I'm currently very happy with ThinkPad T440s. It covers all your requirements, comes with a FullHD panel (optional touchscreen) and double batteries. The only downside is the new Lenovo touch/clickpad. I got used to it, but it took me a while to figure out the settings which worked for me.
Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
31–40 of 122 posts
Re: Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
#32I'm definitely skewed towards Thinkpads, having carried one with me since '03 when I bought the first. My current laptop is an X1 carbon, and I can only say nice things about it. The only nitpick is that they messed the home/insert/end/Del key island.
No problems whatsoever running Linux on it.
Re: Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
#33I've used several ThinkPad x-series laptops in the past. My current machine is a Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition, which ships with Ubuntu pre-installed. Good battery life, excellent performance and nice size/weight - comparable to a 13" Macbook Air. You'll ned a mini-DP to HDMI/DVI converter cable though.
I'm using a Dell XPS 13 too and really like it. My biggest gripe is how hot it gets. So much so that it's uncomfortable to use on your lap (with the air vents all along the bottom). I've cleaned the inside, verified the fan operation and speed. It's just a machine that tends to run quite hot.
Re: Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
#34I currently use a Thinkpad T530 with Ubuntu 14.04 and TLP power management and it works great. I modded mine by replacing the 900P screen with a 1080P IPS screen and putting a bigger SSD (128GB vs 500GB). Highly recomended.
Specs:
Intel Core i5-3320M 2.6Ghz (Dual-Core) Intel HD4000 Integrated Graphics 8GB DDR3 RAM 500GB Samsung 840 Evo SSD 15.6" 1080p IPS Screen Blacklit keyboard
Price: About 1200€ after replacing the screen and SSD.
Forgot to tell that with TLP and a 9-cell battery I get about 7.5 hours of battery life using the ondemand profile.
Re: Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
#35http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/desktop/ http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/ In my experience Dells usually work well and if you're willing to spend the money they have some pretty decent end developer laptops that come with ubuntu (xps I think). Edit: seeing as Ubuntu 14.04 has only been out for a couple weeks the links provided may not be as relevant because they're so far only certified to run on 12.04, but i…
That worked well for me.
I bought a laptop a couple of years ago off that list. Dell Latitude E5520. It is like a cheaper Thinkpad.
Re: Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
#36Most lenovo ThinkPads are certified to work with Ubuntu. And (for me at least) there are no better laptops out there. They should have all of your needs covered. I would suggest going for the T540. It's awesome.
T430s here. Was running XUbuntu 13.10, now running stock Debian 7.4 (I don't like XUbuntu 14 one bit).
Really happy with it. I bought a T440 for someone recently, which is also really nice however it seems the RAM is limited to 12GB max (too little for my use).
Re: Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
#37http://shop.gluglug.org.uk/product/ibm-lenovo-thinkpad-x60-c... Doesn't require any binary blobs and comes with Trisquil GNU/Linux pre-installed.
Nice old machine but doesn't meet OP's desired spec, i.e. 8GB RAM and HDMI/DVI.
Re: Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
#38As of now, I use a mac for the hw but the linux experience on this box is shitty. I installed archlinux, and still havent got the fonts right. Its so much strain on the eyes and I had to go back to mac.
Have you tried Ubuntu 14.04? My sister just installed it on her MBP and she hasn't had any issues except with the track pad, which she was abe to fix (not sure how). Don't install arch unless you're ready to tweak some configuration files.
I have a MBPR with the current Ubuntu.
For non techies I'd say: Too hard (just use MacOS).
For techies: No {, } and no @ (need to copy it from somewhere). I still prefer it over MacOS. Nice Hardware + dualboot with MacOS. I actually like it: It's slim, silent and feels great. The Metalcase can be cold sometimes. Retina-Dispay requires you to zoom in on webpages (Strg & "+"), but that works well. Can be a good choice for HN readers. Someone wrote "it's the best Hardware & the best Software" and I agree
Re: Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
#39Macbook Air (Or any Macbook for that matter).
Re: Ask HN: Best current Linux-compatible laptop?
#40Most lenovo ThinkPads are certified to work with Ubuntu. And (for me at least) there are no better laptops out there. They should have all of your needs covered. I would suggest going for the T540. It's awesome.
I just upgraded (today!) to a Thinkpad T430S from a Dell Latitude E6410. I now have the ability to go to 16GB RAM and upgrade the processor as well. It is fully compatible with Linux and is one sexy 4.2 lbs laptop.
the Tx30 is "theoretically" previous generation, but the problem with the current generation of Thinkpads is the touchpad without buttons which is very bad (not like the macbook) as well as the fact that several of them have one ram slot soldered to the motherboard, so you cant upgrade.
Also, most of the processors seem underpowered. You will be able to find previous generation thinkpads for less than 800 euros.
Having said that, the Dell Latitudes are also fully compatible with Linux - but not as cool looking.