I’m typing on a Lenovo IdeaPad Flex. I love it, but it’s getting a bit beat up.
I originally thought that I had cracked the frame from a drop, but I noticed that they are stress cracks from the hinges. More recently, several of the keys on the keyboard are intermittently unresponsive. I went to a local repair shop (ubreakiFix) for an estimate to fix, and the parts alone was approximately $200. No thank you, I’m not paying for Lenovo’s poor design.
Typically I look for sale laptops whenever I have the urge to upgrade, but this time I wanted to actually choose my own specs rather than search by price. These are the factors I’m considering for my next laptop:
- Linux Support
- AMD processor (although a Coreboot supported Intel is pretty good too)
- Contributes back to open source
- 14" screen
- Touch screen and active pen
- Durability
- Upgradeable RAM
- Play some modern games in low quality settings
It’s impossible to find something that matches everything above. Although I do play PC games, I preordered a Steam Deck, and I think I can safely rule out needing something with an external graphics card. I’d rather have longer battery life and less weight. I also have a Nintendo Switch which is where I purchase most of my games.
Here’s the PCs that I am considering:
- System76 Pangolin: Linux first, AMD, and developers of Pop_OS! 15" though
- Framework Laptop: 13.5", durable and completely repairable and modular. Fairly cheap since I can reuse my SSD and potentially the RAM. Intel with no Coreboot, but the developers said they may consider it.
- Juno Nyx 15 AMD: Linux first, looks very similar to System75’s offering, but a bit cheaper.
- Tuxedo Pulse 14: Linux first, metallic body, and nice looking screen. Unfortunately has an older Ryzen chip and it’s located in Europe, so will probably have import duties.
- Dell Inspiron 14" 2 in 1: Closest to what I currently have as far as feature including touchscreen and active stylus. Comes with Windows and the only option that doesn’t contribute back to open source
- Starlabs Starbook: 14", coreboot, a variety of distibutions to come preinstalled (although I use Fedora). From Europe, so I have some concerns about import duties and this is the company I’ve heard the least about.
If there are any other companies that I may have missed, drop me a line on Fosstodon.
Day 17 of #100DaystoOffload