Image description:
Shopping for a laptop as a Linux user:
Screenshot from the Simpsons where Otto is talking to Marge and Homer standing next to a window in their house with a caption "Oh wow, windows!... I don't think I can afford this place."
this post was submitted on 26 Feb 2024
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Buy a Framework, System76 or something else with first class Linux support.
Love their concept but I just can't afford it. My problem isn't finding a machine that works well with Linux. It's finding a machine that I can afford. And the stupid windows fee for something I will immediately uninstall is a big deal to me.
I think most Lenovo and dell computers provide you with the option to go without an OS or something like Ubuntu.
Only select top-end models in my country unfortunately.
Ubuntu is basically the only Linux distro I've seen offered on most computers from most if the big manufacturers.
Want something else? Install it yourself, or get a Slimbook or something similar to that.
Have you considered second hand? I'm not talking second hand specifically for framework or other mentioned brands, but just in general.
I feel it is not yet normalized to consider second hand for electronics, yet you can find quite some good deals. Not everything needs to be bought new, especially if you are price sensitive. One generation or 2 older hardware bought second hand can be better and cheaper than new.
Yes, I'm a huge fan of second hand as well, but this has to be a brand new laptop for external reasons.
I'm in fact writing this from a 12 year old Thinkpad that I restored.
What are your actual requirements? Are you looking for something specific?
yooo old thinkpad <3
which model? xx20?
There are newer Thinkpads that can also be found second-hand. With NVME storage and newer CPUs. The Linux support for them has actually gotten better. Lenovo is still the best hardware for Linux out of all the old manufacturing brands.
I watched a YouTube video where this guy buys thinkpads that are “broken” and often they just need ram installed or something simple, and for a minor risk of buying a dud, he gets laptops for super cheap.
Framework has their 11th gen Intel laptops right now as a barebones for $499 USD from B-stock, new components, if that interests you.
Otherwise, Chromebooks that you can flash replacement coreboot are another good option.
Is the 500usd for the full computer? I got confused before that some of the cheapest configurations didn't have everything needed to make the computer, like RAM and storage.
It includes everything except RAM, Storage, and the USB C modular ports. With all of that you're probably looking more like $575-600. They do, however, have 8GB of RAM for $15, cheap storage options, etc, so it's a pretty good deal overall for such a repairable and upgradable laptop.
Unfortunately Framework doesn't retail in my country and that's the requirement. But that does sound very enticing, I'll keep an eye on their B-stock. Thanks!
As for the flashed chromebooks that sounds like a pretty cool weekend project but I need something with a little more power.
Important to remember that not all Chromebooks are created equal. There are some that have i5/i7s or Ryzen CPUs in them that will rival most laptops. I see $200-500 USD Chromebooks all the time with decent specs refurbed or clearance.
Buy used
I would not buy a laptop used
Why? There are plenty of cheap well built laptops that will easily outlive some new garbage PC.
Pinebook Pro?
I have one, and it's neat, but it just isn't stable enough to be a daily driver. Used ThinkPads are the golden standard for cheap and friendly here.
Early 2010's MacBooks also make excellent Linux machines.
Oems like dell pay almost nothing for their windows license. Compared to the cost of the laptop it’s negligible.
When I bought a Dell XPS choosing to have Linux installed discounted 100$ from the purchase.
That's significant enough to buy a case or accessory.
Dell sells Linux laptops too don’t they?
Every laptop manufacturers sell linux laptops they just dont know it.
Framework is a bit different, it has direct support for their hardware drivers on many linux distros and endorses linux to be installed on their laptops.
OP doesn’t want to pay the extra $120 for an OS he’s never gonna use. Yes everyone sells a Linux laptop but there’s a few companies that won’t charge you for Windows on top of that.
Thank you, it seems the point of this meme is lost on some Lemmings :D
Right . . . but Dell ship select models with Ubuntu preinstalled, these certified devices come with their OEM package which has support for their drivers, etc. and obvs by selling them with Linux, they are endorsing it on their select models of laptops as well.
Never knew that.
They’ve been doing it for a very long time now. I’m currently using a 2015 model, Dell Tablet. It has Linux support. Cost me about $250 (with a copy of W10 Pro), a few years back. I also got it with the hard shell keyboard dock, effectively making it a net book.
It’s been a great device, but probably isn’t what OP is looking for.
As does Dell, HP and Lenovo.
I can speak for Dells excellent Linux support with LVFS support and a responsive support structure.
Yes, but all the budget laptops from them I can find don't have that option. Only a few select higher-end gaming models come with Linux.
Especially now that they're selling refurbished models at a heavy discount, you can get into the Framework ecosystem pretty easily and upgrade the mainboard later.