I don't own one but what about a purism laptop? https://puri.sm/
Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
31–40 of 92 posts
Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
#32I run Linux on a slightly modified Chromebook. It seems solid to me, but I never owned a MBP. It has all of the things I care about: - 1080p IPS display (13.3" screen) - SSD - 4GB of RAM - Fast enough to handle real work loads (lots of browser tabs, running large Rails apps in Docker, streaming music, etc.) - SD card and USB ports The whole thing was $350 USD and it's under 3 pounds. Details are at: https://nickjanet…
That's a great guide, thanks! When I went through the process a few years ago, it would have been really nice to have. Plus GalliumOS wasn't around then.
Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
#33MacBook Pro 2015. I've used ArchLinux on this with no issues. Used a 2013 MacBook Air before that, same OS (I actually used `ssh | dd` to just copy the image, rather than reinstall anything). The MBA needed non-kernel driver (which was a breeze to install anyway). The MBP uses an in-kernel one, so no issue there. It doesn't get more MacBook-like than that. :P
shh | dd? How does that work? Please say more.
Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
#34Dell 5520 (http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/555/campaigns/xps-linux-lapt...). I bought one for work earlier this year and liked it so much I bought a second for home. Dual Xeons, 32GB ram, 4k display, great battery life, and a body design which feels decidedly mac-like, yet different. In fact, I actually prefer the tactile feel of the 5520.
The only real problems I have is the touchpad (currently tweaking synclient to get it just right) interfering while typing occasionally, and the completely crappy experience with the Thunderbolt docking station (it rarely goes perfectly when docking/undocking, but even if it does, sometimes the displays refuse to wake up while docked).
All that said, I really dig it. I've had two macbooks in the past, and can honestly say this machine is a FAR better experience and much more cost effective.
Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
#35I bought a 'shell' of a Thinkpad X220 on eBay for ~£66 ($85) and then bought an SSD, 8GB RAM, Wifi module, 9-cell battery. All in, about £120 with some smart shopping. Replacement parts (such as a palm-rest from dropping it off the sofa) cost a few quid, and that's if you manage to absolutely deck the thing. It's happily chugging away with Debian, all components work OOTB. Got to recommend a used Thinkpad, and advise…
Seconding this. I paid closer to $700 for my Thinkpad X230 in 2011 and it's still going strong with Arch Linux. Not much of a gaming laptop, but it's been very solid fox nearly six years now.
Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
#36I bought a 'shell' of a Thinkpad X220 on eBay for ~£66 ($85) and then bought an SSD, 8GB RAM, Wifi module, 9-cell battery. All in, about £120 with some smart shopping. Replacement parts (such as a palm-rest from dropping it off the sofa) cost a few quid, and that's if you manage to absolutely deck the thing. It's happily chugging away with Debian, all components work OOTB. Got to recommend a used Thinkpad, and advise…
I have one too. My only complaint is the track pad is way too sensitive. I am constantly nudging it with my palm.
Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
#37Dell XPS 13, build quality is great, next day on-site service is unbeatable.
Love the build quality, feels very portable; unfortunately the trackpad lets it down. Are there any laptops with comparable trackpads to an MBP?
i use archlinux on my mbp (and have been using for the past 3y) and i have no issues other than having to install a custom wifi driver.
Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
#38Microsoft Surface Laptop
Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
#39Dell XPS 13, build quality is great, next day on-site service is unbeatable.
how well does linux work on it?
Re: Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality
#40MacBook Pro 2015. I've used ArchLinux on this with no issues. Used a 2013 MacBook Air before that, same OS (I actually used `ssh | dd` to just copy the image, rather than reinstall anything). The MBA needed non-kernel driver (which was a breeze to install anyway). The MBP uses an in-kernel one, so no issue there. It doesn't get more MacBook-like than that. :P
shh | dd? How does that work? Please say more.
I presume, something like...
ssh old_mac "dd if=/dev/sda" | dd of=/dev/sda