I’m thinking of getting a laptop to run Linux on. I’ve heard Lenovo is generally well-supported (particularly models that come with Linux pre-installed).
Is there any particular hardware I should watch out for / avoid, and / or prefer? Any other brands / models people would particularly recommend?
I’m using a Framework laptop and the Linux experience on it has been great :) Also is very easy to repair so that’s a plus!
same, it works fantastically with kubuntu and ive already upgraded the hardware a couple of times.
It’s a little more expensive than normal to start but once your in the ecosystem its fantastic
System76
Lenovo is always a safe bet, but definitely feel free to explore your options since Lenovo’s are typically pricier. I use an HP with an Nvidia 16xx card and Intel processor and it runs a dream except for the annoyance of Optimus (running Intel graphics and Nvidia graphics at the same time). I’ve installed Linux on a lot of laptops, and I’ve only had issue with two models. The Dell Latitude E6430 ATG (finicky wifi and non-functional fingerprint reader) and the Panasonic Toughbook CF-52 (bluetooth no work).
Generally though anything is fine, especially if made in the last 5 years or so. Linux compatibility is really great these days. The biggest issues I’d be worried about is which wireless card it has, and if you need a fingerprint reader (especially if you get a Dell).
Some wireless cards won’t automatically have their drivers installed no matter how hard you try (you have to do manual set up), and as far as I know, Dell fingerprint readers still don’t work.
Avoid anything ultrabook for serviceability and upgradeability. System76 is also always an option. I’m personally biased towards the Thinkpad T-series. Avoid the E series because theyre just bad, and avoid the Yoga series because they are hard to service.
I love my T420, but I do not recommend it unless you can deal with a TN 768p panel (I.e. shitty) or you really like modding your stuff.
Oh yeah the T Series Laptops. Heard they come with armwarmers and thigh highs/j
Still got an Old T60 laying around, but I ripped off the mouse pad ribbon
I would say generally most laptops from big brands will support Linux and run it very well, in most cases better than Windows. As for what model or brand you want that really depends on what kind of work you’re going to be doing on that laptop, as well as how futureproof you want it to be.
I ended up getting an Oryx Pro 5 from System76 since I play a lot of games and also use GPU intensive software (3D modeling, GPU computations, etc). This computer fit my needs though this computer might not necessarily be for you and your needs.
Every model that I have had workes well with Linux. I only had a problem with a Dell that wouldn’t boot OpenSuSE but would boot every other distro so…
I’ve run Linux on basically any kind of computer but if you want something that works well out of the box either go with the computers that come preinstalled with Linux like system 76 and tuxedo or stick to the big name brands like hp, dell, Lenovo, etc. My current daily driver is a HP ProBook running Ubuntu. I have had issues in the past with lower end HPs and Lenovos. So id recommend getting a used higher end laptop then a cheap new one if your budget is concerned
Honestly most laptops should work out of the box now. Based on good experiences people had with Gentoo and the WinMax 2 (2022), I preordered a WinMax 2 (2023) and will be moving my current desktop (TigerLake Engineering Sample Franken computer) to home server use. Had I not gone this route, I would have probably gone either the StarLabs Starbook or the FrameWork route.
Older Lenovos are also pretty darn indestructible; I’ve taken this one with me on a lot of trips and it’s held up quite well…though it’s also starting to show its age (it’s about 10 years old) and I’m pondering getting a new one.
You can check out https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/. Their computers are designed with Linux in mind and come pre-loaded on Linux. Plus they’re all modular, so you can actually take parts out and replace them if you want.
Tuxedo computers are good but they are not really designed by Tuxedo. They are manufactured by one of those Chinese laptop OEMs.
That’s good to know! My desktop is a custom build, but I’ve seen Tuxedo around so it seemed like a decent company to recommend.
I also have a laptop from Tuxedo. It works fine and is maintainable but had a swollen battery after about 3 years. They are using barebone laptops that you may be able to order from Asia yourself.
If you’re willing to throw in some additional cash for upgrades, get a Thinkpad T440p and upgrade to a 1080p display, a T450 trackpad, & a Haswell-based Core i7.
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