Technophile Monkey

In the last months, we have received significantly more requests for custom-built PCs than for stock PCs. Our current shop system and our inventory can’t quite keep up with these requests, though.

That’s why we decided to shift our strategy this year. We will be supplying more Linux-compatible PC parts (mainboards, graphics cards, network cards…) as well as accessories. PCs need cases, cases need power supplies — this is very different to our current inventory, many things need to change.

We are planning to finish this shift by the end of the year. You will be informed about any further steps here on our website. We are excited to change direction and hope to better serve your needs!

Lincomp now stocks the T400 in its ultimate version (4 GB RAM, 250 GB HD, 2.53 GHz Core2Duo, DVD-RW) with preinstalled Ubuntu 8.10 for reasonable CHF 1870.00.

The T400 is a new entry in the T-series, which already hosts the popular T43 and T61. If you need a workhorse that’s built like a tank, the T400 is a good choice.

There was complete silence from Fujitsu-Siemens about their laptop developments for quite a while, but it turns out that all is well: Their selection was reworked, the Esprimo Mobile line completely redesigned and both product lines were fitted with the Centrino 2 platform from Intel.

Reviews so far are quite convincing: The new Fujitsu-Siemens devices are fast, stable work machines with long warranties. The new Lifebook S7220 also fills a gap in the market; it’s a lightweight 2.2 kg workhorse, something like Lenovo’s T-series, which Lenovo unfortunately no longer really makes.

We’re looking forward to the new models:

• Lifebook E8420, very high performance and, if you order the optional nVidia 9300GM, there’s even the possibility of gaming and 3D editing
• Lifebook S7220, a lightweight 2.2 kg machine with fast components, the perfect replacement for an IBM T-series
• Lifebook S6420, only 1.7 kg, yet ships with a built-in DVD burner and the fastest available Core 2 Duo processors. Something for workoholics who spend a lot of time on many business trips

The Esprimo Mobile series contains quite similar machines, although they are usually heavier — which also makes them cheaper. The U9210 is a 12 inch model, but weighs a heavy 1.9 kg. The M9410 is a 14 inch model that’s similar to the S7220, D9510 is the same in 15 inches (and even heavier) and finally we have the X9525, positioning itself somewhere between D9510 and Lifebook E8420.

Linux compatibility should be fine starting from kernel 2.6.27. Lincomp sells these machines starting in November, without any operating systems preinstalled, because you know what operating system you want to use. This way, you don’t pay for software you don’t need.

Custom configurations are possible as well. Pick CPU, RAM, WLAN chipset and DVD burner (see data sheets), we’ll make you an offer for your own customized Fujitsu-Siemens laptop.

So far, only Apple’s lower-cost MacBook laptop line had a glossy screen. Now they made the MacBook worse, and as a free bonus, the MacBook Pro is now bad as well: Both have extremely glossy glass screens.

In the Lincomp store, I try very hard not to sell any glossy monitors or laptops with glossy screens. You just can’t see crap on them as soon as there’s any amount of ambient light. Or for extra points, have you ever tried sitting in front of one of those things wearing a striped outfit? Yes, that basically only concerns people from Denmark, but still: You’ll be projecting whatever you’re wearing right back at you from the screen.

For the Lincomp selection, the situation is so bad that we’re now past the 50/50 point. Most laptop makers no longer supply laptops with non-glare screens. Brochures advertise with nonsense such as “Wow! Glare-type screen!”, as if it’s a good thing having to squint past reflections of your ceiling lights all the time.

Guys? Wake up. Do you remember the last time in computing history when screens did NOT have anti-glare coating? Welcome, Apple and others, to the year 1973. Nice of you to bring your televisions. Does this mean that we’ll have to wait 15 years to buy screens with anti-glare again?

Photo © Apple, used under fair use rights

PS: Do you know why they make screens glossy? Because glossy looks good in the store; it’s that simple. People are magpies, although I think the average magpie has a better sense of ergonomic work environments.

But ssshhhhh! Don’t tell anyone!