HACKER Q&A
📣 ciprian_craciun

Searching for a new Linux development laptop. Suggestions?


Mandatory requirements:

  * Linux friendly;
  * Intel CPU, with embedded Intel graphics;
  * Ethernet port;
  * SATA 2.5inch support;
  * USB 3.0 (or better) Type-A port;
Optional requirements:

  * budget friendly;  (under 1500 EUR)
  * good cooling;
  * upgradeable RAM;
  * HDMI port;
Thanks for the suggestions!

  👤 ciprian_craciun Accepted Answer ✓
As a side-note I found another like-minded person that wrote about the same issues I've raised regarding long-term sustainability of a modern laptop:

* "Expansion Bays: Another Thing We have Abandoned for Thin Laptops" -- https://cheapskatesguide.org/articles/dell-cpi.html

* the HN link for the above article -- https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22821222;

👤 pizzicato
Thinkpads are amazing value for money if you don't mind getting them used. I bought an x250 (i5-5300U with HD5500 integrated graphics) off eBay and fitted it with an IPS screen and extra RAM - cost me just a little over £200 in total.

I initially put Fedora on it but switched to Lubuntu. Have been using it as my daily driver for almost a year now with no issues of note.

My x250 meets all the requirements you mentioned, except that it has a Mini DisplayPort instead of HDMI. The ports vary somewhat between models and series so I'm sure there's one that fits all your needs.

👤 adchari
Thinkpad, or XPS 13/15 have good Linux support. I run Manjaro on my X1 Yoga, and I’ve heard the T line is really sturdy
👤 jayp1418
https://www.pine64.org/pinebook-pro/
👤 rshnotsecure
Dell XPS 13 Developer edition is probably considered the best.

I would also recommend System76 out of Colorado. Quite an interesting, boutique company.

👤 mrwnmonm
Thinkpad T480