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Shopping for a laptop as a Linux user:
Screenshot from the Simpsons where Otto is talking to Marge and Homer standing next to a window in their house with a caption "Oh wow, windows!... I don't think I can afford this place."
Its pretty easy to to replace the hard drive in most laptops with an empty one then install either linux or a stripped down version of windows.
In Europe, laptops without an operating system (often referred to as DOS installed) are available. Prices start from 300 EUR.
I am in Europe but these laptops are rare in the low price end unfortunately.
Check out system76
I've got a System76 Pangolin. It's ok for the price (a bit pricey).I'm going with frame.work next though - while frame.work is even pricier, the upgradability is to die for.
A little overpriced but nice hardware and support
Are you only looking for a laptop? Others have said a lot about it. I want to add that in desktop\net-top\mini-pc markets it's easier to encounter no-OS solutions. Some of them are very cheap and small, that small you can mount them behind a monitor and call it a day. I'm sorry if it's not up your lane.
I hate that nowadays everything comes with pre-installed spyware and that they charge you for it makes it even worse..
Ffs I just want devices that I own to not spy on me, and I can't even buy them anymore..
Each of them require flashing a custom privacy respecting OS onto it,
and that's a real problem..
Unfortunately it's concept which were in the past.Nowdays u are not owning ur device,you are actually just renting it. Unless new laws are passed that will prohibit such a business model.
Here in the EU there are a few companies selling rebranded Tongfang or Clevo barebones without an OS. Some are Linux-oriented like Tuxedo, Slimbook or LaptopmetLinux, some are general-purpose or gaming oriented like Schenker/XMG.
Slimbook Elemental 14 start at around 600€, Tuxedo Aura 14 starts at around 840€ for what looks to be the same SKU but a bit more storage.
Where are you located and what's your budget ? It might help point you in the right direction.
Lenovo has official support for Ubuntu on all laptops which translates very well to other distros. IMO the Thinkbook gen 6 having fully upgradable ram and decent specs is a really good deal for a Linux laptop *when on sale
Yet they don't sell laptops without windows in my country.
Buy a second hand machine, try before buying, choose a ThinkPad. Mine is going strong 5 years now, daily work driver.
I already have a used ThinkPad and have been using it for many years. I'm trying to get a second laptop, but for reasons I can't choose a used one. Only new machines and in a low price bracket. There's just nothing that comes without preinstalled Windows and associated tax.
EDIT: Why is this getting downvoted?
"Your laptop's sticker price already includes windows license fee. You're welcome!"
-- Microsoft
Buy a Framework, System76 or something else with first class Linux support.
Love their concept but I just can't afford it. My problem isn't finding a machine that works well with Linux. It's finding a machine that I can afford. And the stupid windows fee for something I will immediately uninstall is a big deal to me.
Have you considered second hand? I'm not talking second hand specifically for framework or other mentioned brands, but just in general.
I feel it is not yet normalized to consider second hand for electronics, yet you can find quite some good deals. Not everything needs to be bought new, especially if you are price sensitive. One generation or 2 older hardware bought second hand can be better and cheaper than new.
I watched a YouTube video where this guy buys thinkpads that are “broken” and often they just need ram installed or something simple, and for a minor risk of buying a dud, he gets laptops for super cheap.
Yes, I'm a huge fan of second hand as well, but this has to be a brand new laptop for external reasons.
I'm in fact writing this from a 12 year old Thinkpad that I restored.
There are newer Thinkpads that can also be found second-hand. With NVME storage and newer CPUs. The Linux support for them has actually gotten better. Lenovo is still the best hardware for Linux out of all the old manufacturing brands.
What are your actual requirements? Are you looking for something specific?
I think most Lenovo and dell computers provide you with the option to go without an OS or something like Ubuntu.
Ubuntu is basically the only Linux distro I've seen offered on most computers from most if the big manufacturers.
Want something else? Install it yourself, or get a Slimbook or something similar to that.
Only select top-end models in my country unfortunately.
Framework has their 11th gen Intel laptops right now as a barebones for $499 USD from B-stock, new components, if that interests you.
Otherwise, Chromebooks that you can flash replacement coreboot are another good option.
Unfortunately Framework doesn't retail in my country and that's the requirement. But that does sound very enticing, I'll keep an eye on their B-stock. Thanks!
As for the flashed chromebooks that sounds like a pretty cool weekend project but I need something with a little more power.
Is the 500usd for the full computer? I got confused before that some of the cheapest configurations didn't have everything needed to make the computer, like RAM and storage.
Dell sells Linux laptops too don’t they?
Yes, but all the budget laptops from them I can find don't have that option. Only a few select higher-end gaming models come with Linux.
Every laptop manufacturers sell linux laptops they just dont know it.
Framework is a bit different, it has direct support for their hardware drivers on many linux distros and endorses linux to be installed on their laptops.
OP doesn’t want to pay the extra $120 for an OS he’s never gonna use. Yes everyone sells a Linux laptop but there’s a few companies that won’t charge you for Windows on top of that.
Thank you, it seems the point of this meme is lost on some Lemmings :D
Right . . . but Dell ship select models with Ubuntu preinstalled, these certified devices come with their OEM package which has support for their drivers, etc. and obvs by selling them with Linux, they are endorsing it on their select models of laptops as well.
Never knew that.
They’ve been doing it for a very long time now. I’m currently using a 2015 model, Dell Tablet. It has Linux support. Cost me about $250 (with a copy of W10 Pro), a few years back. I also got it with the hard shell keyboard dock, effectively making it a net book.
It’s been a great device, but probably isn’t what OP is looking for.