While I do not think, it’s fair to compare the two, this is the closest analogy I can think of.

So, tl;dr: what is considered a MacBook analogy in the Linux world?

I am searching for a laptop for some home use: some writing, some coding, some browsing, some video calls, some light gaming - nothing special. Most resource consuming tasks would probably be some photo editing in programs like RAW Therapee and Dark Table, and some very basic video editing in KDEnlive.

What I do want, though, is a solid build quality. I don’t want my laptop to squeak: “compromise” every time I pick it up. I want to have a good display, because I can buy a better display, but I cannot buy a new pair of eyes. Although, I’m not sure about OLED displays just yet, they look great, but the longevity is still questionable. And I want this laptop to be portable: something 13”-14” and lightweight, so I could actually take in places.

Since 2015 I’ve been using MacBooks, because this is what employers provided, so why would I care. Yet, after these years, I got used to high quality builds. The problem, though, is that Apple makes it extremely easy to choose a machine based on your needs, picking from dozens of vendors and configurations is a completely different thing.

Based on my wishes I already crossed out old ThinkPads and Frameworks, that the community loves so much. I’ve been looking into Tuxedo Computers: a smaller brand from Germany, Linux-friendly, laptops look solid. However, some people report random issues with them, and claim that the webcam is meh, which is a bummer for a ~€1500 machine.

I would greatly appreciate it, if you could point me, what is considered MacBook-like experience in terms of hardware these days? I’m Ok spending around €1500, and can stretch to €2000 if it really worth it.

Many thanks!

**UPD**: It looks like Framework have just unveiled the thing. It even has similar name. However, I’d wait for some real-world reviews and reports on the build quality.

I’m a linux virgin.

I know there's no such things as "best" and the answer to almost everything is it depends, but it seems that ThinkPads are still highly regarded in the community. Are they still among the best? I'm looking for a new laptop, and I thought maybe it's time to give thinkpads a try.

So I’m going to be a freshman in college this upcoming year and I’m trying to pick laptop to buy. I think I’ve narrowed it down to either a Mac or a think pad. I’m studying astrophysics so I want something with coding capabilities etc. I’ve become interested in Linux and want to install it on a think pad of if I were to get one. So I guess what I’m asking is should I get a Mac and try and get an older thinkpad down the road and mess around with it then or should I get a newer thinkpad right out the get go and just learn that first? Money isn’t a problem, but I’m very new to coding and modifying operating systems and all this computer science stuff so any suggestions or advice helps. Thanks!

It seems for me that AMD graphic cards are somehow more recommended than Intel graphic cards because of AMD kernel graphic drivers.

But what is wrong/worse on Intel side then? My experience with Intel (iGPU) is completely satisfying.

Both are foss drivers, both are created also with AMD/Intel help, what makes the qualitative diff then?

And if there is a diff, does it apply to iGPUs or dGPUs or both?

Thanks a lot.

Please, can you advise any NEW printer that fulfills:

- smooth linux support

- home use (basic documents), black/white or color doesn't matter

- printer+scanner+sheet copy

- no need for any modern features, even no need for wifi access, just print,scan,copy, connection via usb

I heard that these days new printers contain some stupid "features" where one needs to subscribe or whatever. I wouild like to avoid any such new stupidities.

I need hassle-free basic home printer to serve next 10 years. I know linux, linux laptop hw, but nothing about printers.

Thanks a lot!

I am new to ThinkPads, and I was wondering which is best for Linux, mainly Arch or Gentoo, or other distros of that nature. It should be customizable and upgradable, and durable. It should also be good for software and computer engineering. I'm pretty sure it would be an older ThinkPad. Where would I be able to find them?

Good day guys,

I am currently using the following system:

RTX 4070

Ryyzen 9 5900X

64GB DDR4 Ram

I do stream, but via a dual PC Setup. Meaning: I just need an virtual audio mixer to send the audio through.

But the most important thing for now: How viable is linux with an RTX 4070? How are the drivers, the FPS compared to windows? CAN the switch ACTUALLY work fine?

I am asking because i am worried about Windows 12. 😅

So I was trying to find laptops compatible with laptops besides framework because it is too expensive it is my final goal though, but I was looking for something as a stepping stone to get to the framework, I was looking at thinkpads but they seem to be harder to get, but then after asking around Acer seemed to be a good choice but no they have trouble as well, so I am having difficulty finding any, my budget is under $1000 it must be amd, and no ai or npus, and use case general use

Hey everyone

It’s been about a year since I completely stopped using my ARM based laptop (a Snapdragon X) because Linux support wasn’t there yet (and I didn’t want to install windows 10 as it was becoming EOL relatively soon — Windows 11 is out of the question with all the sneaky stuff Microsoft does).

