I’m on the market to buy a new laptop, and Lemmy has successfully coaxed and goaded me to give Linux a serious try.

I’ve never used *nix as my personal OS.

Which hardware/laptop do you recommend? And which OS to pair it with for a Linux newbie?

I’m a software engineer, and quit my job to pursue an MSc in AI. So my uses will be:

  • programming
  • study
  • browsing lemmy
  • gaming
  • Marty@programming.dev
    191·
    10 months ago

    I’ve heard great things about system76, never had one of their laptops myself but still have the desktop I got in 2011 (Wild Dog Pro). I personally use the frame.work 13, and it has been working great with Arch installed. I do not recommend Arch, use something like PopOS, or LinuxMint.

    • dave@hal9000@lemmy.world
      13·
      10 months ago

      I have been eyeing a framework laptop. Just curious how you use the modular ports in your case: do you have different ones you swap sometimes?

      • Marty@programming.dev
        9·
        10 months ago

        2 type c’s and 2 type A USB are in it 99% of the time. I have the HDMI, and display port modules but have rarely used them. I also keep the 2.5Gb Ethernet for when I break the WiFi to get back into the router, and a microsd for when I reflash my raspberry pi’s .

        • maxprime@lemmy.ml
          5·
          10 months ago

          Is there any advantage to having extra ports over a dongle with all of those at once?

          • GorgeousDumpsterFire@lemmy.world
            8·
            10 months ago

            IMO, modular ports is not the main selling point for Framework. I was sold on their commitment to a platform that is repairable/upgradable.

          • Marty@programming.dev
            5·
            10 months ago

            Other than they fit nicely into a pocket in my backpack…no. The main reason I love their product is the reparability aspect, allowing me to swap ports is just a neat feature.

        • dave@hal9000@lemmy.world
          3·
          10 months ago

          I guess that makes sense, I can still just put the dongle I already have for edge cases like plugging into a DisplayPort monitor, needing Ethernet, etc. Also I didn’t realize until someone else commented that they have extra storage ones, that would probably be one for me

      • GorgeousDumpsterFire@lemmy.world
        6·
        10 months ago

        I have a “typical” set of ports (2x USB-C, HDMI, USB-A) that’s on my laptop most of the time. I also have the 2.5GbE adapter that I use occasionally.

      • refreeze@lemmy.world
        5·
        10 months ago

        I keep a copy of Windows installed on a storage card, saves from having to mess about with partitioning for dual booting.

    • BurnSquirrel@lemmy.world
      7·
      10 months ago

      I was typing up a reply and realized this said most of what I was saying. The only thing I’d add is that support matters, popularity matters. Supported or popular HW platforms are less likely to have small random niggles than an off the shelf dell laptop. System 76 or tuxedo lines are ideal supported platforms. Think pads area super popular.

      PopOS or Mint are as easy to use as ubuntu, but without being chained to snaps, which everyone is moving towards flatpaks except canonical

      • Marty@programming.dev
        4·
        10 months ago

        Intel 11th gen. I was in the first few batches when it came out and haven’t had a need to upgrade, but love that I can if needed.

        • blotz@lemmy.world
          4·
          10 months ago

          Oh man that’s the same as me! I’ve been having all sorts of issues with reliability with mine so I was curious if it was different generations. I guess I’m unlucky?