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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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[–] CaptainJack42@discuss.tchncs.de 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

If I'd buy a new laptop these days I'd go with a framework. Other than that, buying a refurbished ThinkPad is always a great option and they generally run really good with Linux. As for support I wouldn't be too afraid, almost all hardware is supported these days as long as it's not something really obscure. The main thing worth checking is probably the WiFi card, I heard there are some that are a pain to set up, but I never ran into that. That being said most manufacturers won't officially support Linux and if they do they'll only support fedora or Ubuntu (speaking about big manufacturers, ofc there's system76 and stuff), but as I said I don't think I've encountered a laptop that straight up wasn't able to run Linux. Also if possible avoid Nvidia GPUs, they work, but can be a pain with drivers breaking on the regular

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

I'm heavily considering just getting a refurbished Thinkpad just because of the low cost, along with the support. And yeah, I've been making a point to avoid Nvdia for that reason, lol. Thanks!

[–] CaptainJack42@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

IMO refurbished ThinkPad is the way for almost anything that is not gaming, working on huge code bases (without having a build server) or heavy graphical work like video editing or heavy photo editing. For most other things a decently new and well specced ThinkPad will do the job while still maintaining that feeling of a "new and snappy pc"

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

Yeah, it seems like the most worth-it option so far. As much as I'd like a newer laptop getting a refurbished ThinkPad is a pretty nice choice too