Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#1

Post by chopmo » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 7:24 PM UTC

I'm looking for at really good laptop for software development (Rails and Android mainly).

Most important requirements:

  1) Hardware fully supported by Ubuntu (except eg. fingerprint scanner)
  2) Great keyboard 
  3) Great antiglare monitor, preferably 15" og 17"
  4) SSD of reasonable size

Disregard the price tag. What is the best machine money can buy right now?

Re: Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#2

Post by lstrope » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 7:31 PM UTC

Asus ROG

Re: Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#3

Post by bartonfink » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 7:33 PM UTC

I've heard good things about system76, and one of their laptops is high on my list of toys I'd like to own.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#4

Post by bradfa » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 7:52 PM UTC

I've always liked IBM / Lenovo ThinkPad keyboards, I believe on the W and T series they're still high quality. I vote for Lenovo ThinkPad W series, then T series. Should meet all your requirements.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#5

Post by chopmo » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 7:56 PM UTC

bradfa wrote: post #4

I've always liked IBM / Lenovo ThinkPad keyboards, I believe on the W and T series they're still high quality. I vote for Lenovo ThinkPad W series, then T series. Should meet all your requirements.

I loved the IBM T42 keyboard. Best I've tried with the possible exception of the old MacBook Pro (ca. 2005).

The Lenovo product line is a maze...I thought the X-series was the best, but I'll check out your recommendations.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#6

Post by khandelwal » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 8:01 PM UTC

I really like the Lenovo X201. Good build quality and extremely portable. You'll need to get a docking station if you want a DVD player, but other than that, it's a pretty nice machine.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#7

Post by chopmo » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 8:03 PM UTC

bartonfink wrote: post #3

I've heard good things about system76, and one of their laptops is high on my list of toys I'd like to own.

They look really, really nice. And the specs can be boosted to impressive levels.

Just too bad that it isn't possible to see the machines on display somewhere. The keyboards look bit like the newer MBP keyboard, and I don't like those at all. But I guess I could dig into some reviews and check that out.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#8

Post by nwmcsween » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 8:11 PM UTC

A sager or clevo ph150hm most resellers have specs that will be much better than any mainstream laptops for a fraction of the price. As an example I plan on picking up a i7 16gb ram 2x 750hdds and a 6970m with a 95% gamut NTSC screen for about $1500

Re: Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#9

Post by naner » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 8:24 PM UTC

Thinkpads are considered really well-built laptops and typically work very well with Linux. Just double check the video card and wifi/3G cards for compatibility before you order one. Stay within the T and X (and W?) series, some of the new lines Lenovo added aren't very good. The SL series in particular appears to just be rebranded Ideapads.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best Linux laptop for software development?

#10

Post by tobylane » Wed, Oct 05, 2011, 9:39 PM UTC

Define great keyboard? I've heard people say that the macbook keyboards are too bright, too hot, wrong sort of UK keyboard, too light, etc.