Buying something new

[phil]

I need a new computer.  I've finally run up against the limits of the 
old Dell I'm using for Linux, realizing that adding enough Rambus 
memory to make it workable for new applications would cost more than 
another system (...and afterward it would still be slow and in need of 
more disk space).  This is really only a problem because, as a software 
specialist, I typically think of hardware as something that *impedes* 
computing.  :-)

My requirements are for something reasonably capable, but not fancy; 
most of my development is server-side stuff and for my "play" 
applications (graphics, music...) I have my Macs.  Probably my only 
slightly unusual needs -- compared to the standard ads I'm reading -- 
are a dual-processor box for testing concurrent programming and a 
CD/DVD writer.  Otherwise, a gig of RAM, maybe 160 disk, and "standard" 
support for audio, video, USB, ethernet....

(For unavoidable business reasons, it will almost certainly be 
dual-booted with some version of Windows...sigh.)

So, the question is, are any of the Toronto stores being discussed 
Linux-aware to the degree that I could walk in and ask for a bunch of 
features, with the caveat that the hardware must work with an 
up-to-date Linux distro?

I don't object to doing research in order to learn what's supported, 
except that it's hard to know when you're finished.  (For example: 
SuSE's site lists most multi-processor motherboards as 'partial' or 
'unknown' support.  Other sites recommend certain boards and then, in 
the fine print, say things like "of course you won't be able to use the 
on-board SATA controller".  Aaaarrrggh!)

What's a recommended approach for someone who just wants to produce 
software and doesn't want to turn hardware acquisition into a full-time 
hobby?

........................
Phillip Mills
Multi-platform software development
(416) 224-0714

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