I’ve noticed in the Linux community whenever someone asks for a recommendation on a laptop that runs Linux the answer is always “Get a Thinkpad” yet Lenovo doesn’t seem to be a big Linux contributor or ally. There’s also at least six Linux/FOSS-oriented computer manufacturers now:

So what gives? Why the love for a primarily Windows-oriented laptop when there are better alternatives?

  • provomeister
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    10 months ago

    I’d say lack of marketing and higher price tags. Money / Performance ratio is also better with a decent Thinkpad.

    Some of these options can’t (or not without high markups) be bought and shipped to Canada.

    Because it use common hardware and bought “en masse” by enterprises; they tend to be more supported with FOSS than other options.

    I’ve been happy with my used T480 so far.

    • nomadjoanne@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      I second price to performance ratio. If I had more money to burn I probably would go all in on some of these Linux-targeted laptops.

      I’d also add a lot of them seem overpowered for my needs. I do like me a big screen but I don’t need a powerful GPU to go with it. I have a desktop rig for that. I can always just ssh into it if I need to do GPU heavy calculations.

      • provomeister
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        10 months ago

        Same scenario for me! My laptop only serve to have a device when I’m on-the-go, but at home, I use my desktop. It was one of the reason why I went with an older Thinkpad, it’s well supported and with no dedicated GPU, it’s dead silent most of the time. I’d love a 16:10 screen, but the options are pretty expensive and often not as repairable as my T480.