I recently purchased a new Dell 1525 laptop running Ubuntu 8.04. I've been in need of a new laptop for about a year, and decided to take the plunge and see how good a Linux based laptop from Dell really is. My needs are fairly modest. I'm not a gamer, and don't watch many videos. Mainly it's used for blogging, internet, OpenOffice, IRC/IM, listening to podcasts and programming. Portablity is only somewhat important, mostly it'll be used 80% on a desk with the remaining time mobile.

Initial Impressions

I ordered this laptop on a Tues and according to Dell, it was going to take 7-10 working days then 3-5 days shipping before I'd see my new laptop here in Southern California. Much to my surprise, it shipped two days later, and arrived at my home two more days after that! I'd say Dell is very conservative in estimating dates. For once, it was great to see a laptop that didn't have all kinds of extra packaging. Dell packaged the laptop with a very minimum amount of packaging material. My box arrived via DHL intact. The contents of the box were very minimal as well, only including the power supply and Ubuntu DVD. A quick start guide and manual was also included, but not really referenced. It's a laptop after all, there's not much to put together! The included manual was for Windows OS only, there were no directions on using Ubuntu.

Upon power up, it was cool to see the Ubuntu splash screen.

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