this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2023
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I'm considering getting a laptop for Linux and want to know a few things before I do. Some important info before I start: I don't plan on using the laptop for anything too intense, mainly writing, digital art, streaming, browsing, and maybe very mild video editing (cropping at least and shortening at most). I would also prefer the laptop to be inexpensive, preferably under 1000 USD

I mainly want to know if whether I should get a laptop by a manufacturer that specializes in Linux or a laptop that runs a different OS (exp: Windows) to install Linux on later. I've also scouted out quite a few distros and have a good idea of which ones I would like using

I've already looked at a few mainline Linux hardware producers like System76 but want to know if it's worth it before sinking money into it

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

If you're in Europe, I can recommend Tuxedo Computers. They specialise in making Linux based computers, and are highly configurable.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've been pleased with using refurbished Thinkpads off amazon. They're pretty well supported except for maybe like the fingerprint reader which I never cared about anyway.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I would recommend looking at Lenovo, they can have some really good deals. I'm rocking an IdeaPad Flex 5, though I don't actually use the touchscreen features, but it works solid for me (email, document writing/editing, web surfing, movie watching).

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I have a Darter from System 76 with Pop!_OS as my personal laptop that I code on and I absolutely love it. It runs extremely smoothly and I've not had any crashes with it.

I also have a Lemur from them with Ubuntu for work and it's kinda meh. Is difficult to say what causes the issues I have. It may just be the corporate tools but I end up having hard locks that require a reboot.

If you go with them I strongly suggest Pop! The distro is built for their hardware and works really well.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thinkpad T480s if you wanna save money for another something but get a good screen version. To take it to 1000USD on refurb /2nd hand Thinkpad Carbon.

Youre in a Linux thread, these run Linux like a dream.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I've heard they run Linux well before, but I certainly didn't expect them to be so popular, lol. Plus they're cheap, which make them seem like a very nice choice. Thanks for the model specific recs, too!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

@PurrJPro You can't go wrong with @tuxedocomputers but it's gonna be hard to stay under 1000USD. Everything they have runs beautifully with linux and their support is far better than you'll find anywhere else. I've bought more laptops over the past 20 years than anyone probably should, and finally going with #TUXEDOComputers was worth the little extra I spent on it.

If you want to just buy some cheap laptop off the shelf, that's okay too, just do your homework first. Find out what hardware that exact part/model number has in it so you can know what sort of problems you may be dealing with later. I've bought at least 2 different models each of Sony, DELL, Acer, ASUS, HP, IBM, Lenovo, Apple, Compaq, 5~6 different off-brands I can't remember. Some work great with no hassle at all, some take loads of fiddling, and some have hardware that just doesn't work at all.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Tuxedo's laptops r enticing from their sleek look alone, and their Linux support is enticing. If I'm ever in a spot to buy from them, I definitely will! As for cheap laptops, I'm heavily leaning towards a ThinkPad, although I'll probably look at what other vendors offer Linux compatibility and how good it is. Thank you!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

System76 is plenty great. Not cheap, though. Thinkpads also have never let me down

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Framework all the way!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Buy a used Dell Latitude. They are business laptops that often get put up on eBay, so you can get them for $200-$750 depending on how old you're willing to buy.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Just get whatever. Part of the fun is hacking it to get it working.

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