Clean up the hardware database

[AlbertP]

The hardware database really needs to be cleaned up. Many people have used the 'type' field wrong, and there are also manufacturers that are on the list using 2 or 3 different spellings, and there are 3 categories for laptops.

Will this ever be cleaned up? If the developers don't have time, I could do some work on it (but don't have permission atm).

At least these things should be merged:
HP and HP (Hewlett-Packard)
Laptop, notebook, Laptop/Notebook, Sony Vaio and Toshiba Satellite (type name instead of brand)
CP and CPU
Home Built, homemade, Self-Assembled and self-made

[dawgdoc]

Sounds like an excellent idea Albert. I hope you get a favorable response.

[Oscar799]

I've emailed Clem the link to this thread - he is the only one with access to the hardware database.

[Angtagapagligt]

Yes this is really needed!

[clem]

Quick follow up on this. I implemented changes on the community site to let moderators process ideas, hardware and tutorials. They can now clean items and change their status.

[AlbertP]

The same hardware is sometimes reviewed by different people. I'm having a motherboard (ASRock K7S41GX) that exists thrice in the database, and while describing the same symptoms (lack of Linux support for the on-board graphics) the rating varies between Perfectly and Partially.

[clem]

That's ok. What we'll do eventually is allow people to comment on hardware devices. For now, mods can modify the device name, brand and category.