Linux laptop
I'm looking for a good Linux laptop. I've hunted around (probably not in the right places) and found a few I like, but then I go to buy them and they all come with Windows. I've had several bad experiences with trying to install Linux, flashing boot roms, plugging in USB drives, etc, etc. I just want to buy a laptop that already has Linux. Is this possible? I want a very small and light weight laptop, but I want it to run real Linux, not a silly Chrome book or the like.
Does such a thing exist? I was pointed to System76 but the laptop looks very bulky. I want something smaller.
P.S. I don't know if it's still true, but there was a time when it cost retailers more (due to MS contracts) the ship a computer WITHOUT Windows than with.
UPDATE: I'm getting a Dell XPS 13. Thanks for all your feedback.


I like the Dell XPS 13, but I can't find a place to buy it that doesn't come with Windows. Maybe I'm just missing the obvious. If you have a direct link, please share.
Operating System
With Windows 10 or Ubuntu 18.04 LTS – for a smooth, versatile PC experience.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/laptops/new-13/spd/xps-13-9300-laptop
https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-laptops-and-notebooks/new-xps-13-developer-edition/spd/xps-13-9300-laptop/ctox13w10p1c2200u
The Lemur Pro is not really big: 12.64″ × 8.5″ × 0.61″ (32.1 × 21.6 × 1.55 cm).
What about the Librem 13? : https://puri.sm/products/librem-13/
I have heard a lot of positive talk about those. It is quite expensive for the specs though and their main selling point seems to be security..
XPS 13 Developer Edition probably is a good choice.
https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en/Linux-Hardware/Linux-Notebooks/Alle.tuxedo#
Starlabs is a UK-based company that offers two laptop sizes which come with a Linux distro of your choice (Manjaro, Mint, Ubuntu...), if I'm not wrong. https://starlabs.systems/
Maybe have a look at those. Fair prices as well, read about them in some Linux magazine I cannot recall. I'm running Mint 19.3 on a Thinkpad at the moment and I am quite fond of it.
https://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/
to install Ubuntu.
If run into problems:
1. Disable UEFI in BIOS.
2. Boot in live-distro mode.
3. Delete all GPT disk info (using fixparts and gdisk commands).
4. Install Ubuntu from scratch.
Always works for me.

Another option would be the Purism Librem 13. It's a _little_ too privacy focused for my tastes (I'd give up some of the hardware kill switches for usb-c charging), but neat for what it is.
(For me, I prefer Thinkpads still and find installing Ubuntu on them is totally plug & play, no fiddling as described above required)
https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/laptops/new-13/spd/xps-13-9300-laptop
If you need any help, I am an Ubuntu (Linux) developer.
Most rece fly, I got the System76 Galago Pro to replace my MacBook, and I'm very happy with it. It is probably the least bulky and most.powerful laptop I've ever owned.
I have a friend who recommended the Think Penguin laptops. https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/penguin-m3-gnulinux-laptop
I hadn't installed a Linux for quite some time and stuff has really changed. I have an old Ultrabook given to me by Intel during one of their developer events. The laptop is from 2012, so quite old. It has a multi point touch screen. I tried to install a Debian, it miserably failed with installing network.
I then went for Ubuntu 18. Believe it or not, I made a bootable USB stick with an iso file. Rebooted the laptop, it seemed I was installing Windows. I just had to click on "Next" here and there and EVERYTHING just installed all by itself. Trackpad with multi point support, touch screen multi point, network, bluetooth, ... I did not have to install any driver or anything, it was an awesome experience :) Only the accelerometer and rotation screen seem to be missing but I just don't care...
If installing on such a weird, custom and old hardware was a breeze, I suspect you can install Ubuntu on pretty any commercial laptop!
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-ThinkPad-X230-2306-2AU-Laptop-Review.75317.0.html
It's a super machine for productivity. Plus IPS screen out of the box and Wacom tablet for a screen.
You can also install original 7 row IBM keyboard here.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/fileadmin/_migrated/pics/t420_tastatur1_02.jpg
If you don't want to mess with it yourself, there are people who would built a Thinkpad for you, including pre-installing your linux distro of choice.
IPS screen and Wacom tablet for screen is x230t, not x230.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Lenovo-ThinkPad-X230t-N2C2AGE-Convertible.92193.0.html
That's what keeps me with these laptops - if you upgrade the CPU and memory, they approach Apple price hell, but unlike the bitten fruit, they last well past their depreciation period.
https://starlabs.systems/pages/star-lite
Regards,
Frank
As well as being supported by community.
https://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/ThinkWiki
Working fine with any GNU/Linux distro out of the box.
As for new Thinkpads - they resemble no qualities of the old one. It's just another brand now.
I have a friend at Stanford named Gregory Weaver who can build you a system that has Linux only and runs on a laptop. Would you like his contact info?
Regards,
Joe
I have a Dell Precision 5520 15" (aesthetically it's like an XPS) and I'm very happy with it.
I actually bought it after some years working with a 13". I just would like you to say to double check if a 13" is ok for you. For me it has been pretty frustrating. I have said my self I would never bought a so small working equipment again.
Thank you (and all the team) for Delores!
p.s.
I also chosen the non-glossy LCD
Replace SSD with Intel Optane Gen 2 SSD that is coming out in a few months for lowest latency.
XPS 17 has superior cooling to XPS 13 and XPS 15 which heat up and start thermal throttling.
Speaker quality is also better on XPS 17 than on smaller XPS models.
Dimensions are smaller than most 15-inch notebooks.
Ubuntu is easiest to install, but Debian (which Ubuntu is based on) is about 10% faster.
I had an ASUS Zenbook which worked well but the trackpad driver was a little glitchy. I'm trying the librem next.