Linux support for Mac hardware (Re: [Techtalk] Linux Laptops)

[Kathryn Andersen]

On Thu, Oct 27, 2005 at 07:52:14AM -0400, Elwing wrote:
> 
> On Oct 27, 2005, at 7:39 AM, Kathryn Andersen wrote:
> 
> >Thinking about how I use my current laptop...
> >- as a development machine for my website (which really means that I
> >  need Linux, and the same version of Linux as my server/desktop)
> 
> what development environment are you using?  if it's simple LAMP or  
> even python/ruby development - OS X has those either native (Apache,  
> PHP) or through fink and darwinports)

But it's a *hassle* if the two systems aren't exactly the same, because
they will never *work* exactly the same, wheras I want to be able to
update the mirror of my site on the laptop, check it for errors, then
sync it with the server, and have it Just Work.  One of the reasons I
changed over to running my own server rather than use an external
web-host was because, even though they used Linux, they used Zeus rather
than Apache, and I was sick and tired of having stuff that worked on my
PC fail to work as soon as I transferred it up to the web-host.

Sure, they may have Apache, but which version?  How is it configured?
What do I do when I've upgraded my server and the Mac is using an older
version?  And so on.

Wheras right now, I'm running the same (GenToo) version of Linux on both
systems, with the same versions of everything; the main difference is
that the server has more stuff on it and runs faster (since the laptop
is only a Pentium III and doesn't have much memory either).
 
> >- for doing work on when travelling (such as on the bus to work every
> >  day) which is a mixture of
> >  - perl development (which again would need Linux)
> 
> Since when does Perl need Linux?  I run it happily on both XP and OS  
> X with no problems

True, and it would make the modules more cross-platform, which would be
an advantage.
 
> >  - writing (which only needs an editor)
> 
> both emacs, vi, and a host of other editors are available

Vim?
 
> >All of the above need a way to sync the contents of the laptop with
> >the desktop.  At the moment I use unison, which does just what I want.

Does Max OS X have unison?

> >Is Apple hardware more stable, or is it a moving target cloaked in
> >mystery?
 
> My friend runs PPC linux (I think debian) on his G5 (not laptop), and  
> he has the occasional lockups and sound issues
> The nice thing about Apple hardware is that if you're looking at two  
> same model laptops, they're going to have the same hardware.

I suspected that might be the case; so it isn't a moving target, then.

> And most of the same hardware as in the other laptops.  One reason Apple  
> hardware is so expensive - they use quality parts.

Yes, a friend who uses Mac just got back to me and was saying how
reliable the hardware is...

> If, however, you  
> want to replace one of those parts, it's not as easy as it would be  
> on a PC laptop.  Taking apart a i/powerbook involves taking it  
> completely apart - not just the take off keyboard that PCs tend to  
> have.  And it's *very* obvious that you've voided your warranty if  
> you take it apart.  But most of the parts are quality commodity parts  
> and easily replaceable except for the opening part.

I generally don't touch the hardware myself.
 
> If you decide to go x86, I suggest Emperor Linux (http:// 
> www.emperorlinux.com/)  Not sure if they'll ship to AU, but they pre- 
> install Linux on a wide variety of laptops.

It would be pointless: Australia uses a completely different power
system than the US.  I can buy books from the US, but not electronic
equipment.
(goes and looks at website)
Oh.  Apparently that's not a problem -- I'd just need a plug adapter.
Hmmm.

Kathryn Andersen
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