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Which notebook PC will make modem calls under Linux?

The good news is that there are twenty common Compaq notebooks with built-in modems which work well under Linux. The bad news is that eight out of 28 Compaq brands will not dial calls if you use Linux rather than Windows on them; and another three are "unknown" quantities. The open source community wants to fix this situation.

Those who think choice is important are working to extend this list in a laptop survey being conducted by Mobilix.

The list of surveyed notebook PCs is already impressive and, encouragingly, the list of those that work under alternative operating software is also impressive. But with the collapse of all other sources of competition to Windows, open software sometimes seems to be the only way of keeping Redmond honest.

Linux isn't the only open source OS available; but it's the highest profile one; if you want to keep Microsoft up to scratch, please add your own feedback onto this site. It's not just a list of "yes/no/maybe" machines, but also a source of helpful advice and guidance on what to do if you have problems.

Note to readers: please don't scream about the injustice of the phrase "keeping Redmond honest" - I know full well that most executives and technologists inside Microsoft are admirable people. But as a corporate body, Microsoft tends to obliterate competition. I happen to believe this isn't good for Microsoft itself, never mind the industry. And as long as Microsoft has a black mark on its legal record, it can't really object to accusations of seeking to dominate.