Linux-compatible laptops
I love linux but I hate googling for “wifi hangs after suspend”
May 28, 2018 — December 16, 2024
I would like an economical, well-supported laptop for doing Linux/FreeBSD/NetBSD stuff. 1 My goal is to spend less of my life being my own tech support team.
Requirements: Thunderbolt 3+ support for external GPUs etc would be nice. I am less interested in internal GPUs these days; that turned out to be a giant PITA.
1 Battery management
Linux battery management is not as polished on laptops.
2 Models and makes
2.1 Lenovo
The classic go-to Linux laptop. Are they still… working? Is that a thing? I checked out of that question ages ago. Sounds like Linux compatibility is contested, but certain hardware configurations do support Linux, AFAICT the less fashionable ones. Plus side: can be purchased from a local vendor in Australia.
2.2 ASUS
Asus laptop support is, I am told, pretty good these days. No specific recommendations.
2.3 Tuxedo
TUXEDO Computers ships Notebooks and runs their own KDE/Ubuntu-based distro, TUXEDO_OS, which seems to be Ubuntu minus the telemetry and random other apps.
2.4 System76
System76 are the creators of Pop!OS which has many nice features for my own workflow. They also have their own alternate desktop environment COSMIC.
The Darter Pro or Lemur models appear to have enough Thunderbolt support for eGPUs without arsing about having internal GPUs.
Only Intel for now.
2.5 Framework
Introducing the Framework Laptop:
the Framework Laptop offers unparalleled options to upgrade, customize and repair:
- Our Expansion Card system makes adapters a thing of the past, letting you choose exactly the ports you want and which side of the notebook you want them on. With four bays, you can select from USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, ultra-fast storage, a high-end headphone amp, and more.
- Along with socketed storage, WiFi, and two slots of memory, the entire mainboard can be swapped to boost performance as we launch updated versions with new CPU generations.
- High-use parts like the battery, screen, keyboard, and colour-customizable magnetic-attach bezel are easy to replace. QR codes on each item take you directly to guides and the listing in our web store.
- In addition to releasing new upgrades regularly, we’re opening up the ecosystem to enable a community of partners to build and sell compatible modules through the Framework Marketplace.
Strong hype and a veneer of sustainability.
Sounds like they are targeting Windows especially. I wonder how well it runs Linux? Mostly ok, apparently. I also wonder whether it is swimming against the tide of verifiable hardware to be so interchangeable.
2.6 Razer Blade
A long intermittently-tolerably-successful project of mine: keeping the Razer Blade 2017 behaving itself as a Linux machine..
Since some OS update, random USB devices have been failing to resume after suspend. OTOH the machine frequently fails to suspend, and sometimes will run at full temperature with the lid closed and everything unplugged, which puts you at risk of data loss, hardware damage and also your house burning down.
Also, the local Australian service agent (who is licensed by Razer but nothing to do with them really) ghosted me last time I tried to exchange cash for hardware repair. I worked it out myself with parts from eBay. On the previous occasion, they reformatted my hard drive which was fine, I have backups, but there was nothing wrong with the HDD just the power regulator, so it felt vindictive.
Impressive hardware overall, but no longer recommended because of the overhead of maintaining a minority laptop configuration functioning when it is not especially well-adapted to my OS.
2.7 Dell
I hear that Dell does Linux laptops, but they are shy about that in Australia. Dell XPS 13, for example, was a model I heard recommended a lot, but conspicuously does not mention Linux support, and my colleague who uses them has occasional firmware update dramas.
2.8 Librem
Librem is a Linux laptop that claims hardware that is as open as possible, i.e. more open than System76 who at least aim for open firmware but make some compromises. Check out their security blog to get the vibe.
Sounds like it pairs well with a hardened OS.
3 Pinebook
RISC (ARM/RWC V) specialists Pine64 have a couple of laptops that run Linux.
Our goal is to push the envelope and deliver ARM and RISC-V devices that you want to use and develop for. To this end, we actively work with the development community and champion end-user initiatives. Rather than applying business to a FOSS setting, we allow FOSS principles to guide our business.
The latter sounds usably specced:
The Pinebook Pro is meant to deliver solid day-to-day Linux or BSD experience and to be a compelling alternative to mid-ranged Chromebooks that people convert into Linux laptops. In contrast to most mid-ranged Chromebooks however, the Pinebook Pro comes with an IPS 1080p 14″ LCD panel, a premium magnesium alloy shell, 64/128GB of eMMC storage (more on this later – see asterisk below), a 10,000 mAh capacity battery and the modularity / hackability that only an open source project can deliver – such as the unpopulated PCIe m.2 NVMe slot (an optional feature which requires an optional adapter). The USB-C port on the Pinebook Pro, apart from being able to transmit data and charge the unit, is also capable of digital video output up-to 4K at 60hz.
They are also very cheap. And out of stock.
3.1 MNT Reform
MNT Reform is an ARM laptop with swappable parts that is even more open than Librem. Tech specs don’t seem amazing — think overgrown Raspberry Pi? But not too shabby.
Nonetheless, it looks soothingly simple — it must be, to be assembled by such a tiny team (Four Berliners), and that elegance is definitely attractive. This feels like a machine that one can come closer to understanding.
Footnotes
OK, I said “FreeBSD/NetBSD/Linux,” but let’s be real: all the hardware support is for Linux, and I am not convinced that bootable FreeBSD laptops are common, or even real. I mention it simply because I do not want to be snarked by BSD evangelists. I could have also claimed I wanted GNU Hurd support but hey now.↩︎