Amaterasu

Dell and Framework. Thinkpads are also super reliable, don't hesitate because of my rant. There aren't that many options already. You can check the HSI level (the security of the device) in here: https://fwupd.org/lvfs/hsireports/devices

I keep Windows just for the BIOS firmware updates. Next laptop won't going to be a Thinkbook and probably not a Lenovo because of this grip.

"Fex", that is where I'm a bit more excited. Playing Steam games on ARM and Risc-V can open opportunity to get better gaming handhelds.

Looking for the day that Lenovo will make Thinkbook firmware updates available via fwupd like it does for Thinkpad.

Helix for modal, Fresh for non-modal.

"If you don't need trackpads or touch sensitive sticks, there are better options out there."

Not challenging this, more a market research, what would be those alternatives?

I play most my games via Steam Linux PC. What would be a better plug and play option to the new Steam Controller?

There is one caveat that worth mentioning, one can try (and probably achieve) disable many the privacy invasive treats in Ubuntu getting to the 0 or 1% that other distros provide out of the box where with Windows there isn't much workaround.

Honestly, Ubuntu is not even close bad to how many framed here in terms of privacy and can be more secure than Mint that still pushes Cinnamon X11 to users.

Once you get Snap out and telemetry disabled Ubuntu is in the game.

What are you about here? "Just a simple metal plate", what exactly are you expecting? That is exactly the definition of a motherboard or a dock.

The TGX dock from Lenovo is that inside a box.

I never said TB5 is best than Oculink in performance but is better than a TB4 and reduce the gap to Oculink. Good luck with your imaginary eGPU dock and your Framework 13 with limited TB4 port.

Just use the OCuP4V2 dock, it has the proper mount to secure the GPU and the PSU. No enclosure, your cat either need to leave it alone or you will need to be creative.

If you are into eGPU, and is firm about the 13/14 size don't get the Framework. This "Pro" version is disappointing, not coming with USB 4.2 or TB5, Dell released last year a Dell Pro 14 with 2 TB5, they will probably release more this year and Lenovo will announce their Thinkpad 2026 lineup tomorrow: https://mactivity.lenovo.com.cn/smb/thinkxp-c.html?pmf_group=in-push&pmf_medium=sc&pmf_source=Z00028090T004

Would like to see a clear purple version of this controller

Same, just finished last week the Return to Monkey Island, after 20+ years played the Cursed Monkey Island.

This series is something special.

In Fedora, and other distros using Systemd, potentially in some distros that don't use Systemd as well, using tools like dracut or mkinitcpio you can enroll TPM2 to Secure Boot and seal TPM to NOT request LUKS password every boot.