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?
It comes down to price. You can buy used ThinkPads and replacement parts for them quite cheap a lot of the time.
It’s been a while since I’ve looked at devices from places like System 76 but if I recall correctly they are still over a thousand dollars when a used ThinkPad T440P for example can be found for around two hundred dollars.
yoo I didn’t know about used/refurbished Thinkpads being that cheap, I just checked and indeed you can find a T480 with 16GB of RAM for $248 on Amazon!
Framework laptops are interesting and I hope eventually the modularity allows the components to go down in price. Right now I was looking at a 16 (which all sold out within 3 hours of pre-order launch) but it comes out to easily over 3k CAD for a disassembled kit, skimping on RAM and an SSD.
Cause thinkpads are cheap and easy to come by
Source: i work in ewaste
Those linux laptops are too expensive and they are not available in some countries
Used thinkpad is much cheaper
Price, keyboard and build quaility are my main reasons for buying a Thinkpad 3 years ago.
They are available for a good price second hand and their keyboard is the best laptop keyboard I’ve tried. Most of those Linux manufacturers use Clevo designs and thus the keyboard isn’t amazing. Even if they design a laptop themselves it’s difficult to nail the keayboard.
My next laptop will probably be from framework. But that depends whether I’m willing too spend as much and the other options available. And framework doesn’t even sell laptops with Linux preinstalled.
Because not one of those laptops have a TrackPoint style mouse.
You mean the nipple mouse?
