Dell Refurbished Laptop for Linux Mint

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Hello!

I occasionally look at the refurbished laptops Dell offers afor a possible Linux laptop, and came upon this one:

https://www.dellrefurbished.com/laptops/dell-latitude-14-5000-series-e5440-no-operating-system-206062.html?

It is a Dell Latitude 14″ E5440 with no operating system for $179. Its specs are:

• Processor: Intel Core i7 (i7-4600U) 2.10 GHz
• Memory: 8 GB
• Hard Drive: 500 GB
• Display: 14″ HD+ (1600 x 900)
• Cosmetic Grade: A
• OS: No Operating System

Does that mean that I could install Mint 19.1 on it and run Mint exclusively? I’m guessing having no operating system would allow it to accept whatever is installed on it.

What is your opinion on that laptop? Would it be a good candidate for Mint?

There is also a similar one for $229 that has Win 8.1 – would it be better as a dual boot, or would just having Mint be preferable.

I am using Mint now on my Win 7 laptop with a full install on a USB and have really been loving it – fast and I can access my Win 7 files if I need to.

Just thought I’d get some opinions on what might be  a next step!

Thanks!

 

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Elly

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What I do, and just have done on a Dell Inspiron 11 3000 2-in-1 Table, is to boot either the LiveDVD or a Bootable USB drive to see what works.  Usually everything does but I did have one Dell with the Centrino feature that would run only Linux Mint 13.

My little one will work just fine and Linux Mint will the be next step if the ‘rumored’ feature of not having USB drives or SDHC cards attached becomes true as it needs additional storage for the undating as it has only a 32GB SSD, actually about 10% less with formatting.  And the drive can’t be replaced to get a 64GB drive in it.  This way I can possibly get another 4 years out of it.

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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johnf, LHiggins

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Berton, I have a similar machine (ca. 2011) in terms of CPU type and speed, RAM size and HD capacity, and have installed Linux Mint in dual-boot with the pre-existing Windows 7 it came with. Windows 7 still have 2/3 of the disk to itself and Linux, the rest. No problems, so far.

Edited afterwards, to add the following: And all the peripherals work just fine (all-in-one printer, thumb drives, external Hard Disks, internal optical drive, WiFi connections, including to the Internet router, HDMI connection to an external monitor).

If you planned to install Linux as the sole operating system, with the entire big HD free to use, then this machine should be more than sufficient for that, in principle. The main question I would have at the back of my mind would be: in what condition is this machine, really? If you find the answer to this question and are satisfied enough with this answer, then I see no reason why you should not go ahead, buy it, and install Linux Mint on it. Good luck!

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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LHiggins

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LHiggins wrote:

What is your opinion on that laptop? Would it be a good candidate for Mint?

Probably.  I’ve yet to have any serious issues with things not working in Linux… my Swift has a fingerprint reader that doesn’t work in Linux, as the maker of the reader (as usual) declined to offer a Linux driver, and the open source driver doesn’t recognize it yet. Otherwise, everything’s worked in Linux on the machines I’ve put it on.  Still, since beginning with Linux as a main OS, I’ve always bought my PCs (laptops all) from a place that has a liberal return policy, should I find Linux not to work properly.

Generally, being a slightly older model, it is probably more likely to work with Linux properly than newer ones might be.  It can take some time before the open-source drivers catch up with the newer releases of various things.  Dell’s generally pretty good with Linux, as they offer it as an option on some of their models, but you never know unless you can find a reference (someone who tried it).

It’s a good price for a still-powerful PC (the difference between Haswell and current generation models is not huge!), so I’d probably be willing to try it if I were in the market for a new laptop, even with a not so liberal return policy.  Even more so if the display was IPS, but it probably isn’t at that price point.

[There is also a similar one for $229 that has Win 8.1 – would it be better as a dual boot, or would just having Mint be preferable.[/quote]

It depends on what you want.  A year ago I would have gone for the Win 8.1 machine (it’s the last version of Windows I installed on my own machines… my two laptops that have 10 on them came that way, and are now primarily Linux machines with the Windows 10 pushed into a tiny little partition in the corner), but now I’d go for the cheaper one with no OS.  A person who wants to put their own OS on and a PC that comes with no OS… it’s just too perfect!  I’ve become so disgusted by Microsoft that I now have an aversion to all versions of Windows, not just Windows 10.  But that’s me… what’s best for you is not necessarily the same!

