Ubuntu, without a doubt; installs in less than 1 hour, works right out the box.
Lots of specific apps.
A tremendous community to support you.

I gave up on Gentoo ... I had to get that box running. However, Gentoo has probably more power, good if you have the time to tinker - sorry, optimize :-). You can try Ubuntu with the live CD, does not install anything on your disk.

Have fun !!!

Life is tough, it's tougher when you are dumb...

jfl

In reply to Re^4: What *nix do you recommend for a laptop? by jflevi
in thread What *nix do you recommend for a laptop? by apl

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