I’m looking at buying a new laptop which will run EndeavourOS exclusively, no dual boot no modding no nothing.
The choice is either Lenovo or MSI (neither have NVidea grahpics and both have intel i5/i7 chips with integrated graphichs).
Which brand is likely to be more Linux friendly?
There’s also an option for a Asus but again i’m only looking at whether i’m likely to run into Linux issues, the specs are virtually the same for all.
Obligatory watch for those interested in buying a new laptop. TL;DW: the latest generation of CPUs is such an improvement over the last one, that it feels like you’re seriously missing out if you don’t buy one of 'm.
Assuming that Arm-powered Linux devices aren’t ‘ready’ for your workloads, we’re left with the latest by AMD and Intel.
However, it’s noteworthy to mention that these aren’t provided by traditionally Linux-first vendors like NovaCustom, System76, Star Labs or TUXEDO computers yet.
Heck, these are currently only found on laptops by ASUS, HP, Lenovo and MSI. And from within their offerings, none are sold with Linux OOTB yet. This isn’t important for easy install (as I’ve yet to find one bundled with EndeavourOS anyways), but it is for proper Linux support so early into its lifecycle.
So, quite frankly, I’d suggest you to abstain from buying a device right now as it might lead to buyer’s remorse. Instead, consider buying one at next year’s Black Friday.
However, if you truly need one device right now, then I’d stick to one sold with an AMD Zen 4 processor. Furthermore, either ensure that the device is sold with Linux OOTB, or check out its ArchWiki entry to see how well-documented it is and buy accordingly.
For specific device recommendations, you seem to be particularly interested in making use of Black Friday deals, and thus I’d assume that price is an important factor. Unfortunately, most Linux-first vendors aren’t particularly known for offering great buck for your money. This does make it easier to choose, though.
Taking all of the above into consideration, we actually arrive -perhaps unsurprisingly- at Lenovo’s Thinkpad line of devices with AMD’s Zen 4 processors.
For specific device recommendations, you seem to be particularly interested in making use of Black Friday deals, and thus I’d assume that price is an important factor. Unfortunately, most Linux-first vendors aren’t particularly known for offering great buck for your money. This does make it easier to choose, though.
Sadly yes, budget is important, additionally System76/Framework are out as they don’t ship to my location and are quite out of my budget unfortunately and I’d rather not use a shipping agent. Given all the advice that’s been given I think the points everyone has made are especially valid and I should wait until more funds are available and purchase a more suitable laptop.
I’m looking at slimbook as they can deliver with EndeavourOS OOB but still will be a harder delivery option but also have more budget options.