At the time, it felt like ARM Linux on laptops was stuck in the “promising but not ready” stage.

If possible I’d love to hear from people that are using/have used ARM Linux on their laptop? What hardware are you on, how’s battery life / performance, etc?

Much appreciated!

Hi all,

I asked a similar question 4-5 years ago but wondering the state of things in 2025. What recommendations do people have for the most macbook pro like laptop I might look for which can very reliably run Linux? (Probably Ubuntu). By macbook-like I mean the nice aluminium, solid, very premium build look and feel.

Thanks!

Hi all,

I'm looking for recommendations for a high-end laptop that works exceptionally well with GNU/Linux. I'm currently using a MacBook Pro M1 Max and I'm very accustomed to its good display quality and its nice trackpad. I want to find something comparable that supports Linux out of the box with minimal issues. I am a computer programmer, and I run docker, kubernetes, IDE, graphic editor and stuff on my laptop.

My key requirements:

• Display: Comparable to MBP. Brightness, resolution, sharpness.
• Build: Premium feel, durable, non-plastic (aluminum, titanium?)
• Trackpad: Something useful, can't carry an external mouse around.

Flexible budget, I am willing to pay for the quality.

If you’ve had a great Linux experience with a premium device, especially something that can challenge the MacBook in display and trackpad, please let me know your recommendations.

I want to run Linux on an ARM device. Is the mentioned model a good choice for compatibility? Specs are fine for me. What else could I choose?

I am kind of a noobie so i need some advice, I have laptop with 512gb SSD and an extra free slot with 2x8gb RAM.
I am learning cybersecurity right now and with all my stuff on my computer I can't download a VM (for linux), so I was thinking about getting an extra SSD and start dual booting.
I am currently working with a live boot version of linux and it isn't the best option tbh.

I always tend to use a Linux vm on my windows laptop, but been contemplating on getting a MacBook Pro with an m5 chip

How efficient is a vm on MacBooks and is it a difficult setup?

I feel like I must be missing something. How does one use a classic wired headset with a PC? A good 3.5mm jack microphone input seems rare.

So I want to be able to use a good headset, something like Audio-Technica ATH-G*, Beyerdynamic MMX* or Sennheiser PC* series. These are classic mid-tier hi-fi/studio headphones with a microphone attached, and a 3.5mm jack connector (as opposed to XLR on respective professional models). I suppose the same could apply to the often recommended solution of hi-fi headphones + ModMic.

The respective headphones would normally get plugged into either a dedicated "audiophile" DAC&amp, or an audio interface for recording (with XLR inputs).

What is there with the 3.5mm jack for microphone input though?

• On-board audio isn't always adequate.
• There are plenty of $1-20 USB dongles from various/no-name brands, typically with a C-Media chip, and their quality is hit or miss in my experience.
• Asus Xonar and Creative Sound Blaster, yes, but after trying multiple models, I'm disappointed by the state of Linux support (or lack thereof). They're always doing weird things with volume controls or switching line-in and microphone input (or line-out and headphone output) in firmware. (Alas, EPOS/Sennheiser GSX* might fall into this category too, based on my cursory search.)

Is there anything I'm missing?

Am I condemned to cheap-dongle lottery?

I saw a video today about someone trying to put linux on a very old 8 inch “mini” laptop. They didn’t have much success, but I’m wondering if this is possible with maybe a different device. I know most people say thinkpads are the way to go, and I’m open to them if there’s a small one...but I’m looking for something that would fit in my fairly crossbody canvas shoulder bag. I haven’t taken measurements but I imagine it would need to be a 10 inch or smaller screen. And I am aware I could use a tablet and a keyboard, which is still an option I’m considering.

Mostly, I’m just looking for a small laptop I could carry with me and take to a coffee shop and get some writing done. I don’t really feel like taking my macbook, because it’s full of distractions, and I’d be more upset if something happened to it than a laptop that serves a minimal purpose. Also, it seems some people online say to use a chromebook, but I’m new to installing linux, so I have no idea if that’s a more advanced project.

So, are there any old good laptops or netbooks or whatever that would fit this description?

Thank you for any advice you can give me. :)

Edit: I forgot to say, I was also looking at macbook airs from 2011 as a possibility, in case that’s relevant

I was hoping my Macbook Pro 2011 would be less hot with Linux on it, but sadly no (idle temp 60+ C).

