Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

I would actually recommend separate ssd & hdd (there are even SSD/HDD combos that show up as 2 separate block devices on the bus) and then using bcache or LVM cache. This gives you more flexibility - you can use part of the SSD directly and part as a cache, check usage stats, tweak various settings, make the cache bugger/smaller, etc.

I've also heard some rumors about the caching algorithms in hybrid HDDs not being as good as the algorithms used by bcache & LVM cache.

Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

@romu: too expensive, it costs more than 1000 EUR in Poland. My budget is limited by about 3000 PLN which equals to about 725 EUR as of 07/22/15.

Well, I usually use my devices that long, that they are barely fit to be sold :D

As for now I was thinking about Acer E5-571G i5-5200U/4GB/1000+8 GF840M FHD (producer's code NX.MLCEP.011). It costs 2349 PLN ≈ 568.58 EUR.

Full spec:

Why? Big SSHD, i5 CPU (should be enough), 4GB RAM (extensible), additional NV graphics card, about 7 hours runtime on WLAN, 13 on idle; quite cheap and quite well supported by Linux, matte 15.6" 1920x1080.

Would it be possible to utilize the SSD area of a SSHD drive using LVM/bcache?

Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

If you don't need huge graphics acceleration (games, video editing), go with an Intel integrated graphic Processor. It will save you much battery life compared to a dedicated graphics. An Intel i5 would be recommended I guess.
If you really want to use it outdoors, you'll want a good (bright + contrasty), matte display.

As enrolled student, you should qualify for "education discount", Lenovo offers this, but also check local stores.

I bought my Thinkpad here, they offer ex-demo, 2nd hand and B-class models. They have spare keybords in ALL languages, so you can choose a laptop and then the keymat:
http://www.nbwn.com/advanced_search_...eywords=polish

Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

For Linux purpose also, i never buy newest models! You never really know, if the kernel will support all the devices on that notebook. I prefer Lenovo Thinkpads for their Linux capabilities, their matte displays, their keyboards and their overall sturdiness.
On Ebay you could get refurbished, formerly leased notebooks from two years ago, that barely have any traces of use, for a decent price below your budget. There is enough testing done from Linux users around the world to single out the less working models, if there are any.

Personally i tend to use their 12" tablet pc line, to use with stylus digitizer, touchscreen or touchpad. But those are a little bulkier than most modern notebooks.

Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

Same opinion regarding the GPU, and particularly if you want to run Linux: NEVER buy a NVidia chipset. And as much as possible, always go for Intel which is a great supporter of Linux. And by ditching the NVidia GPU, buy additionnal 4GB of RAM and/or a SSD.

Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

And will I be able to add a NV/AMD GPU later on if not buying it right now? (if I realize I need it)

Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

Unfortunately not without swapping the mainboard too (afaik). But you will very likely not need it.

Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

Besides, why should I never buy a nv chipset?

Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

Bad Linux support.

Re: A couple of questions - buying a notebook
 

Never noticed any problems (always used the non-free driver - fan was so loud that I've always installed it straightaway)