Best Buy Linux
Since quite a few computer OEMs have started offering linux on their netbooks (plus Dell, who offers Ubuntu Linux on other computers as well), I thought I'd start a threat do ask the GeekSquad, and the community here as a whole, what their thoughts on Linux are. Do people here think that Best Buy should jump onto the bandwagon?
best buy linux
Lenovo ThinkPads are quite popular among Linux users, even with mixed feelings about them for its compatibility with Linux in the past. And, now that most of the Lenovo laptops will be Linux certified, it could be one of the best choices to go with to get a Laptop. And, you can order one for yourself through their official site or Amazon.
Whatever your reasons, aside from your budget, the key consideration to take into account when on the hunt for the best Linux laptops is how technically proficient you are, and how experienced you are with a Linux system.
System76's Serval WS (opens in new tab) is the ultimate laptop powerhouse, not to mention one of the best Linux laptops on the market. Available with a 15-inch or 17-inch display, it offers a range of options from the 9th Gen Intel Core processors typically found in desktop machines.
Many years ago, I never thought I'd find myself in a position to write about the best Linux laptops on the market and have to narrow down the field. Back then, we were lucky to have maybe one or two options available to us. Now, you'd be surprised at how many laptops are sold with Linux installed.
System76 almost always tops every list I write about Linux hardware. There are several reasons for that but at the top of that list would be some of the best customer service you'll ever experience. The company not only cares about its products but for those who purchase them.
The one hit the Oryx Pro gets is the keyboard. System76 laptops aren't well known for being the best in this category, but that doesn't make a slouch by any means. You can, however, customize the backlights for the keys with the keyboard configurator app. And although the touchpad can't rival that of say a MacBook Pro, it's certainly large enough and does the job.
The Dell XPS 13 has been around for some time and it was the first-ever Linux laptop to be produced by a large company. But Dell didn't just create a laptop geared specifically toward developers (even though the Linux version of the XPS is specifically called the Developer Edition), this thing is a work of art. It's beautiful and with each iteration, it gets better and better. From the gorgeous chassis to the perfectly spaced keys, the tiny bezels, and the attention to detail that a company like Dell can put into such a device, the XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition is hands down, the best-designed laptop on the list.
If you're looking for an executive-looking laptop, one that screams class and elegance, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option on the market. Dell also happens to take Linux and open-source very seriously, so they give back to the community to help improve the operating system and many other open technologies. Another plus with the XPS model is the keyboard and trackpad are quite good. What Dell has done is integrate the trackpad into a single piece of glass that runs across the wrist rest. This not only makes for a very smooth experience but a very elegant design that few laptops can best.
The one big caveat to the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 is that the company sacrificed battery life for performance. From previous incarnations, the battery life of the new model is pretty disappointing. So, if you're one to keep your laptop untethered from a power source for extended periods, the X1 Carbon Gen 10 might not be the best option. However, if you do always have access to power, and you're looking for a best-in-class keyboard, this laptop might be right up your alley.
Hands down, the System76 is the best overall laptop on the list. Although it might be the least elegant piece of hardware on the list, its rugged design and outstanding performance make this the clear winner for best in class.
The important thing to remember is that these laptops all ship with Linux preinstalled. And these aren't the only options available (but the best). So, if you're looking for a dependable laptop that "just works" with Linux, you cannot go wrong with any of the options on this list. I am 100% confident in all of the laptops on this list.
We regularly test the most promising laptops, from sleek ultrabooks to cheap Chromebooks to massive gaming laptops and beyond. Here are the best models you can buy in every category, along with advice on how to choose which type of laptop is right for you.
Andrew Cunningham is a former senior staff writer on Wirecutter's tech team. He has been writing about laptops, phones, routers, and other tech since 2011. Before that he spent five years in IT fixing computers and helping people buy the best tech for their needs. He also co-hosts the book podcast Overdue and the TV podcast Appointment Television.