Dell XPS 13/9310, i5-1135G7/16GB, KDE Neon 6.2
XPG Xenia 15, i7-9750H/32GB & GTX1660ti, Kubuntu 24.04
Acer Swift Go 14, i5-1335U/16GB, Kubuntu 24.04 (and Win 11)

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jburk07, OscarCP, LHiggins

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A couple months ago I bought a Dell refurbished Latitude E5450 with 4GB memory, 256 GB SSD and i5-5000u with Win 8.1 on it for $279. While I can’t speak for what it will do with any version of Linux, I can say that with Windows 8.1 it’s a delightful little laptop. Very fast boot and shutdown times, and downloading and installing updates goes very quickly. Very nice display (14 inch HD), too. And as a bonus, at least for this particular computer, the cosmetic grade of A meant that it looks almost brand new; I have to look pretty hard to see the tell-tale shininess on the touchpad that comes from wear. Oh, and none of the usual Dell Bloatware/junkware that often comes with a new Dell – just Windows 8.1 and that’s it.

My personal opinion is to get one with 8.1 on it just in case you can’t get Linux running. That way you’d have 3 more years of Windows support ( a mixed blessing for sure, but it is a Windows world out there).

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jburk07, LHiggins

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From the Linux Mint website

https://community.linuxmint.com/hardware/view/22640

https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=276130
https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=276130
https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=56621
(If I have problems with Bluetooth, I usually get this Panda Adapter from Amazon, it works great! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCU4TZE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )

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LHiggins

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This link from Dell on how to install Ubuntu on a Dell Laptop should be useful as well.

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln151664/how-to-install-ubuntu-linux-on-your-dell-pc?lang=en

 

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LHiggins

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OscarCP wrote:

Berton, I have a similar machine (ca. 2011) in terms of CPU type and speed, RAM size and HD capacity, and have installed Linux Mint in dual-boot with the pre-existing Windows 7 it came with. Windows 7 still have 2/3 of the disk to itself and Linux, the rest. No problems, so far.

Edited afterwards, to add the following: And all the peripherals work just fine (all-in-one printer, thumb drives, external Hard Disks, internal optical drive, WiFi connections, including to the Internet router, HDMI connection to an external monitor).

If you planned to install Linux as the sole operating system, with the entire big HD free to use, then this machine should be more than sufficient for that, in principle. The main question I would have at the back of my mind would be: in what condition is this machine, really? If you find the answer to this question and are satisfied enough with this answer, then I see no reason why you should not go ahead, buy it, and install Linux Mint on it. Good luck!

I have Linux Mint on an HP Notebook with a 120GB SSD, does just fine.  Any larger storage I need gets files transferred to my NAS drive.

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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LHiggins

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Hmmm… I had actually meant to write “LHiggins”. Somehow, it come out as “Berton.”

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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LHiggins

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I have a pretty basic question: where does one go to get good rebuilt computers?

Ideally, I would like it to be a regular bricks-and-mortar shop where one can take the machine back to have it fixed o else get the money back, if it does not work properly “out of the box.”

I could use getting a rebuilt one in good shape, to keep going when my old ca. 2011 Windows 7 and Linux Mint laptop finally quits for good. I would install Linux on the rebuilt one, by itself if the PC comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, or in dual-boot if it comes with 7 or 8.1. Thanks.

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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LHiggins

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The need for used machines is best served by some of the online companies such as Amazon, TigerDirect, NewEgg, etc.  Maybe BestBuy.  The thing is they get machines out of companies that lease them then return to the leasing company when that contract expires.  Some will be nearly undistinguishable from new machines, I’ve gotten some that way and got one on the way now.  Some of the prices will be 50% of new or less.  The main thing is to assure there is some warranty, at least 90 days or better deals will have the 1 year.  I’ve had only 1 issue in that out of 3 Thinkpads only 1 had a cracked screen, returned it and got credit.

The issue with local dealers is the amount of resources [money] they can tie up until getting a sale.  They may do the same with “special orders” using the same way with online.

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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jburk07, LHiggins, OscarCP

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Thanks for all of the input and ideas! By this morning, the deal for the Dell laptop without an OS was gone – at $179 it is not surprising!

I appreciate all of your ideas. I have been toying with the idea of just having a strictly Mint laptop now that I am getting used to it! If I do eventually decide to go this route, I am glad to hear that a refurbished off-lease machine is OK – and will look into the sources mentioned.

Thanks again!

LH

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Speaking of refurbished laptops, can someone suggest a few good and reliable sites to purchase these? Is Newegg a good option? I’ve never purchased a used machine before and am wary! I am looking for a 2-3 year old model with Window 10 Pro. No gaming or high resource use activities. Great fan of Shadow Defender so I hope 10 plays nice with this invaluable program.

