System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock • Hacker News Board

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#431

Post by istingray » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 4:12 AM UTC

hellcow wrote: post #45

Rd6n6 wrote: post #39

What are system76 keyboards and trackpads like? I wish I could touch one before having to decide whether to buy

I bought a system76 years ago wanting to support their open source work. Maybe it's changed since (?), but mine had a Clevo shell which meant it had a bad keyboard and a terrible trackpad, with a cheap plastic feel and lots of flex. It's the first laptop I ever replaced within a month... The keyboard was later recalled, so I swapped it out with a new one they sent me which wasn't cut to the correct dimensions and nev…

Their newer stuff may be better. I just ordered a brand new Lemur Pro 14". Keyboard and trackpad aren't anything to brag about but seem fine.

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#432

Post by istingray » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 4:13 AM UTC

mybrid wrote: post #203

The thing about Lenovo is one can get a 4 year, on site, service contract for less than $500. If a keyboard key breaks, no problem, they swap it and come to your house. Over the hears I've had monitor pixels die. They don't care, they'll replace it. And unlike with Apple Lenovo doesn't mind if you replace the hard drive or other components yourself, the warranty is not voided.

Linux is a side project for Lenovo though. System76 is a Linux-only vendor which means every interaction is with someone who knows what the heck they're talking about.

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#433

Post by istingray » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 4:15 AM UTC

peignoir wrote: post #321

System76 seems to be making good laptops but on side I’m happy with my zephyrus it’s amd 3900HS it has a 3070 for AI and it’s 200/300 $ more and has a great Linux community. Not sure what system76 value prop is on that market.

Sure, Linux happens to work on your Zephyrus. But System76 is a Linux-only vendor and is working to integrate hardware and software. That means you're getting great support from Linux geeks on any issues that arise - and investing in the future of Linux rather than begging free help from a community.

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#434

Post by istingray » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 4:17 AM UTC

acidburnNSA wrote: post #120

Kinda interesting that this has a 49 Wh battery while the smaller and less powerful Lemur Pro has a 73 Wh one [1]. I have the 2020 Lemur Pro and love the ridiculously long battery life. I guess this is more of a plug it in most of the day machine vs. an ultralight. [1] https://system76.com/laptops/lemur

Ah good to know, I've been trying to understand the difference between this and the Lemur Pro. I just purchased the Lemur and am happy with it.

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#435

Post by istingray » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 4:18 AM UTC

sneak wrote: post #238

1080p. Even my shitty XPS has a >200ppi display. Why do PC laptops so often have crap screens? How am I to replace a retina MBP with this?

Suck it up for awhile and support a Linux-focused vendor? Linux won't magically succeed without your support.

Linux is a side project for Dell at best, they have one model that officially supports (Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition).

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#436

Post by istingray » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 4:20 AM UTC

peter_retief wrote: post #308

At 2000 usd it is too expensive for me. Is this a normal price for a new laptop? I am in the market for a new laptop and am a linux user.

Definitely check out System76. They're one of the few Linux-only laptop vendors. That means you're supporting the future of Linux by making it mainstream and helping more Linux-focused models exist.

Dell and Lenovo put up with Linux but it's a side project for them at best. And other vendors dgaf.

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#437

Post by istingray » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 4:21 AM UTC

hazza_n_dazza wrote: post #271

too expensive. should be the same price as a windows laptop minus ~$80 for the windows

What price are you putting on getting Linux support from the vendor? System76 is Linux-only so they work to integrate their hardware and software together...few others offer this.

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#438

Post by istingray » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 4:22 AM UTC

zingar wrote: post #356

How's the trackpad? You'll pry my MacBook from my cold dead hands unless you can give me a trackpad that is as good.

It's roughly comparable to one of the non-haptic trackpads on a Macbook Air (pre-2015 I believe?). For me, I'm willing to put up with it because Apple is a dead end given their new surveillance hobby.

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#439

Post by istingray » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 4:23 AM UTC

crossroadsguy wrote: post #233

Honestly it does seem that a halo tax like Apple’s is already being added.

That's the cost of getting Linux support in this day and age. Few other vendors will support you if you call up and have complaints about Linux.

Re: System76 Pangolin Linux-first laptop with AMD internals now in stock

#440

Post by peter_retief » Sun, Sep 05, 2021, 8:05 AM UTC

istingray wrote: post #436

peter_retief wrote: post #308

At 2000 usd it is too expensive for me. Is this a normal price for a new laptop? I am in the market for a new laptop and am a linux user.

Definitely check out System76. They're one of the few Linux-only laptop vendors. That means you're supporting the future of Linux by making it mainstream and helping more Linux-focused models exist. Dell and Lenovo put up with Linux but it's a side project for them at best. And other vendors dgaf.

My thoughts as well.