4 reputable Linux hardware manufacturers for open source enthusiasts

Using free and open source software is fantastic. Free apps don't try to exploit for your benefit. For years, if you chose to use a free and open source operating system, such as Linux, you had to install them yourself.

Now, more and more computers that come with Linux come pre-installed, which you can find. They are suitable for a wide range of users and different financial capabilities. Here are three companies and a charity that gain a lot of love from free, open source software (FOSS) enthusiasts and gain more and more attention from the public.

1. Raspberry Pi Foundation

Reference links:

 https://www.raspberrypi.org/ 

The Raspberry Pi is the most mainstream consumer device that comes with the free and open source desktop interface based on genuine GNU. Whether you're creating a set-top box, building a robot, or building your own Gameboy Raspberry Pi, the Raspberry Pi is the ideal choice.

That's because the Raspberry Pi is a highly functional computer with everything you need on a single board. You can own a Raspberry Pi for about one dinner for two at a restaurant, or upgrade to a more powerful model for the cost of an appetizer and dessert.

With newer models, specifications have reached the point where you can use the Raspberry Pi as a desktop. The same word processing and office work does not matter. You can browse the web with many tabs open. Stream music and videos is also fine on the Raspberry Pi 4, even at high quality.

Thanks to affordable hardware, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has distributed free software to millions of people. This achievement is achieved without trying to convince people that they need to give up Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS. Many people simply find the Raspberry Pi the most functional tool for the job.

2. Pine Microsystems

Reference links:

 https://www.pine64.org/ 

Pine Microsystems (commonly known as Pine64) is a company that exists to create hardware for the FOSS community. Pine Microsystems' ambition is not only to provide computers and mobile devices, but also to make these options available cheaply.

The Pine A64 chip is the same hardware as the Raspberry Pi, and another way to access free software. By attaching this chip inside a laptop chassis like Pinebook, anyone can own an affordable computer to program on. Incredibly, Pinebook costs only $ 100 (VND 2,300,000).

Pine Microsystems is also helping the community to overcome even greater barriers. Until now, developers had no access to 'open' phone hardware. This has limited the Linux mobile operating system manufacturers from offering aftermarket options for many older devices like the Nexus 5.

With PinePhone, developers using Plasma Mobile and UB Ports have a much more 'open' device for development. Unsurprisingly, it will only cost $ 150 (VND 3,477,000). PineTab does the same thing, but for tablets.

Pine Microsystems gets attention not only for the goal, but also for its approach. Pine Microsystems works with the more open source community to see what developers want and provide hardware that meets those needs.

Pine doesn't develop its own software because it believes the community is capable of doing that. What developers need is accessible hardware.

Pine Microsystems also has a bigger goal. The company sees low-cost hardware combined with free software as a way to help eliminate digital distance. Pine Microsystems is deploying donations to users in places where $ 100 is still a concern.

3. System76

Reference links:

 https://system76.com/ 

System76 was the first Linux hardware manufacturer to use its name for the factory computers that came with Ubuntu preinstalled. Although System76 is still quite small compared to Acer and HP, but this company has grown significantly compared to the early days. System76 has its own product line.

Today, System76 offers laptops from thin ultrabooks like Galago Pro to 17-inch desktop alternatives like Serval WS. With Thelio desktop rigs, System76 is currently making a profit in providing its own custom hardware. These systems are one of the most stylish options you can find.

It is not just the hardware that makes System76 a worthy consideration. The software support is also excellent. The company currently maintains its own Linux distribution called Pop! _OS. Based on Ubuntu and adding a few things (such as proprietary integrated graphics driver, easy firmware updates), Pop! _OS can be run on any PC. You can even enjoy improved power management options and a number of pre-installed GNOME extensions.

If you want a powerful Linux computer to handle code or keep up with the latest Steam Proton games, System76 has what you need. System76 easily becomes the best choice for a mid-to-high end Linux computer, providing great support whenever you encounter a problem.

4. Purism

Reference links:

 https://puri.sm/ 

Purism started in 2014 from a crowdfunding campaign to create laptops focused on privacy, running the software for free. As a result, the Librem laptop line fulfills that promise at the operating system level thanks to PureOS. This is a customized Debian build of Purism that does not include proprietary code. Even the Linux kernel and Purism application store do not have proprietary software.

Librem laptops now come with coreboot and a neutralized version of Intel Management Engine, where most of the code is removed.

While there are still some proprietary bits that prevent Librem laptops from receiving the 'Respects Your Freedom' certification, issued by the Free Software Foundation. due), but Purism continues towards that goal. If everything goes as planned, the Librem 5 smartphone will have a certification on the front of the laptop.

Meanwhile, the fact that you can now buy a sleek aluminum ultrabook, comes with 100% free and open source Linux desktop is really great.

Are these FOSS friendly companies?

If you want a computer that doesn't come with a Debian-based distribution or a computer that comes with Debian itself, ZaReason will sell you hardware comparable to System76, bundled with an installed distribution. available. Slimbook offers what can be considered the best-selling KDE computer (flagship).

And although Dell is not exactly a free software company, this multinational has an increasing number of computers that come with Ubuntu, and now it's easier to find a more suitable option.

Wish you find yourself a satisfactory choice!