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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Why do people still recommend Thinkpads for Linux when there are Linux-oriented manufacturers now? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by const_void@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

267 comments fedilink hide all child comments

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?

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[–] circuitfarmer@lemmy.sdf.org 38 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Cost.

Older Thinkpads remain extremely capable and (crucially) highly repairable. The T series in particular is also better built (read: more solid chassis) than many others, including some on this list.

It doesn't make a lot of sense to support these alternatives given the absolute shock difference in cost. $300 bucks for a used T series gets you a lot from a customizability, repairability, and reliability standpoint.

[–] eldavi@lemmy.ml -1 points 1 year ago (3 children)

It doesn’t make a lot of sense to support these alternatives given the absolute shock difference in cost. $300 bucks for a used T series gets you a lot from a customizability, repairability, and reliability standpoint.

bios updates leaves you at the mercy of the manufacturer;
not every bios and distro works w lenovo's bios update utility;
and your battery life & performance has a big dependency on your bios so using something that it's not designed to handle (eg anything that's not windows) will result in less than optimal results. 3.5) same goes for hardware eg nvidia

[–] circuitfarmer@lemmy.sdf.org 13 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I've had 4-5 such systems running Linux and never experienced any issues with BIOS.

Obviously you shouldn't get a model using nvidia if you want to run Linux on it (unless you are aware of the extra time it takes to set up and the other pitfalls). I do actually have a T440p with a 730m in it -- and it's fine, I just run the open-source driver.

[–] miss_brainfart@lemmy.ml 6 points 1 year ago

If you're a FOSS enthusiast, might as well buy one of the models that are supported by Libreboot

[–] xcxcb@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 year ago

This is just fear mongering and wrong.