Plan on getting a Linux laptop: any suggestions?

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

Nonononoki,

Any will do, just make sure it has Intel WiFi.

BrianTheeBiscuiteer,

Eh, I run Ubuntu on my newish XPS and it has issues I’ve never seen with using Linux before. If I knew ahead of time I would’ve gladly paid a few hundred extra not to have these problems.

Specifically, sometimes the keyboard just stops working (after waking from sleep) and I’ll need to restart once or twice to get it working again. Also, 5G wifi loses its shit when I’m at home due to it randomly switching between my main AP and the extender. I only use 2G at home 😔.

priapus,

A framework 100%. The lowest end diy should be right around $1000, probably lower if you buy the third party parts yourself. And it’ll save you a few hundred bucks when it’s time to upgrade. Also keep an eye on the refurbs in the marketplace, they’re out of stock rn but that might change.

0xeb,

I have been using a framework 13 for a year now, happy with it so far.

lynny,
@lynny@lemmy.world avatar

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.

nivenkos,

The Asus Vivobook is a good deal.

But as an American you might be able to afford the Framework.

merryflag0655,

Framework all the way!

sab,

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

BigTrout75,

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

lwuy9v5,

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

wonderfulvoltaire,

Novacustom looks pretty good. Wish it had amd GPU options but other than that the prices are right for the hardware.

TCB13,
@TCB13@lemmy.world avatar

I’ve been running Debian 11 and now 12 on an HP EliteBook 840 G5 (i7 8550U) and everything works out flawlessly out of the box. When I say everything I really mean everything, even special keyboard keys for brightness, volume working after install. Battery lasts way longer than under Windows and the computer runs much colder.

hellodub,
@hellodub@lemmygrad.ml avatar

I know you mentioned System76, but I thought an anecdote of the gazelle 15 I bought during covid would help.

It’s the 2021 model with a 10th-gen i5, 16GB DDR4 RAM, a cheap 256 nvme SSD, and a GTX 1660ti for $1300. Very good laptop that I’ve used the hell out of since then. Has an excellent 120hz IPS panel (1080p) that’s just buttery smooth, and using pop_os on it has been very stable, even with all their firmware updates including the switch to coreboot for their UEFI. Plays all the games I needed to when I was away from home, and the keyboard is one of the best I’ve typed on, on a laptop.

Now my only issue with it, is the shell, which was not entirely metal as I was led to believe. It’s got some pretty cheap plastic for the bottom side that feels like it will crack if dropped even from a short height. I THINK this has been changed in newer models though, as they were using rebranded Clevo laptops for their chassis. Still, I hate that it’s half nice brushed aluminum looking metal and half brittle plastic housing a VERY (at the time) expensive parts. It’s the only flaw

Does this change my mind on buying System76? No, because I’ve seen their newer stuff and it’s made leaps and bounds from my laptop in just a couple of years, and I absolutely plan on buying a beefier Oryx Pro or something on the future. They’re excellent Linux machines

Agility0971,
@Agility0971@lemmy.world avatar

If you can you should try to savve up for a framework laptop

eshep,

@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.

PurrJPro,

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!

beeng,

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.

PurrJPro,

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!

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