While entry-level Chromebooks don't feature all the bells and whistles of more premium models, they still do the job. And for those with some extra money to spend, premium Chromebooks often include features like touchscreens, backlit keyboards and USI pen support for notes or drawing. Now, there are even Chromebooks made for cloud gaming. If you're looking for the best Chromebook 2023 has to offer, keep reading. Also, if you're not sure ChromeOS is right for you, here's how to temporarily turn a MacBook or Windows laptop into a Chromebook for free to test it out without the commitment.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is the best Chromebook for 2023 that we've tested. It's full-featured with a fast 12th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and built to last. This is a great choice if you're looking for a Chromebook as your only computing device. It is more expensive than the average Chromebook, though it regularly goes on sale. If you want to spend less regardless, consider the 17-inch Acer Chromebook 317 or the Lenovo Duet Chromebook if mobility is a concern.
The best Chromebook is still somewhat subjective, though. A lot comes down to what features you need in a Chromebook and how big of a budget you have. CNET's editors tested and reviewed all of the Chromebooks on this list and all offer excellent performance and features for their price. Also, if you're considering an older or used model, check the auto-update expiration date for the model. The AUE is when ChromeOS stops receiving system updates, typically eight years, but the date differs for every model.
And if you're still unsure if this type of laptop is right for you, here's a breakdown of all that a Chromebook can and can't do compared with a traditional laptop. This list of the best Chromebook models is updated periodically.
Acer had one of the best Chromebooks available in 2021 with the Spin 713, and now it's repeated that success with the Chromebook Spin 714. The premium two-in-one doesn't stray far from its predecessor in terms of what it offers -- sturdy design, nice-looking display, strong performance and long battery life -- but Acer did make some changes to keep it competitive, like including a USI pen that stores and charges in the 714's body. There are less expensive options, but if you want a Chromebook that'll last for years, this is it. Keep an eye out for a sale on this one: Its normal price is $729, but can oftentimes be found on sale for less than $600.
While it's not overflowing with extras, the Flex 5i Chromebook does have a privacy shutter on the webcam so you can physically block it when it's not in use. The touch display is also pen-enabled so you can write or draw it with a USI pen. It is definitely one of the best Chromebook models for its price, power and size.
Lenovo has another two-in-one option on our best Chromebooks list, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook. The Lenovo Duet Chromebook is similarly priced to the Flex 5i but is a detachable two-in-one i.e. a tablet with a removable keyboard cover. If you need a Chromebook for full-day use, go with the Flex 5i. The Lenovo Duet Chromebook is better as a secondary device for on-the-go productivity tasks and entertainment.
Acer's Spin 513 is an update of sorts to one of the best Chromebooks from 2021, the Spin 713. It's a two-in-one convertible Chromebook with a 13.5-inch display that has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The extra vertical space means less scrolling when you're working. The screen size is also close to that of letter-size paper, making it comfortable for notetaking in tablet mode with a USI pen. Compared to the 713, it drops a couple of noncritical features like an HDMI output in favor of a more affordable price. It has amazing battery life, though, and a sturdy fanless design, making it silent -- perfect for quiet classrooms, lectures or video calls. Also, be sure to get the latest version of the Spin 513, model CP513-2H, powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 1380 processor.
Though the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 might be the best model I recommend, the Elite Dragonfly is the ultimate Chromebook for business users. HP, Google and Intel set out to create a complete Chromebook for enterprise more than two years ago. A Chromebook that didn't have just a couple of important features but all of the features business users wanted. The Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is the result, a legit ChromeOS dream machine for hybrid workers.
While Mac and Windows computers tend to dominate the discussions, Linux laptops deserve your consideration. While making the switch may involve a learning curve, Linux machines will reward you with a stable and secure operating system that offers a free, private, open-source platform. Some manufacturers still make it difficult to install Linux products on their laptops, although there are workarounds available to make almost any laptop run the OS. To avoid the potential problems of installing your own software, purchase one of the best Linux laptops that come ready to go right out of the box. 041b061a72