Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#1

Post by xgbi » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 7:55 PM UTC

All in the title.

We are transitionning from Macs to "whatever you like" and I would like to look around for a good linux laptop equaling what we can get for the price of a MBPro (13", 512Go disk, 16G ram for 2400€).

I bet the competition can do better (I'd certainly fancy 32Gb of ram), but I don't have much experience in PC type laptops. I use linux a LOT at home so I'm confident I'll be able to install it, but I don't have the compatibility story.

What would you suggest? Dell XPS? Lenovo something?

THanks!

Re: Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#2

Post by itg » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 8:01 PM UTC

I went with the Lenovo X1 Carbon.

Re: Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#3

Post by m_a_d » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 8:04 PM UTC

I have not tried either of these products, but I have been looking at trying one:

System76 Laptops: https://system76.com/laptops

Purism Librem 15: https://puri.sm/products/librem-15/

Re: Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#4

Post by tlb » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 8:05 PM UTC

I'm happy with my System 76. It comes running Linux, and with all the nVidia GPU driver + CUDA setup done.

https://system76.com/laptops

I got the 15" Serval with 4K display and 64 GB RAM. It's big and heavy, but they have light ones too.

Re: Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#5

Post by onyva » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 8:33 PM UTC

I also moved off a MacBook to dell XPS but will probably not buy dell again. Customer service was shockingly bad compared to what you get from Apple. I mean really bad (bought in Switzerland).

I was looking today at the HUAWEI Matebook X Pro but not thrilled about taking a laptop with nvidia.

Re: Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#6

Post by somerandomanon » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 8:41 PM UTC

MSI PS42 8RC - https://www.msi.com/Content-creation/PS42-8RX/Specification A powerful 14': the variant with 1050 for some reason is priced same as the one with MX250 (an MX150 with a different name). Only 8 gigs of RAM but you can upgrade. The price is really great, it's very lightweight and has a good battery life. Also: good matte display.

A weird alternative could be GPD Pocket/Pocket 2?

I'd definitely avoid XPS though, afair they've installed MX150 '1D12' gpus which are about 25% slower.

Re: Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#7

Post by pixelmonkey » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 8:46 PM UTC

Lenovo X1C is the standard-bearer for a Linux notebook experience that is hassle-free, hardware-wise, and includes a great keyboard, trackpad, screen, battery, all in a slim ultrabook format. I wrote up my experience of a 4th gen model here:

https://amontalenti.com/2017/09/01/lenovo-linux

If you care about outdoor usage, opt for the matte IPS screen rather than the glossy options. Lenovo sells both types on almost every model. I'd also suggest skipping the touchscreen.

Re: Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#8

Post by ghaff » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 8:49 PM UTC

Probably Lenovo something depending on your priorities. (I'd get a Lenovo X1 Carbon if I were replacing my X270 as I mostly prioritize lightweight.) We use Lenovos at Red Hat for our issued Linux laptops so compatibility tends to be pretty good.

Re: Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#9

Post by jonaswi » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 8:50 PM UTC

onyva wrote: post #5

I also moved off a MacBook to dell XPS but will probably not buy dell again. Customer service was shockingly bad compared to what you get from Apple. I mean really bad (bought in Switzerland). I was looking today at the HUAWEI Matebook X Pro but not thrilled about taking a laptop with nvidia.

Is there still coil whine when running Linux on the XPS?

Re: Ask HN: Best Linux Laptop Replacing a Macbook Pro?

#10

Post by rasengan » Sun, Aug 25, 2019, 8:52 PM UTC

Razor Blade 15 works very well, also under heat.

The Surface Pro is also fantastic except the lack of webcam support.