Hi,

I've been away from Linux for over 12 years, but am coming back into the fold. I currently don't have any computers running Linux except for a virtual server in the cloud. I'm a programmer and programming is what I want to do, including programming some GUI applications. My current laptop is dying and I need to replace it pronto, so I've had the idea of buying a new laptop with Linux pre-installed. I want to get straight on with programming - I'm not looking to have "fun" installing, tweaking and generally doing loads of sys admin. I don't mind doing all that when I have to, but I try to keep that side of things to a minimum.

Googling "linux laptop", I found laptopwithlinux.com. Their machines all seem to be Clevo, who I've never heard of. Googling again, and searching on this site, I've found one or two cases of problems, but also hits saying that they're good quality. I'm not put off so far by one or two problems - I guess any manufacturer will appear in some results when you search for problems.

Other requirements - I'd like to be able to dock the laptop and drive 3 monitors. I'd also like decent graphics on the laptop's own screen - I can only watch sport in HD on my computer with the packages I have.

I haven't mentioned resources like processing power, memory or disc space. I don't think these will be an issue. I won't be doing any CAD or video editing.

Does anyone have any dire warnings, advice or general comments, please?

In last years' LQ poll, system76 came out as the top supplier of Linux machines. You might like to try them.

Take a look at ThinkPenguin, they sell rebranded Clevos tested for use with Free Software. I bought one in 2015, and it has served me very well.

--murph

Clevo sell barebones machines to companies that re-brand them and sell them on.

Like "Laptop with Linux" (and ThinkPenguin), System76 is also a Clevo reseller, so you may be able to find the same hardware with both of them.

I can't comment on either company, but with one based in Europe and the other two in North America, shipping costs may be a significant factor in deciding between them.

Thank you. I've messaged them to see if I can have a UK keyboard.

Thank you for your reply.

The ability to get a UK keyboard might be another factor.

Thanks murph.

Geography might be an issue here. I'm in the UK. As has been mentioned above, shipping costs (and import duty) may affect the total cost to me. I also really want a UK keyboard.

Couldn't you just buy (or salvage) a set of UK key caps?

I think it's worth highlighting that, despite the UK leaving the EU, Laptop with Linux are still providing free delivery and will pay import duties for UK customers - there are other EU-based companies which have stopped doing that.

Another factor, if you need to talk to someone, is that Netherlands is only one hour ahead of the UK.


No. Look down at that big fat Enter key and the # to the left of it - that arrangement doesn't exist on US keyboards.

I have a Clevo from Thinkpenguin and it works quite nicely.

Thanks for all the replies. No-one's said anything bad about Clevo or Laptops with Linux, so I'm going ahead with getting one from them. It's easier to get what I need including a UK keyboard from a European supplier than an American one, but thanks for the recommendations of those alternate suppliers. I'm going to get Debian as the distro because there seems so little to choose between the "easy" ones, and the LAMP virtual server I've got running through AWS already runs Debian. I don't want to have to learn different package installers, locations for things, etc.