For enthusiasts, developers, and professionals who prefer the Linux operating system, choosing a Linux-compatible laptop is a pivotal decision. Here are five Linux-compatible laptops that I evaluated in my recent quest for a new Linux laptop. Each is evaluated across five key areas: Linux compatibility, performance, battery life, build quality and design, and price and… continue reading.
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Personally, for me, I no longer consider displays without tall aspect ratios. So 16:10, 4:3, 3:2. The 16:9 is just too wide for me. 95% of the times more lines of config, code, terminal output etc. is more valuable to me than the video and media friendly 16:9 screens.
I have been using a ThinkPad for a long time now, with multiple Linux distros installed, and I can confidently say that it is my favorite laptop. I have found that ThinkPad has better Linux support compared to other models, especially when it comes to drivers. As for a laptop, the most important feature for me is the battery life, and ThinkPad does not disappoint in this regard as it has two separate batteries that provide excellent battery time.
I would pick the System 76 Lemur Pro if I want to run a Linux OS. Packed with AMD Ryzen Processors, supported with NVIDIA Getforce RTX Graphics Card. The hardware is seriously optimized to run a Linux OS. Would go for this for a Linux based PC over and over again.
This looks great and you can find all the certified linux computing hardware accelerations here: https://ubuntu.com/certified/laptops for which the corresponding drivers are present and can be configured easily. There are multiples of them available.
I have three laptops. I am using Lenovo Dell with Ubuntu LTS 20.4 version system. I have another laptop acer with almalinux 9. I use Windows with Toshhiba but it is not our subject. It is true that it is not a performant PC as mentionned systems above but it could fit my daily needs. Everything on Windows, you could find similar version to Ubuntu except few softwares.
@hydn i have used Dell recently with Ubuntu and i am hoping to have a Dell XPS13 Developer Edition, actually i thought of that as that is very sleek and also a better high display screen but i have latitude now. That bright screen and the lightness boosts your developer ability. In my case definitely it does as i like visually appeals.
While Dell PCs can certainly work well with Windows as well, their commitment to Linux compatibility and the availability of pre-installed Ubuntu options have made them a popular choice among Linux users. It’s worth noting that other computer manufacturers also offer Linux compatibility, and the suitability of a system for Ubuntu ultimately depends on factors such as hardware support, driver availability, and the user’s specific requirements.
HP Dev One – Developed in collaboration with System76, this AMD-based laptop comes preloaded with Pop!_OS and has been praised for its Linux support. (Sold out, hoping they make a “Dev Two”)
ThinkPad X1 Carbon – Known for great Linux support; many enthusiasts still prefer the X1 Carbon for its keyboard and solid build.
Also see: Laptop - ArchWiki – That’s the root page for a long list of Linux compatible laptops!
Article update—July 10th, 2025: Removed the Dell XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition (old), made mention of the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 (interesting discussion here, but also see the good news here), updated the Lemur Pro and Framework laptops, and in the process of replacing the aging Purism 14. If I’m not mistaken, it not only sold out, but the last model update was a while ago?
Will most likely replace the Purism recommendation with one of these.
I’d go for the framework or the tux 17", I have vision issues and the bigger the screen the better. I do have to determine my needs over my wants better though, I checked the price on a framework with the goodies I want an d it was close to $4K. So ya I need to calm my tots with the wants
Over the years I’ve had mostly Dell, Hewlett Packard, and Lenovo laptops, plus I’ve had Dell and HP desktops too. The Thinkpad series is my overall favorite, but Dell comes close and HP isn’t far behind either. I tried Acer a while ago, their price-performance is very good, but their branded system management and booting tools are horrible; I’d only use them for a Chromebook where that’s all you’re going to run; then they offer a decent deal for a decent price; otherwise if you are a Linux enthusiast, unless you also love an intense challenge converting a system from Windows to Linux I’d avoid Acer, especially the Acer Aspire 5 series, which is where I had the negative experience. I’m using my ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 - 8-core model: AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U with Radeon Graphics, just like the one you mention; outstanding performance; who needs the latest Gen unless you are a system hogging type? This one runs great!
The one Lenovo I don’t particularly care for is the IdeaPad; I had a Flex 5i and replaced it with the Thinkpad; the IdeaPad is the LOW end Lenovo model; better than Acer as far as the system stuff but the reason people like a Thinkpad is the keyboard; the IdeaPad lets you down in that area.
I hear you on Acer. Their BIOS and boot config tools are a pain if you’re trying to run anything but ChromeOS. Aspire 5 gave me headaches too.
ThinkPads, especially the T series, are just in a different league (I’m probably biased lol). Did you get that laptop after my review of have you always had it? Mine has been aging so well, or rather not aging. I disable the touchpad and only use the trackpoint when on the go and mouse otherwise. I find often the touchpad can be the first area to start fading and look worn. Of course, it can be replaced.
No real reason to upgrade unless you need serious horsepower. And yeah, IdeaPads feel like a big step down after using a ThinkPad.
When I migrated my desktop from Windows 11 to Ubuntu 24LTS I first started on a Lenovo Yoga 910 (Intel i7, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD), but could not get the fingerprint reader to work. I then bought a refurbished Lenovo Yoga X1 gen. 3 with the same specs and everything worked out of the box. I was so happy that I bought a second X1 so that I don’t need to carry my laptop to my workplace.
I didn’t remember reading your review but I doubt that it influenced my decision because I have plenty of past experiences with Thinkpad models and that’s why I was so disappointed in the IdeaPad Flex 5i.
I still also have an old Thinkpad X201. Because of it’s age the performance is not great but the keypad is excellent.
This is great. Readers can see that my advice about the T14s was not just some random recommendation. Glad you have found it rock solid also.
Ideapads have never been on par or even close to Thinkpads for me. But that’s just my opinion. The wonderful thing about hardware and Linux distros: there’s generally no right or wrong choice. There are preferences mostly.
@hydn you’re so right about the IdeaPad; reminds me of the Acer Aspire 5 A515 I once had: very good price/performance, but terrible system console; in the case of the IdeaPad Flex 5i, similar story: very good price/performance, but terrible plastic parts, awful keyboard, and USB ports that you had to practically jam your connector into; should be a slightly snug fit but connectors should go smoothly, firmly and accurately in place, so both manufacturer’s low end products are subpar; I’d rather have a slightly used or medium used mid to upper midrange system than low end junk in the long run.
