Re: [lp-ca-on] Libreboot x200 vs. ThinkPenguin

[Sergio Durigan Junior]

On Saturday, July 18 2015, Blaise Alleyne wrote:

> Took more of a detailed look at the Snares.

Thanks :-).

> The ThinkPenguin machine seems more powerful, e.g. 16GB of RAM option, newer
> hardware than the ~2008 X200. I don't think it has the FSF's Respects Your
> Freedom certification though? Probably because of the BIOS software?

Exactly.  I've seen posts from ThinkPenguin's CEO saying that porting
libreboot to their hardware would be awesome, but unfortunately is a
pretty big task and they can't tackle it now.

> ThinkPenguin is a reputable company as far as software freedom goes though, 
> and
> I've purchase a RYF wireless adapter from them before (
> https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/penguin-wireless-n-usb-adapter-gnu-linux-tpe-n150usb
> or similar ).

Yeah; as I mentioned in my first message (did I?), they do have
RYF-certified hardware for sale.

> Also, I had great experiences with same or next day email responses when I had
> some questions about the wireless adapter.

I've had great experiences with them regarding customer support as well.

> But, if I buy a new machine, I'm still going Gluglug for a few reasons (some
> more personal).
>
> First, the X200 had ThinkPad hardware. I'm quite happy with the 2007 ThinkPad
> hardware I'm currently using with my X60 and T61. Having the same keyboard,
> being able to share power adaptors... that's a huge plus for me.

Cool, that's indeed a plus and I can understand your position.  I don't
have a Thinkpad as my personal computer, so I'm neutral on this one.

> The X200 is a much smaller and more lightweight machine though. It's a 12.1"
> screen as an X-series ThinkPad. Now... when I bought my last laptop in 2007, I
> went with the T61 for the larger screen. I only inherited my X60 from my mom
> when she got another laptop. I wouldn't have purchased the smaller X60 
> myself...
> but having both around, I found myself really gravitating to the X60 more 
> often,
> being so small and lightweight...

That's indeed another good point, and I've considered that too.
However, as you may remember, I already have my Acer C720P, which is
pretty lightweight and perfectly serves the purpose of "mobile
machine".  I think I can say I'm looking more for a replacement for my
current "heavy-load" notebook, which weights almost 3 kg...

> The X200 lightweight + docking station combo is killer. I have an X60 
> UltraBase
> docking station that I have set up with my 24" monitor and a KVM switch at 
> home.
> It's killer to have a small, lighteweight machine to through in my knapsack, 
> and
> a docking station at my main desk for more screen real estate. Having the X60
> fall into my hands... I'm not sure I'd go back to a larger machine.

Hah, if I told you that I only started using docking stations last year
at my job, would you believe me?  :-P

I've never been a fan of docking stations TBH, and now that I live in a
small apartment without much space for a big monitor I think it'd be
useless for me, at least until I get more space for my stuff.

> But that's another comparison point between the ThinkPenguin options and 
> Gluglug
> X200. Is the X-series small machine a pro or con for you?
>
>
> And, as I mentioned, being an older ~2008 machine, it's less powerful, but
> that's not a huge deal for me either... as I'm currently using ~2007 hardware
> that's a generation or two back (and it's working for me still), so moving to 
> an
> X200 is an upgrade for me!

The only problem for me, I think, is when I need to compile big projects
and whatnot.  I'd also have to consider whether it's feasible to
virtualize stuff in the x200...  I know it's possible, but I'm not sure
it's something not unpleasant.

> Then, for me, Libreboot isn't a strict requirement, but it's certainly a plus,
> and given the other facts, adds another reason why I'd swing Gluglug, 
> personally.

For me, libreboot is a huge plus, and TBH that's the only thing that's
making me in doubt of which one to get...

> I'm thinking about...
> - seeing whether it's worth doing repairs to my T61
> - considering purchasing a Libreboot X200
> - once I have at least one other functioning laptop, whether T61 or X200, 
> maybe
> sending in my X60 for the Libreboot installation service...

Hey, I/we could do this installation (of course, assuming that you are
willing to take the risks; no problem if you aren't! :-P)!  It would be
awesome to have this expertise inside the group, huh?

> If I was starting from scratch and not already a ThinkPad user, I might 
> consider
> the ThinkPenguin options more seriously.

Cool, thanks a lot for your input, it has made me lean towards the
ThinkPenguin for now.

Cheers!

-- 
Sergio
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