5 great Linux laptops you can buy now

The best Linux laptops run very smoothly, but not any random computer you install Linux for has such a good experience. That's because Linux can be customized for the hardware that the user has installed it.

This article lists the best laptops that come with the open source Linux operating system preinstalled by the manufacturer.

Why should you buy a Linux laptop?

Linux is an open source operating system that you can install on almost any computer. So, why do you have to buy a specific Linux laptop?

Many laptops, advertised as Linux devices, often install Windows operating systems, but have been tested and certified in accordance with some Linux versions. However, the devices on this list are built specifically for Linux, meaning they will usually run faster, smoother and better integrated with hardware, than you install Linux yourself.

There is a drawback to choosing products from small manufacturers. That is, most Linux laptops cost slightly more than products running Windows operating systems. Part of the reason Linux devices tend to be more expensive is because vendors only produce small quantities of products, making the cost of each device higher. The exception to this rule is Dell, which is really discounted when you choose Linux instead of Windows.

Purism Librem 13 - The best Linux laptop for privacy

1. Starting price: $ 1,400 (VND 23,640,000)
2. CPU: Core i7-7500U
3. GPU: Intel HD 620 graphics card
4. RAM: 8GB to 32GB
5. Hard drive: 500GB SSD drive to NVMe SSD 1TB
6. Linux version: PureOS
7. Screen: IPS sanded 13.3 inch 1080p

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Purism Librem 13 is one of the best Linux laptops on the market, considering privacy. The company produces a number of laptop models that range from $ 1,300 to over $ 2,000. All Purism computers include a customized version of Linux called PureOS. PureOS is based on Ubuntu, but with privacy and security revisions.

Librem 13 laptops come with Kaby Lake processors, as well as custom security and privacy modifications. Unlike most other Linux laptops, it comes with an open source BIOS called Coreboot. The Librem 13 also has two physical buttons that disable microphones, cameras, and all wireless features. In addition, Librem 13 is built from a black aluminum seamless frame.

System76 Oryx Pro - The lightest Linux laptop

1. Starting price: $ 1,700 (VND 39,635,000)
2. CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H (9th generation)
3. GPU: Nvidia GTX 2060, GTX 2070 or GTX 2080
4. RAM: 32GB to 64GB with many refresh rates
5. Hard drive: 2 x M.2 NVMe SSD (maximum 8TB)
6. Linux version: Ubuntu or Pop! _OS
7. Screen: roughed FHD 16.1 inches or 17.3 inches

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System76 is one of the most famous Linux laptop manufacturers. Based in Denver, Colorado, the company produces a wide range of desktop and laptop devices. System76 also created one of the best Linux laptops in general, System76 Oryx Pro.

In 2019, System76 introduced Oryx Pro, a thin, high-performance laptop. The Oryx Pro specifications are roughly the same as a workstation but are slimmer and more compact. But improved performance comes with a pretty high price.

However, this laptop has a high-end Intel 9th ​​generation processor, which does not experience performance issues like on older Intel processors. Oryx Pro also includes GPU Turing, meaning its Tensor core supports developers in creating machine learning algorithms.

System76 has made a name for itself in the Ubuntu-based device market, but now they are developing their own Linux operating system. Although, the new operating system is still based on Ubuntu, but it looks very similar to the mashup between Google and GNOME Material Design. However, while customizing Oryx Pro, you can choose Ubuntu instead if you want.

ZaReason UltraLap 6440 i7 - The most affordable Linux laptop

1. Starting price: $ 1,000 (VND 23,000,000)
2. CPU: Intel i7-8550U
3. GPU: Intel UHD 620
4. RAM: 4GB to 32GB DDR4-2133
5. Hard drive: SSD 120GB M.2 to SSD NVMe 2TB
6. Linux Version: Any Linux version
7. Screen: LCD Backlit FHD 14 inch

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ZaReason UltraLap 6440 i7 is the perfect Linux laptop if you are looking for something that is customizable and affordable. The device is equipped with an Intel i7-8550U CPU and can support up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. Although the starting price of $ 1,000 only includes basic specifications.

One of the strengths of the UltraLap 6440 i7 is its ability to customize. Unlike many other manufacturers, ZaReason will preinstall any Linux distribution you choose. During the checkout process, the drop-down list suggests the most popular Linux settings, but you can freely choose anything you want by specifying your choice in the customer note.

Dell Precision 5520 - Linux laptop with the best performance

1. Starting price: $ 1,480 (VND 34,500,000)
2. CPU: Intel Core i7-6820HQ
3. GPU: Nvidia Quadro M1200
4. RAM: 8GB DDR4 RAM to 32GB
5. Hard drive: 500GB SATA HDD to SSD M.2 1TB
6. Linux version: Ubuntu 16.04
7. Screen: InfinityEdge 4K Ultra HD 15 inch screen

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Dell is one of the few major laptop manufacturers, offering Ubuntu as an alternative to reducing the price for Windows 10. That means many Dell laptops can be preinstalled with Linux. , replacing Windows when paying. If you are looking for a high-performance Linux laptop, the Dell Precision 5520 might be what you need.

The Precision 5520 can be configured to ship with pre-installed Ubuntu 16.04, and it even reduces the price to about $ 100 compared to the standard Windows-based model. The laptop comes with Intel Core i7-6820HQ CPU and can support up to 32GB DDR4 RAM. Storage configurations start at 500GB SATA HDD and range up to M.2 1TB SSD.

While many Linux laptops have affordable displays, the Precision 5520 comes with Ultra HD 4K InfinityEdge screen. This is ideal for creators who want to perform editing or watching videos in high resolution. Overall, Precision 5520 provides the best value out of all the Linux laptops mentioned in this article.

Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition - The most advanced Linux laptop

1. Starting price: $ 850 (VND 19,820,000)
2. CPU: Intel Core i3-8145U
3. RAM: 4GB DDR3
4. Hard drive: SSD M.2 128GB
5. Linux version: Ubuntu 18.04
6. Screen size: FHD InfinityEdge screen 13.3 inches

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Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition uses a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber in the design. The combination of lightweight, durable materials makes the 2.7-pound XPS (1.2kg) heavy. Like other Dell models, the XPS 13 is available as a Windows laptop, but may also come with Ubuntu 18.04 preinstalled instead.

Although the price for this laptop starts at $ 850, by adding additional features and hardware, you can easily configure the XPS 13 Developer Edition for nearly $ 2,000 (VND 46,600,000). In any way, the XPS 13 Developer Edition is also one of the most advanced Linux laptops on the market.

If you are looking for a new laptop and just want to run a few Linux applications, consider buying a Chromebook or Windows laptop. Both operating systems are currently compatible with Linux applications and services. If you intend to use Linux, the options above may be the best option for you.

However, if you need the highest level of security and privacy, Linux laptops are the best option for you. There are many Linux laptops on the market. Some laptops are customizable, while others focus on performance and privacy.

Wish you find the right choice!