Serval Professional Laptop
I recently had a chance to sit down with system76’s Serval Professional laptop. For those who are not familiar with system76, they sell laptops, desktops and servers pre-loaded with Ubuntu Linux.
When they released their new Serval Professional laptop I knew I had to get my hands on it do a full review.
To start off with, the specs of the machine are fantastic, and it ships with Ubuntu 8.10 (64bit version on my machine) for $1,588 my review unit included:
Display: 15.4″ WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050)
CPU: 2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo P8400 1066 MHz FSB 3 MB L2 (25 Watt)
Memory: 4 GB – DDR3 1066 MHZ
Hard Drive: 250 GB 7200 RPM SATA II
Graphics: nVidia GeForce 9800M GTS with 512MB DDR3
Networking: Gigabit LAN, WiFi with 802.11 agn & Bluetooth
Expansion: Express Card 34/54 slot
Ports: DVI, HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0, eSata Port, FireWire, Headphone In, Microphone In, S/PDIF Output, SD Reader
Camera: Built-In Webcam
Security: Fingerprint Reader (beta),
Battery: 8 Cell Lithium Ion
Dimensions: 14.3″ x 10.6″ x 1.45~1.95″ (WxDxH)
Weight: 7.1 lbs.
Even a casual geek reads desktop replacement between the lines of those specs, and boy is it. The raw speed of this laptop is felt in all aspects, boot up, program launch, and shutdown are all fast fast fast.
Watch our video for the full review:
Some possible cons of this laptop:
- The overall size and weight might not be ideal for everyone, if you’re looking for more of an Ultra portable this laptop is not really for you, the weight of the power adapter alone probably weighs more than some new Netbooks. However, system76 does have a unit that may suit your needs as well, their Darter Ultra.
- I ran into some issues with sound support in Flash 10… This is not really the fault of the laptop, or anything system76 can really do much about at all. It’s simply the current state of sound support with Flash 10 on a 64bit Linux system. In many ways, I think it is a big plus system76 had the foresight and understanding to include Flash 10.
Some real Pros of this laptop:
- A system76 machine comes backed with great support, from the system76 staff, but also from the community. They (system76) have integrated with the Ubuntu world. They work with Ubuntu Devs, but also directly with the community, and even have a dedicated support section in the official Ubuntu forums.
- The company also has official support channels, wiki’s and their own active forum as well.
- system76 includes a “driver package” that can reload and reinstall those important drivers if they ever get messed up for some reason. In my week of testing this laptop, and installing all the Ubuntu update, I never had an issue. But I see in the support forums that it has been handy for users after some big kernel updates.
- Your typical needs from a laptop, that don’t always typically work under Linux “just work” on the Serval Professional. You close the lid, it sleeps, you open the lid it wakes up. I was able to join my 802.11n WPA protected wireless network with zero issues and the connection remained solid the entire time I used the laptop.
- The last pro I’d say is that, by purchasing this system you’re money is going to support a company that makes it’s living of selling, supports and pushing forward Linux on the desktop.
In Conclusion:
The Serval Professional laptop is an outstanding machine with fantastic Linux support out of the box. I’d say it lives up to the professional in it’s name. This machine would be ideal for any pro on the go that’s looking for the power of a desktop!
