this post was submitted on 21 Aug 2023
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I've noticed in the Linux community whenever someone asks for a recommendation on a laptop that runs Linux the answer is always "Get a Thinkpad" yet Lenovo doesn't seem to be a big Linux contributor or ally. There's also at least six Linux/FOSS-oriented computer manufacturers now:

So what gives? Why the love for a primarily Windows-oriented laptop when there are better alternatives?

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[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Refurbished ThinkPads are awesome!

  • Availability - ThinkPads are very popular in corporate environments and are generally replaced every 2-3 years. Although mostly Intel CPUs, there is a wide variety CPU+GPU available from lightweight to high performance.
  • Tough + well built + last forever
  • Easy to upgrade/repair. They're very user-accessible and its simple to upgrade RAM or SSD/M.2 drives. Plus, because they are so popular in the corporate environment, replacement parts (from batteries to WiFi+Bluetooth chipsets to trckpads) are very available and cheap.
  • Well supported in most (if not all) linux distros. Graphics just work, trackpads just work, WiFi just works.
  • Cheap.

Sent from my ThinkPad T580 (with both an internal and removable battery, I get 10+ hours of battery life)

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[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

None of them are available in my country

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[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

My third world country only have Thinkpad around so. It is what it is.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago

I also live in Europe

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago

yeah good luck getting those brand outside of US

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago

Because those laptops suck.

Thinkpads are good and cheap. If someone has a bunch of money to spend on a computer they buy a Mac.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago

I bought a Framework once. The build quality was better than System76, but not great. However, Framework is not a Linux laptop. They designed it for Windows and only afterwards they were surprised to find that people wanted it for Linux.

A lot of Linux laptops don't have HiDPI displays because they're not really compatible.

Example Framework: https://community.frame.work/t/tracking-state-of-hidpi-on-linux/8301

For years people have been trying to work around Framework's poor display choice. And they're still trying.

If you have a regular DPI display, you get to avoid a whole class of bugs and issues.

If you wanna have a good time with Linux, you need some mechanical sympathy.

Btw, tbh, brb, I've had good success with the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo X1 Carbon. System76 build quality was meh.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago

Not everyone can spend +1000 dollars on a computer.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I don't like thinkpads anymore. They used to be great but Lenovo decided to kill off their best feature - the keyboards.

My fingers actually hurt when typing on a ThinkPad keyboard now. They are so shit.

I think people are nostalgic and they remember what the brand used to be. But I'm not impressed by them anymore. They keep scoring top marks at notebookcheck reviews however, but every new ThinkPad has disappointed me with bad screen or bad looks or feel.

[–] [email protected] -4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I haven't found one that will reasonably sell me a warranty and that has a good reputation. Warranty cost is a proxy for how likely it will be to break and is insurance against having to shell out another $1k+ over a 3 or 4 year period. System76 is the only one I'd consider and their 3-year warranty is nearly $400. Thinkpad warranties are $150 for the same level of support and $200 for the warranty where they physically fly a person to fix your computer within a couple days.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

In Australia you get these "warranties" regardless. You don't need to purchase them.

I tested lenovo on this when my x1 carbon broke, a year outside of it's limited warranty period.

They wanted to charge me. I reminded them on Australian consumer law, and they instantly agreed to repair and ship it at no cost.

They will all try to get around it, but as soon as you mention it. They comply

[–] [email protected] -4 points 1 year ago

Lucky ducks

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