What laptop do YOU run Linux on?

[captain_aggravated]

I'm asking about hardware, so I think this is where it belongs.  Looking for a laptop to run Linux.  Looking for some impressions from everyday users.  Is your machine super annoying, does it work great, etc.  And what do you think of the hardware in general?

 

I'll go first, I've got a Dell Inspiron 7547 from 2014 and it sort of works.  The AMD graphics are basically non-functional in Linux, and there's no way to right click via the touch screen, but that's more Linux's fault than the hardware.  Hardware wise I've gotten used to it; the full size SD card slot is nice when working with 3D printers, the USB ports are poorly labelled and not color coded, but I've just ended up permanently keeping my Logitech dongle in the 2.0 port and everything is fine.  Keyboard could be a lot better, it's started to rattle.  Overall for what it cost I'm pretty "meh."

[Pasi123]

I have a Dell Latitude E6430 and Linux works just fine on it. Mine has an Intel HD 4000 graphics so drivers aren't an issue on it.

 

The only thing that I don't like about my laptop is the TN panel, mine has the better screen option for the laptop (1600x900) but viewing angles are really bad on it.

I really like the keyboard on it and it was one of the reasons why I bought it (in 2016) because I don't like the modern flat keyboards.

 

Maybe someday I'll upgrade to a E6440 because it has an IPS screen option and a bit newer gen CPU.

[captain_aggravated]

Actually, forget that question.  I have a more basic one:  Can anyone name a computer company that demonstrates basic quality control?

[markr54632]

6 hours ago, captain_aggravated said:

Actually, forget that question.  I have a more basic one:  Can anyone name a computer company that demonstrates basic quality control?

Haha, short answer NO!

 

All of the manufacturers have forgotten the basic quality control aspect lately. Bottom line is they expect the end user to perform quality control. Let's not forget the fact that they have taken away basic repairability and upgradability. The fact that they are more obsessed with providing a slimmer form factor than a product that actually works and doesnt overheat.

 

You need to do research on the exact sub model you are interested in and even then you need to be lucky. 

 

I highly highly advise buying locally. If there is a problem it is much easier to exchange.

[captain_aggravated]

5 hours ago, markr54632 said:

Haha, short answer NO!

 

All of the manufacturers have forgotten the basic quality control aspect lately. Bottom line is they expect the end user to perform quality control. Let's not forget the fact that they have taken away basic repairability and upgradability. The fact that they are more obsessed with providing a slimmer form factor than a product that actually works and doesnt overheat.

 

You need to do research on the exact sub model you are interested in and even then you need to be lucky. 

 

I highly highly advise buying locally. If there is a problem it is much easier to exchange.

So in short, when my laptop breaks, just use Raspberry Pis.  Got it.

The exact sub-models I'm interested in--high dollar premium machines, mind--all seem to have chronic problems that have gone unaddressed for years.  Coil whine on XPS, Lenovos that fall apart, Apples that are bent in the box, the people with that shell shocked thousand yard stare muttering "HP...Never again..."  

 

Buying locally isn't really an option.  The few existing stores in my area that carry computers like Wal-Mart and Best Buy carry four or five examples from the low end of 2016's catalog.

 

So forget it, I'm just not going to buy a computer for the foreseeable future.  There's simply not a manufacturer that deserves my purchase.

[Super Spartan]

29 minutes ago, captain_aggravated said:

So in short, when my laptop breaks, just use Raspberry Pis.  Got it.

The exact sub-models I'm interested in--high dollar premium machines, mind--all seem to have chronic problems that have gone unaddressed for years.  Coil whine on XPS, Lenovos that fall apart, Apples that are bent in the box, the people with that shell shocked thousand yard stare muttering "HP...Never again..."  

 

Buying locally isn't really an option.  The few existing stores in my area that carry computers like Wal-Mart and Best Buy carry four or five examples from the low end of 2016's catalog.

 

So forget it, I'm just not going to buy a computer for the foreseeable future.  There's simply not a manufacturer that deserves my purchase.

System76 have Linux laptops. When I emailed them asking how do they get the FN keys and whatnot to work on Linux, they told me that they have a specialized drivers team who write drivers for Linux for all their laptops.

 

I wish I can run Linux but I have an MSI GT75 Titan and a lot of features like controlling the keyboard RGB lighting, fans, FN keys, etc. won't work.

 

I really want to try shifting to Linux completely and be done with Windows maybe one day I'll get me one of their Linux laptops and see how I like it before I make the switch.

[SenKa]

13 hours ago, captain_aggravated said:

Actually, forget that question.  I have a more basic one:  Can anyone name a computer company that demonstrates basic quality control?

Lenovo is probably the best, tbh. Thinkpads have hardly lost any build quality over the years, save for a few bad apples (Mostly the cheaper Thinkpad E's).

 

Dell sells their XPS laptops with Ubuntu. So if you want a fully compatible Linux laptop then that would probably be your best choice. (Ive also never heard of coil whine on XPS laptops,but I believe it.)