I'm considering a new laptop, looking for experiences.

[Jerry Feldman]

On 04/15/2012 04:21 PM, Ken D'Ambrosio wrote:
> Actually, I'm considering a new laptop, too.  I love my Gateway, but it lacks
> one significant thing: the ability to hold 8 GB of RAM, which is *really handy*
> for running virtuals.  Additionally, if I need that extra oomph to run 64-bit
> virtuals that i3's don't have, that would be big, too.
>
> So:
> - 11.6" - 14" screen
> - Ethernet port (none of this ultrabook nonsense)
> - Max of 8 GB of RAM (I don't care what it actually comes with)
> - 4.5 lbs. or less
> - Ability to run 64-bit virtuals
> - 
>
> I admit that the 64-bit virtual issue snuck up on me; I hadn't realized that
> was a problem.  How do you tell which AMD chips can do that?  Likewise, Intel:
> is there a specific, cross-brand name for the feature?
The issue is not so much whether the chip has "virtualization
technology" but also whether it is accessible through the BIOS.  Many
laptop have chips that support "virtualization technology", but do not
support it through the BIOS. Also, VT us generally disabled by default.
Virtualbox will run with 32-bit guests with or without VT turned on, but
will not support a 64-bit guest without VT. I know that the Thinkpad
T420s (with Intel i5) do support VT. If you go to a computer store to
buy your system, make them let your look around the BIOS. In the
Thinkpad it is under the Security tab. It is different with each vendor.

-- 
Jerry Feldman <gaf at blu.org>
Boston Linux and Unix
PGP key id:3BC1EB90 
PGP Key fingerprint: 49E2 C52A FC5A A31F 8D66  C0AF 7CEA 30FC 3BC1 EB90


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