this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2023
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Plan on getting a Linux laptop: any suggestions? (beehaw.org)
submitted 1 year ago by PurrJPro@beehaw.org to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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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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[–] amanneedsamaid@sopuli.xyz 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Im happy with my ROG Zephyrus G14, which I only chose because of decent linux compatibility and a sale at Best Buy.

I would say when judging the price of a laptop, whether it is Windows focused or Linux focused, make your decision based off of mainly hardware specs (and that hardwares linux compatibility). For example (assuming same price), if a Windows laptop has a great AMD CPU and GPU, I would take that over a Linux laptop with an equivalent CPU but an NVIDIA GPU.

My best advice is to read posts / watch videos of people using / installing / reviewing Linux on said hardware before you buy it. For instance, Asus ROG laptops (like I have) require a program called asusctl to control certain aspects of the machine that are usually controlled by Asus's proprietary software. I would not have known this if not for researching beforehand.

EDIT: I agree with another comment, used Thinkpads are awesome and usually old enough that there will be next to no compatibility issues with Linux. Also, they're tanks!

[–] PurrJPro@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Ooo, nice! And yeah, buying a laptop without knowing for sure Linux is compatible would be a very bad idea, lol. As for ThinkPads, I'm highly considering getting one simply because of the price point, but used/refurbished stuff can be a bit of a gamble if it's from somebody who isn't credible

[–] amanneedsamaid@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Thinkpads are a particularly solid option for used, as a lot of businesses buy them in bulk and they end up on resell sites (in better condition than most consumer used models). Like you said, just has to be a credible reseller.

[–] PurrJPro@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago

They seem pretty nice, and I'm pretty sure it's the best route to go down for now. I'll probably look for some credible sellers later and make my decision then