Laptop shopping...

[Simon42]

Two Powerbooks – my 2 first Macs – failed me in the last year, so I’m looking around for options, namely an affordable laptop with maximum OSX86 compatibility. Can you guys name precise models that would fit these specs?

 

-It should be Intel-based, I would prefer separate graphics (8600-costly, 3450M-2400M), but I guess GMA900-950 and X3100 can work too.

-I want a small case, 13-14 inch maximum and weight under 5 pounds.

-All the unchangeable bits should work perfectly or almost (USB, trackpad working with 2-finger right click and full preference pane, audio, webcam, side display connector…)

-Wireless card doesn’t matter, as long as it’s PCI-E and accessible.

 

So I’m looking for a laptop model, used (up to 2 years old) or new, that would work very well with Leopard. I’m sorry if there’s already an existing list, but I have not found it. Please, tell me what’s worked for you, what the good “recipes” are.

 

I’m already using two Hackintoshes, a Quadcore desktop waiting for 4850 drivers and an Eee PC 1000H which is greatly portable but a bit low on power. A powerful but still portable laptop would be great, but I’m not ready to pay more than 1000$ for it.

 

Thanks

[Synaesthesia]

Here are the official lists - http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page - look under HCL - portable computers.

 

Honestly, it's difficult to recommend a laptop for OSX86 - too many variables! A Mac is still the best, in my opinion.

 

That said, a laptop that seems suited to your needs is the Dell XPS M1330. You can get pretty much everything working! Sometimes you just get lucky, hey!

 

Macgirl's guide for Dell XPS

[Simon42]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll be looking this one up.

...It looks good and sounds like it could do the job. Probably a bit too new for me so still expensive though...

 

I know laptops are hard to guess with the multiple variables, but I think trying to find a way to make something almost as good as a MacBook for half the price is worth it. I've not been impressed when I used a BlackBook as a stopgap when my first Powerbook failed (and did I say two failed on me?!), so I guess I won't be buying Apple anytime soon even though their new MacBook is amazing (and really expensive for me).