[OT?] a viable laptop for exploring virtualization on f11?

[John Summerfield]

Robert P. J. Day wrote:
>   one of my goals with f11 is to explore, as completely as possible,
> the varieties of virtualization available, and start documenting them
> for a possible virt seminar later this year.
> 
>   at the moment, my laptops aren't adequate.  one is merely 32-bit
> with PAE, while the others are 64-bit AMD but without the AMD-V
> virtualization extensions; hence, no possibility of experimenting with
> KVM (right?)
> 
>   to that end, i just wanted to clarify what would be an adequate
> system that would allow me to configure and test all manner of
> available virt solutions.  i don't need wicked cool graphics or
> blinding disk speed, so here's a possibility:
> 
> http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4006371&sku=S445-M1626&srkey=m-1626
> 
>   quite simply, given an AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile TL-60
> 2.0GHz, i'm assuming that that processor comes with the AMD-V
> virtualization extensions since that's what it suggests here:

I asked AMD a year or two ago. All AMD processors, stepping F and later, 
support virtualisation.

I have bought my last Gateway, new or used, not just because it doesn't 
do business here any longer. The one I bought has served me fine. 
However, I bear a grudge or two against the company.

Some here will remember Adam Osborne. He wrote some rather good 
technical books, wrote for some computer magazines where he was critical 
of computer manufacturers.

He then started a computer company, and its' first product was the first 
portable computer. It was about the size of a portable sewing machine, 
but in those days it could be carried in-cabin. It's components were 
conservative, but it had a built-in screen, an attached keyboard, 48K 
RAM, a Z80 processor and ran CP/M. Software included Wordstar/Mailmerge, 
Supercalc, MBasic and CBasic.

It predated the IBM PC.

OCC made headlines world wide, and there were clones (notably Kaypro), 
and when IBM entered the market, OCC was one of the clones manufacturers.

Eventually, OCC worldwide went the way of most businesses, and failed. 
In Australia, it kept on for some years, but eventually it fell on hard 
times.

Enter Gateway.

Gateway took over Osborne in Australia, but initially wasn't going to 
honour existing orders (or return deposits). Under pressure from many 
quarters including, I think, the Trade Practices Commission, it 
relented, but Gateway came to Australia with a Bad Name.

Time passed, and Gateway in Australia collapsed. Literally. One day it 
was business as usual. The next, all its shops had closed - much to the 
distress of the staff who had no clue it was going to happen. What 
happened about warranties I have no idea.

"Gateway closes remaining UK stores

"News Gateway Computers, the US-based PC manufacturer that came across 
the Atlantic in 1991, last night closed all its stores throughout 
Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A Gateway spokesperson said it is no 
longer possible to buy computers from.."
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/tsearch/gateway+computers.htm

"last night" hints at how abruptly it was done.

"NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D.--BUSINESS WIRE--July 28, 1995--Gateway 2000, 
Inc. today announced its intention to acquire the business of Osborne 
Computer Corporation headquartered in Sydney, Australia. The acquisition 
will be accomplished through a business agreement between Gateway 2000, 
Inc. and Micronics Computers, Inc. calling for 80 percent ownership by 
Gateway..."
http://resources.bnet.com/topic/desktop+and+gateway+inc.+and+pc.html






-- 

Cheers
John

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