Looking for laptop... Linux and KSP

[zje]

I'm in the market for a laptop and I'm trying to figure out what to do. I would like a Linux compatible laptop that can play KSP reasonably well (not looking for fancy effects, but something that can handle ships with ~300 parts).

Most laptops I've seen come with an Intel HD4600 or similar, but I'm not sure how that handles KSP nowadays (this previous thread indicated that it should be better: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/39956-Laptop-recommendation/page4?highlight=intel+hd4600).

I'm fine going with discrete graphics, but Linux compatibility and cost worries me a bit. Is anyone playing KSP on a Linux laptop able to comment?

I'm currently using a desktop with a discrete card and it works just fine.

Thanks!

[Linear]

I haven't come across a laptop that i couldn't install Linux on before, only done around a dozen but still - i'm sure it'll be fine. Amazon reviews etc will help.

HD4600 will be fine (just check linux drivers for it?)

[zje]

I suppose I've never run against something I couldn't install Linux on, but I should clarify that by "Linux compatible" I mean something that has drivers readily available (preferably upstream, but I realize that goes out the window with discrete GPUs).

The reason I've been asking about HD4600 is that's what is available on system 76 laptops:

https://system76.com/laptops/model/gazp9

Edited June 3, 2014 by zje

[Villageidiot]

Most of your KSP needs will be wrapped up in processor speed unless you have mods that make it pretty. the core of the game (the physics engine) is all run on a single thread on your processor. You would want a laptop with a very fast processor to give you the greatest bang for your buck.

VI

[WinkAllKerb'']

i like the wrapped warp idea

Edited June 3, 2014 by WinkAllKerb''

[Seret]

If you want to guarantee hassle-free Linux compatibility go for Intel components and an Nvidia graphics card. Avoid Optimus. To be honest it's much less of an issue these days anyway.