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Ask HN: Linux laptop with MacBook-like build quality

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

#61

Post by wgjordan »

askonomnom wrote: post #11
nickjj wrote: post #7

I 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…

My mbp has 2560x1600 screen, effectively making 1080p quite bad in comparison.

If a high-res screen is critical, check out the HP Chromebook 13 G1 which has a 3200x1800 screen. You can find the 8GB RAM model for around $400 refurbished. Comes with ChromeOS but you can also install Linux distros via Crouton.

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

#62

Post by [deleted] »

lothiraldan wrote: post #24

I have a X1 Carbon 5th generation with Ubuntu 17.04. I'm very satisfied, the installation was easy, everything is working correctly, apart the fingerprint reader but biometric is a joke so no big loss. The biggest problem with this machine is the fan system, it's configured at a pretty conservative temperature and when the fan start, it does a 1-2 seconds at almost full speed which is noisy. The ports are just right…

[deleted]

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

#64

Post by RUG3Y »

I'm running a fully specc'd Dell XPS 13 with Ubuntu on it, and it's been amazing. My only quibbles are battery life, which is acceptable but not as good as I'd like, and the screen, which is fabulous - but I have the touch screen (I got this option by accident) and the hidpi resolution isn't supported by some software. It's not enough of a problem to limit my workflow so I kept it.

I'd say it's a great laptop, just don't get the touch screen. That'd probably help with the battery life as well.

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

#65

Post by RUG3Y »

rufugee wrote: post #34

Dell 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…

You can disable the touchpad while typing, it's much nicer that way IMO.

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

#66

Post by RUG3Y »

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

Have you run into any software that doesn't scale as it should on your screen? Or do you have settings to work around that?

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

#67

Post by 8draco8 »

fergie wrote: post #56
hobarrera wrote: post #16

MacBook 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

Thats a good idea- I do have an old Air kicking around, but it seems a shame to lose a mac in order to gain a Linux. In any case I would like something new and purpose built.

Macs are unstable and lack of some features under Linux. Read about compatibility before putting any distro on it.

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

#68

Post by RUG3Y »

lethly wrote: post #10
BOOSTERHIDROGEN wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

yes, is there any recent laptop that have as good as macbook.

The best non-MBP trackpad I've ever used is Dell XPS. Carbon X1 is also up there. Apple is still leading when it comes to trackpads though

I'll second this. I've been using a MBP for years, but the time for a new laptop came and I was disappointed in the new models. I bought an XPS 13 and the trackpad is close to Mac quality. Caveat, if you like the Mac gestures etc, you won't get those. But the pad itself is quite nice, it feels "right".

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

#69

Post by jeffnappi »

velobro wrote: post #60
lothiraldan wrote: post #24

I have a X1 Carbon 5th generation with Ubuntu 17.04. I'm very satisfied, the installation was easy, everything is working correctly, apart the fingerprint reader but biometric is a joke so no big loss. The biggest problem with this machine is the fan system, it's configured at a pretty conservative temperature and when the fan start, it does a 1-2 seconds at almost full speed which is noisy. The ports are just right…

"Biometric is a joke" Speak for yourself because fingerprint sensor on my smartphone has changed the way I use it. Don't call the whole field of tech useless because Lenovo chooses to cheap out on their components.

I believe that comment is in reference to the fact that biometrics authentication is not as secure as folks would think. For example a printed copy of a fingerprint is likely sufficient to bypass it.

Of course there's the balance of security and convenience.

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

#70

Post by 8draco8 »

bocz wrote: post #44

Check out System76 https://system76.com/laptops

They are not even close to MB quality and they are not worth it. They are also making questionable decisions regarding supported OS. Apparently they are going away from Ubuntu and wants to fork Ubuntu with Unity 7.
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