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So far I've found these:
- Lenovo thinkpads (since they're configurable)
- System76
- Framework (not available in my country)
I also saw there was a Dell XPS developer edition but unfortunately not available where I am.
What other options are there, if any?
* obviously no macs
If you don’t need an x86-64 chip, then another potential option is the PineBook (I also don’t know about availability outside the US):
So ... are you looking for a cheaper laptop for you, or do you just want to stick it to Microsoft even if you pay more for a machine without Windows?
Look out for Number One!
Buy yourself a Lenovo (Intel peripherals since they are well supported). Chuck away that useless set of Windows partitions, and install your preferred distro. (LinuxMint 21.3 MATE in my case)
There are some HP laptops that offered FreeDOS as an alternative to Windows. This might be limited to business-line laptops as opposed to consumer-oriented laptops, and it might not be available in your country, but it’s worth investigating. If you don’t need an x86-64 chip, then another potential option is the PineBook (I also don’t know about availability outside the US): https://www.pine64.org/pinebook/ https://ww…
That's interesting, will take a look.
The build quality is worse than Mac, definitely, but you can get a really nice spec for cheap. And they’re serviceable, definitely on-par with the Lenovo and HP models that we’ve had in our house.
I bought a custom build from Xotic PC, using the “no operating system” option, and slapped Fedora on it. I’ve been Linux-only in my personal laptops since 2012, and windows-free much longer than that.
Hardware support is excellent, I’ve never had an issue. Everything just works. There’s a lot of FUD out there, and I’m skeptical of how accurate it is. My experience has been extremely low-touch, and extremely positive; it’s a tool, not a hobby, for me—I don’t tinker.
Windows and all the crap that comes with it is actually subsidising your laptop, and making it cheaper FOR YOU than a laptop configured without Windows. So ... are you looking for a cheaper laptop for you , or do you just want to stick it to Microsoft even if you pay more for a machine without Windows? Look out for Number One! Buy yourself a Lenovo (Intel peripherals since they are well supported). Chuck away that us…
IME the hardware specs, and overall design/quality have a much bigger impact on price than whether it includes Windows or not.