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Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

arstechnica.com

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Re: Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

#11

Post by billconan »

jewel wrote: post #8
billconan wrote: post #7

looks like a good notebook. but I have lots of issues with nvidia gpu under linux. everytime the kernel gets updated, I get a black screen.

I have three Desktops with an nvidia card that haven't had a problem. On Ubuntu DKMS recompiles the nvidia blob loader whenever the kernel is updated. What operating system are you on? Did you install the proprietary drivers by hand? Given what you've said, my guess is that you're on the proprietary driver but it isn't being recompiled properly.

desktop is a different story. the issue happens when you have both intel and nvidia gpus.

see for example:

https://devtalk.nvidia.com/default/topic/790089/linux/nvidia...

http://askubuntu.com/questions/372686/after-installing-nvidi...

Re: Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

#12

Post by rayiner »

Mandatum wrote: post #6
rayiner wrote: post #2

Really disappointing that it only gets 5.5 hours of Wi-Fi browsing with a 91 watt-hour battery (on integrated graphics). The rMBP pushes 9-10 hours under those conditions.

Denser displays use much more power.

It's only slightly denser: 235 versus 220 ppi.

Re: Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

#13

Post by shmerl »

I wish all manufacturers would just allow buying computers without an OS.

I recently tried to check if Lenovo offers Windows refund for those who reject the EULA. No dice. They still claim Windows tax is mandatory even if you don't need Windows.

What I never understood though is how can they legally do it. Doesn't it violate product tying laws?

Re: Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

#14

Post by stilldavid »

slantyyz wrote: post #10
dima55 wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Or a second windows key. Or separate mouse buttons. Sigh

>> Or separate mouse buttons. I find that part to be the most annoying part of touch pads on non-Mac laptops these days. I get that Apple has the reputation for having the best pads (which makes them an ideal source for copying ideas), but I've always hated the clicking mechanism on my Macbook Pro, especially when it came to right clicks. My Lenovo Y50 at least doesn't require a second finger to right click, but I wo…

> ... especially when it came to right clicks

Just curious, do you have secondary click set to click with two fingers, or to click in bottom right corner?

Re: Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

#15

Post by mod »

stormbrew wrote: post #3

Why in god's name does a laptop that large not have independent home/end/pgup/pgdn keys. This trend drives me nuts.

That removes me from the market.

I use those keys incessantly, browsing the web and coding both.

I bought a very large Asus gaming laptop primarily for this reason, and I'm very fond of the placement, as well (above the numpad, can be easily found without looking).

Other things that are important to me is a gap to be able to feel F5 without looking, and same for the arrow keys. So many keyboards put the arrow keys--which require a hand movement--inline with other keys without making them distinct. At the very least put a nub on the up key or something.

Re: Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

#16

Post by jgrowl »

I received mine a couple of weeks ago and have been pretty happy so far. Everything worked out of the box in ubuntu (camera, multimedia keys, trackpad, touchscreen, bluetooth, wifi, etc). My only complaints are:

- The Glossy monitor is incredibly reflective. I wish there was a matte option.

- I got the UHD screen option but there are still too many scaling issues in linux. Ubuntu looks fine with some minor tweaks but a lot of programs look horrible (ie. chrome). I ended up just lowering the resolution for now.

- The power cable sticks out really far when it is plugged in. It also makes me worried I'll break it if I forget I'm attached because the input seems a little wobbly.

- I like the keyboard for the most part but a few of the keys squeak occasionally.

- The trackpad also is pretty good, but it feels overly sensitive and jumpy compared to my macbook air.

- WIFI seems a little spotty. It might be that my wireless router isn't very good but my signal is much weaker than it is on my macbook. I need to play around with setting a little more before coming to a conclusion.

- If you open it up on your lap you might pinch your legs!

*edit: I used a 20% coupon I found online somewhere. Not sure how long it was good for: MXPX2T1N9HGH12

Re: Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

#17

Post by mod »

jewel wrote: post #8
billconan wrote: post #7

looks like a good notebook. but I have lots of issues with nvidia gpu under linux. everytime the kernel gets updated, I get a black screen.

I have three Desktops with an nvidia card that haven't had a problem. On Ubuntu DKMS recompiles the nvidia blob loader whenever the kernel is updated. What operating system are you on? Did you install the proprietary drivers by hand? Given what you've said, my guess is that you're on the proprietary driver but it isn't being recompiled properly.

I previously had this issue, however it has since gone away. But it's possible I just switched back the the (shitty for games) nouveau driver, it's been a while and I can't remember now.

I'm pretty content to just play 100% of games in windows, given that it's about 15 second reboot time with an SSD & windows 8--but I'll be very happy if we ever get full linux support on all games.

Re: Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

#18

Post by jgrowl »

dima55 wrote: post #5
stormbrew wrote: post #3

Why in god's name does a laptop that large not have independent home/end/pgup/pgdn keys. This trend drives me nuts.

Or a second windows key. Or separate mouse buttons. Sigh

Why do people use a second windows button? I've never understood how it is useful.

Re: Dell’s Linux PC sequel still just works, but adds 4K screen and rough edges

#19

Post by cpbotha »

billconan wrote: post #11
jewel wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have three Desktops with an nvidia card that haven't had a problem. On Ubuntu DKMS recompiles the nvidia blob loader whenever the kernel is updated. What operating system are you on? Did you install the proprietary drivers by hand? Given what you've said, my guess is that you're on the proprietary driver but it isn't being recompiled properly.

desktop is a different story. the issue happens when you have both intel and nvidia gpus. see for example: https://devtalk.nvidia.com/default/topic/790089/linux/nvidia... http://askubuntu.com/questions/372686/after-installing-nvidi...

On Ubuntu this problem is caused by the gpu-manager that keeps on rewriting xorg.conf incorrectly for the Optimus NVIDIA / Intel setup.

I analyse the problem and present a hacky work-around in this post: http://vxlabs.com/2015/02/05/solving-the-ubuntu-14-04-nvidia...

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