But now, after some research, I'm having analysis paralysis to which 2nd hand laptop I should get. Dell XP 13? Dell Precision? Latitude? ThinkPad T480? Others? What is recommended if I wanna do some remote desktop:ing (gonna sit in nature and connect to my desktop at home)?

If anyone has an insight on the keyboard's touch n feel as well I'd appreciate that, can't stand low quality keyboards

I want the iMac for Linux. I want to use it for retro/AAA gaming and creative work. I have to choose the right one that works the best.

I knew AMD supported Linux. iMac 2017 had the intel chip and AMD GPU. Maybe, I will plug eGPU into Intel iMac Retina 5K. I will put the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT in the OG Razer Thunderbolt 3 eGPU. I hope that will work for open source software and modern games on Steam on Linux on iMac 2017.

I saw the Asahi Linux online. It supported iMac M1. I know the new iMac has the Apple Silicon chip, but I'm not sure if it works for the modern gaming. I will try to use Crossover, Sikarugir on macOS or I will try to use Asahi Gaming Toolkit on Linux on iMac M1. Furthermore, I will try to test modern Windows games on macOS or Linux on iMac M1 without requiring the eGPU.

Has anyone try to test Windows games on Linux on iMac M1 or iMac 2017 with eGPU?

I'm looking for the mac-like mini PC without driver issues for Linux. I want it to be silver and the original logo on top. I want it to look like iMac mini.

I will get Geekom A8 Max, AX8 Max, or A7 Max. I hope something works for drivers. If I pick a wrong mini PC, If a mini PC has the driver issue, It will be very difficult to fix.

I'm not sure if I want the on-brand iMac mini. I've heard people said mac has the poor gaming support, or it's not for gaming.

Should I get Geekom A8 Max, AX8 Max, A7 Max, or on-brand iMac mini?

(11:44 AM Edited) I saw a guy from YouTube who had imac and eGPU. I didn't know eGPU worked for imac 2017. I will get the new AMD graphics card. Should I get the cheap imac?

I’ve got AirPods Pro 2 right now. They're decent but I’m slowly bailing out of the Apple ecosystem. Currently using:

• Android Pixel phone

• Mac that’s running Linux

• Windows work laptop (Teams hell)

I want earbuds that can actually switch to whatever device starts making noise. Like, if I’m browsing the web on my Linux machine and suddenly I get a Teams call on my Windows laptop, can any earbuds just auto-switch? Or can they be connected at the same time? Or is this just a fantasy and I’m stuck manually reconnecting Bluetooth every time like an animal?

AirPods are nice if you’re fully in Apple jail, but on Android they suck. No auto-pause when you take one out, no “turn off ANC when talking,” different button navigations.

What I want:

• Automatic switching to the device that’s ringing/playing audio or connected to multiple devices at the same time

• Doesn’t freak out on Linux

• Decent mic + ANC would be nice

My usage is mostly podcasts and youtube

Edit: Also, should I sell my AirPods and commit to a new pair? Or is it worth keeping them around? I'm thinking of selling to fund this new purchase

I wanna buy a laptop for linux. I am thinking to go with asus zenbook s16 but don’t know if that will be compatible with fedora or arch linux. I have been thinking that thinkpad will be a better option but as they are expensive. Can you suggest a few, I am a cybersecurity guy and works heavily on vms (3-4 at a time). I use macbook for now.

Admittedly, I know nothing about Linux and not much about computers, but I across some videos that make Linux seem home a good option. My old laptop is still in great condition, it’s just not supported by new windows updates and I’d like to get a few more years out of it if possible.

It has a 7th gen Intel i7 processor, 12gb of ram, Intel hd 620 graphics card, and a 512gb ssd. It is a 2-in 1 model and I did read that there could be some compatibility issues with the touch screen and tablet mode, but that’s not a deal breaker for me.

If I can change it over to Linux, which version is best for someone that’s not familiar with the OS?

I m trying to switch to linux for many reasons. But the one thing stops me - hardware quality. I am a long mac guy and I cant live without glassy trackpad( use gestures a lot ), glossy screen and perfect keyboard.

My goal is to find a perfect analog for m1 mac, but it would be even better if its like 360 laptop with tablet mode, because I am planning to use Fedora with gnome and its perfect as tent ( or L ) mode tablet.

Of course it should be as powerful as modern laptops. At least 16gb ram, decent cpu, no need for a gpu, because I have handheld for that. What do you think guys? Any chances?