Do you check for linux support for hardware before buy it?

sh.id.lv · n00b Joined: 08 Apr 2004 Posts: 23

Do you check for linux support for hardware before buy it?
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Little Nemo · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:09 am Post subject:

It happened to me once or twice not to check. My faith was deceived, so now I do thorough checks before buying. No guarantee though, given the multiple diversions in Linux flavours.

numerodix · l33t Joined: 18 Jul 2002 Posts: 743 Location: nl.eu

Actually, yes. The Compaq nx7000 laptop I got two days ago is known to be very compatible but I'm still struggling to get it all working.

It usually pays off to check up on those things, you don't want to be stuck with an unsupported piece of trash pinnacle tv card like I am.
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neenee · Veteran Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 1786

i check, and if i am not sure it will work, i won't buy.

placeholder · Advocate Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 2500

I never check and so far it has worked out for me.

Pink · Veteran Joined: 24 Jul 2003 Posts: 1062

I must admit I don't do any checks now - I used to but have either been very lucky in the past year or linux, as a whole, as matured enough not to worry too much about compatibilty.

Little Nemo · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 10:20 am Post subject:

nero · n00b Joined: 08 Aug 2002 Posts: 66

I usually shop at Fry's Electronics for all my harware, but the staff there are total morons (most of the time) and half of the time they give you a blank stare when you mention Linux. I don't have to look up hardware support, as they have the most leniant return policy on earth. People I know have even begun making "Fry's Rentals." Need a few 16 port switches for a lan party? "Rent" some for free! :twisted:

... The downside is that they put pretty much all returns right back on the shelf, with only a $5 discount.

However, if I need something to work in linux right away. I either stop at a nearby Schlotzky's (Free Internet) or go to the CompUSA (they allow net access to check support.) I live about 40 mins away from the good tech stores, so going back home isn't the best option.

b1nd3n14l · Tux's lil' helper Joined: 06 Jun 2003 Posts: 80

Yep... The last scanner I bought (Epson Perfection 2400 Photo) I checked around and it looked like Linux would work with it..It was eazier getting it to work in Linux than Windows due to /usr/portage of course......
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placeholder · Advocate Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 2500

I bought a wireless NIC not long ago and it works with the Linux-native Madwifi drivers so I really don't worry much anymore.

dmouritsendk

Stormy Eyes · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 1:20 pm Post subject:

I always research before I buy. Caveat emptor, after all, especially when buying gear online. I doubt that any of the sales staff at TigerDirect knows Linux, so it's up to me to know what's compatible and what isn't.

Aurora · l33t Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Posts: 658 Location: Classified

Sometimes...

If I'm just going to buy a keyboard or a mouse, I don't even bother to check. However, if I'm going to buy a more expensive item, I'll check.

Plus, I can alway return the item if I don't like it, or if it doesn't work with Linux.
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LeTene · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 2:09 pm Post subject:

I just read on these forums what cool stuff people have got running, then go and get some myself :lol:

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parsecbyproxy · n00b Joined: 07 Aug 2003 Posts: 44 Location: VA, USA

shagrat · Apprentice Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 219 Location: Norway

I diddent use to check, but after a few bad purchases I've learnt my lesson.

30726 · Veteran Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 1501

That's one of the first things I check for since I run Linux/BSD exclusively. If more people start doing this the hardware manufacturers will be forced to provide decent drivers if they want to stay in business.

AlterEgo · Veteran Joined: 25 Apr 2002 Posts: 1619

I always check, and try to vote with my money: buy from vendors that support linux as actively as possible.
No linuxant or ndiswrapper bullshit for me please, I pay for driver support once, not twice.

oanjao · n00b Joined: 19 Feb 2004 Posts: 73 Location: Orlando, FL

Amen, AlterEgo. I always check for compatibility and general Linux-friendliness before buying. It will save you time in the long run and it will ultimately lead to Linux being taken more seriously by hardware vendors.
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WaterSoul · Apprentice Joined: 31 Jan 2004 Posts: 158

I never check, if it doesn't work, I bring it back to teh shop.

ratbert90 · Apprentice Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 177

I make a list, check it twice, see if the hardware vendors have been naughty or nice.

In fact, today I just bought my 1st ever brand-new computer.

Msikt800
Athlonxp 3200+
1gig of crucial 3200 ddr memory
I am using my old video card, I am waiting for the 6800 pro to come out.

I will never use ati, or a broadcom card ever.

Scanners and printers are usually hp at my house, and hp has GREAT linux support.

Modems have not been used in this house in years.
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lightvhawk0 · Guru Joined: 07 Nov 2003 Posts: 388

I don't check, usually, if I did I'd never buy anything. Nothing hardly ever advertises " Look at me I work with linux!!!!"
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WaterSoul · Apprentice Joined: 31 Jan 2004 Posts: 158

I must admit it always feels funny to ask the shopkeeper if he can install gentoo :lol:

VolcomPimp · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 3:05 am Post subject:

I just assume nothing's gonna work, that way
I'm suprised w/ whatever does work...
That way if a few things work, I'm a little suprised.
If everything or most everything works, I'm like w00t
instead of breaking things...

Given M. Sur · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 3:40 am Post subject: