I really hate it when people do this, but I'm near wits end with my search for a reasonably priced laptop/notebook on which I would be able to run Linux and PD. I currently have a Dell CPx-J650 which is fine for most things but the beast is completely unshielded, it would seem, and so noisy as to render it basically useless for audio (even using my external audio interface - the noise leaks out to it as well).
So I'm looking for any recommendations or suggestions from PD'ers who have recently purchased PC laptops and are running Linux/PD on them. Positive or negative experiences would both be appreciated. I'm hoping to keep the price under $2000 if possible.
While we're at it, I'm about to ebay my MOTU 828 Firewire audio interface, since MOTU doesn't support Linux - so I'll be looking for a replacement good-quality external audio interface. I have heard great things about the Hammerfall cardbus system, but the pricetag (>$1000) is a little steep for me, if there are similar options - something with great quality, multiple analog I/Os, SPDIF, etc - that work just as well. Any suggestions or experiences?
Thanks so much.
- david d.