While
Dell now ships Ubuntu-loaded desktops and notebooks, it's not good enough for Ubuntu-founder
Mark Shuttleworth. Mark's latest challenge is to create a high-end laptop that will run free software
perfectly. The Ubuntu specifications for a free software laptop include an Intel WiFi adapter using the open-source driver, Intel open-source graphics, ACPI with suspend and hibernate support that "just works" with Linux, the OpenBIOS / LinuxBIOS, at least five-hour battery life using the Linux tickless kernel, and a 1024 x 768 screen resolution or better. A long-term goal for this project is also completely free software firmware and hardware codec support with patent licenses included.
If enough serious interest can be generated, Mark and the Canonical team will work on convincing an OEM to produce such a free software laptop for Ubuntu. A
Wiki page has been setup as well as a
moderated news list.