By the way, I love Windows 7 but time goes on…

Thanks for the replies. Phil

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Walmart.com is a good site for buying refurbished computers. The reason I recommend them is because if you buy a bad computer, you can take it back to your local Walmart for a refund.

Make sure that “Walmart” is listed as the vendor when you buy a computer from Walmart.com. If someone else is the vendor, you won’t be able to get your money back at Walmart.

Officedepot.com also sells refurbished computers. I don’t know if you can bring a bad computer back to your local Office Depot.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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LHiggins, jburk07

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Good suggestion. Thanks

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In my community there are companies that refurbish computers. I recently bought a Dell E6440 without hard drive or OS for about $100. I could have had a drive for a little more. It came with a warranty sufficient to do thorough testing.

I am happily running a Linux OS, with 7 also available. Dell still allows one to download 7 from their support pages for products that came with 7 originally.

Dan

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LHiggins

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One suggestion if you get a refurb laptop is to bump the memory to 8 gig, and replace the hard drive with an SSD (Amazon has a Kingston 500gig SSD for $64). These upgrades are normally easy to do, not too expensive and will really make your system fly!

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LHiggins

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Not surprised that laptop was sold when you went back. That was a great deal. I usually get the ones I use from Microcenter, an actual store with a good web presence that is very close to me. I personally am fond of Lenovo, but have bought Dells in the past. I shoot for the business grade Lenovo and Dell laptops as they are more servicable by the end user and more durable with wired ethernet ports, and serial ports and have a DVD drive.

Since they are business class many are like new (management folks get issued one, but never really use it ) or were well treated. Since they were originally a bulk lease many have only a single stick of RAM, usually 4GB with a blank slot, and often a slow spinner HDD like a 5400 version.

When I price them I add the cost of a new 512GB SATA SSD and if needed the second stick of RAM for dual channel. SATA SSDs are so cheap it is a minimal outlay and the speed increase especially with Linux is awesome. The clean SSD means you start truly fresh. My wife’s is a Mint 18.3 machine with an i7, and mine still is flogging the Win7Pro refurb install since it has a 7200 HDD and an i5. I have a new SSD for it when Windows7 is out of support and it will move to Mint. Both are Lenovos and swapping the HDD is the easiest I have encountered, plus the 2.5″ drive caddies are still available and facilitates a truely fast swap (occasional, not routine). That is part of my post WIn7 strategy for the rare times I absolutely need to use the Windows OS.

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LHiggins

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Hi Bill and thanks for the reply. I check that Dell site occasionally, and there are usually pretty good deals there if you keep looking. Thanks too for the Microcenter suggestion – I will look into it, too.

Right now I am running a full install (not Live USB) of Mint 19.1 from a 64GB USB drive on my older Win 7 Lenovo laptop, and boot into Linux from the thumb drive – not a dual boot set-up. I really like having it set up this way – at least for the moment – since I can view and access most of my Windows side files when in Linux, and I think, I can save to the actual hard drive, not the USB drive from Linux. I also like that it uses the same laptop commands as in Windows – like the Fn+F4 sleep shortcut and the backlit keyboard (that is a must for me!). And – unlike the new Win 10 Pro laptop we just got for my husband – updates are pretty simple on the Linux side. All in all, I really have been enjoying it!

I had set this all up back in April when I was first looking into that refurbished laptop in the original post. I decided to give this full install on USB a try – the only cost was about $20 for the USB drive – but then I went back to Win 7 for most of the summer.

With Jan 2020 now much closer, I have just gone back to the Linux side – about 3 straight weeks now – and so far I haven’t found much that I can’t do with Linux. It is fast – both the USB port and my USB drive are 3.0 – even with the older hardware and only 4GB ram. I am not sure putting money into this, either by adding RAM or a SSD, is going to be worth it in the long run.

I am starting to formulate some questions about how viable this set up will be in the long run and whether I should look into another arrangement for Linux in a dual boot with possibly Win 8.1 for a while – thus my looking around at possible alternative refurbished laptop. I may post a new topic with those questions once I get them all formulated.

Thanks again for the reply and information!

LH

 

 

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I bought a used Dell from Newegg a year or two ago.  Came with Win7.  Installed Mint, and that’s what gets run on boot up (dual boot).  Paid less than $200.oo if memory serves.  Updated Mint to the current version with nary a problem..

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LHiggins

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