Call for a Linux laptop

The monitor died. A replacement would cost $395 plus labor. A new box is cheaper. So until I get a new laptop I can't really travel.

(I did get clever. I found a way to connect the old box to my new flat-screen TV. Ever watch YouTube videos on a really big set?)

This problem turns out to be an opportunity. I have written about, and been written to about, Linux laptops for some time. Now is a good time to take the plunge.

So I am asking for a review unit. A laptop with Linux that a reporter with a reputation for breaking anything he touches might love.

I know what it has to do, and I know the open source applications that can do most of it. I need a communications stack with a browser and e-mail. I need a word processor. An image editor. A way to view videos. Networking. USB support.

Nothing that a Windows or Mac user doesn't take for granted. I'm guessing this can be packed into a hardware platform which costs half what a typical Windows laptop goes for. You may ship your software on obsolete hardware, if you like.

In return, I promise a ton of blog posts. I don't promise they will all be glowing. But I will make a serious attempt to make use of the thing, for writing this blog and for other work. I will take it with me when I travel, even if it's to the local coffee shop.

If I like it we can negotiate a price.

Any takers? Just contact me off-line and we'll make some arrangements.