual 2.7, and a G5 iMac 20" ... the problem is, I travel quite a bit, and really would like a subnotebook. In particular, the DELL Latitude X1 (rebadged Samsung Q30 for 50% the price!) looks very appealing: 12" wide screen and only 1.1 kilo (a bit more with a bigger battery that gives 5-6 hrs). Yes, I could get a 12" PB, of course, but 2.1 kg just isn't the same as 1.1 kg ... and doesn't seem enough better than the 2.4 kg of my Alu Book.

The main uses for the machine will be e-mail, browsing, some powerpoint (since Keynote is obviously out of the question), LateX and Word, and watching DVDs ripped using Handbrake (fantastic app!).

The question is, how can I best make such a machine integrate with my Macs ... i.e. what's the best OS to run. I'd probably have at least Windows installed, but would really like to avoid it. What Linux's offer the best experience ... Fedora Core seems to run pretty well on the X1 (according to reports) ... I also played with Ubunto on my Pbook (easy to get going, but made me realise Linux hasn't progressed much in the intereface department for the last 5 years ... very clumsy and ugly compared to OS X). Is there any chance of getting Darwin to run on such a machine, or would the hardware be too obscure.

I realise there is no easy answer to these question ... I guess what I'd really like is to hear from people who are in a similar situation. Is it hell trying to use 2-3 platforms (e.g. Linux and XP in addition to OSX? Should I just get a 12" Pbook and accept the size/weight ... or can an Intel machine be made to "fit in" ok :-)

[ingeniero]

TiDual - you're in a Mac forum. Everyone here, including myself would tell you to stick with the 12" PB using OSX. It's just a better os than windows. I have no opinion on Linux as I've never used it.

[TiDual]

Well, I have used Linux + Windows, but not for about 6 years. Of course, I'd vastly prefer to run OS X ... no question there. But in general, I can't work on my 15" PB in economy class ... the best OS in the world is useless if it's "stowed in the overhead bin"

I think there are people in these forums who use Macs + PCs ... so ultimately, I'm asking how well that can work these days.

[crazeazn]

how about a sony T series =XXXX

[tie]

Look into the IBM/Lenovo X41. Light and capable (not a great display though). 12" powerbook is too heavy, there are lighter 14" notebooks these days. I'd stay away from Dell. But then I'd also stay away from Linux. I've used Windows/Mac for a long time, and never had any problems. For your uses, I don't see why you would, except possibly Powerpoint presentations made on the Mac/PC will look different on the PC/Mac. Of course Powerpoint presentations seem to look different on every computer, and I've never checked if it is any worse PC/Mac than PC/PC.

[TiDual]

The X41 does look nice (and I've always liked their quality), but the Dell X1 is cheaper (even with the maxed battery, 60DB disk, and DVD/CD drive), has the wide format (good on planes,since it's "shorter" when open), and lighter. I would also normally avoid Dell (though I have an x50v PocketPC which continues to impress!) ... but this is really a rebadged Samsung, and build quality is apparently good.

As for the previous poster, I've not been impressed by the SONY ... they look good, but don't convince me in terms of quality/price.

But the issue here, is not so much which laptop, but rather experience with cross-platform use. I guess, unfortunately, I'll be pushed into XP (which I really do despise for both technical and ethical reasons). Powerpoint compatibility is indeed the biggest problem I guess.

[itguy05]

Don't get a Dell - their laptops are utter GARBAGE. Very poorly made (even if it is a rebadged Samsung, which is doubtful). It will be creaking and groaning in a year if it even lasts that long. I've been in this business long enough to know you don't buy Dell for quality.

I second the IBM reccomendation if you must get a PC - truly built like tanks.

Otherwise, there's always the 12" iBook - I've used the wife's on flights in the cheapest seats without issues. And it's battery will last almost the whole way across the USA....

[gururafiki]

Originally Posted by TiDual

Yes, I could get a 12" PB, of course, but 2.1 kg just isn't the same as 1.1 kg ... and doesn't seem enough better than the 2.4 kg of my Alu Book.

Originally Posted by TiDual

Of course, I'd vastly prefer to run OS X ... no question there. But in general, I can't work on my 15" PB in economy class ... the best OS in the world is useless if it's "stowed in the overhead bin"

Is weight really that much of an issue? Sounds like space is the biggest issue you are dealing with? Stick with a 12". They work fine in economy class spacing. To me, my 15" works fine in economy class, and I am 6'5", so unless you are very large, then a 12" should work for you.

[tooki]

The PowerBook forum is only for discussing PowerBooks.

tooki