Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#71

Post by derekp7 » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 4:08 PM UTC

I'm a fan of the Thinkpads, especially for Linux. Lenovo maintains a certification list of models that are certified under Ubuntu and RedHat. Note, though, that not all Thinkpads have the same chassis materials. Here is a list of the materials for various 2017 models: https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/6bvlb9/2017_think...

Note that the T470 line is built with magnesium, and the X1 Carbon / Yoga have a lot of carbon fiber parts. Both make for a high quality feel.

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#72

Post by Jonnax » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 4:21 PM UTC

moocowtruck wrote: post #39

jankotek wrote: post #14

Dell XPS 13, build quality is great, next day on-site service is unbeatable.

how well does linux work on it?

Dell do Linux edition that ships with Ubuntu.

So full compatibility.

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#73

Post by throwaway2016a » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 4:23 PM UTC

derekp7 wrote: post #71

I'm a fan of the Thinkpads, especially for Linux. Lenovo maintains a certification list of models that are certified under Ubuntu and RedHat. Note, though, that not all Thinkpads have the same chassis materials. Here is a list of the materials for various 2017 models: https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/6bvlb9/2017_think... Note that the T470 line is built with magnesium, and the X1 Carbon / Yoga have a lot of…

I dislike how their website makes you pay the Microsoft tax (no way to choose "no operating system"). Is there a way to customize it to not have to pay for Windows?

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#74

Post by microwavecamera » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 5:52 PM UTC

I've been using Lenovo Thinkpads. Not the prettiest laptop but well built, military spec and I've never had an issue running Linux on any Thinkpad I've owned. Currently have a Thinkpad L430 which I got refurbished for $300 on ebay. Used to have Debian on it, now I'm running kubuntu 17.04 with no issues.

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#75

Post by dev247 » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 6:39 PM UTC

jhasse wrote: post #13

Have you tried the ThinkPad T series? I'm running a T460 with Linux.

Ditto. Mint 18.1 with MATE DE. About to move it over to Fedora 25 as I've been using that on my desktop for a few months and loving it.

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#76

Post by brasey » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 7:43 PM UTC

rubenbe wrote: post #23

Dell XPS13 with a high-res screen Works flawless under Fedora 25. Plus I even get the firmware updates presented "through Gnome". Build quality is very nice, although it's no full aluminium unibody

I'm running this setup, and only found out today about this feature! I was looking into the i7 hyperthreading bug, and I'm looking forward to receiving the BIOS update automagically.

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#77

Post by pards » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 7:44 PM UTC

rubenbe wrote: post #23

Dell XPS13 with a high-res screen Works flawless under Fedora 25. Plus I even get the firmware updates presented "through Gnome". Build quality is very nice, although it's no full aluminium unibody

I run Arch on my XPS13 with no issues.

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#78

Post by timrichard » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 8:01 PM UTC

moocowtruck wrote: post #39

jankotek wrote: post #14

Dell XPS 13, build quality is great, next day on-site service is unbeatable.

how well does linux work on it?

I'm running Arch and i3 on mine... Works beautifully. I seem to get good battery life too, as I've been pretty selective about what I installed. Powertop takes care of the rest. The trackpad perhaps isn't as nice as my workhorse MBA, but just about everything I use regularly has some sort of Vim mode, so my fingers are hardly ever off the keys.

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#79

Post by tmikaeld » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 8:23 PM UTC

I have the new HP envy model, runs Ubuntu 17.04 perfectly out of the box. Even sound and wifi works, scaling of the hidpi screen works perfectly too. Really recommend if you want fast, thin, mac quality laptop for an affordable price. I got mine for 745€ on the HP store for the i5, 8gb,256gb ssd.

Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

#80

Post by lowrider130 » Thu, Jul 06, 2017, 9:43 PM UTC

clebio wrote: post #42

lowrider130 wrote: post #27

For build quality I like my Razer Blade (late 2016 build), but support is not perfect out of the box. I'm running Linux Mint 18.1. The WiFi was not supported by the live disc, but works after install. Switching between the NVidia and Intel graphics has been a problem that I haven't yet resolved. The pros are a quad core i7, NVidia 1060, a better keyboard than MBP (my opinion), 16gb RAM, option of 4K glossy or 1080p f…

I like the Razer Blades, but it is the only laptop I've ever had shutdown from overheating. Have you had any issues with cooling?

I haven't had any cooling issues yet. I accidentally put it in my laptop bag when it was running and I thought it had gone to sleep. It was exceptionally hot when I pulled it out, but I powered it off to cool.