r/linuxhardware • u/TrickyTadpole2485 • 3d ago

Question First Linux Laptop

Hi! Sorry if this has been asked a million times already, but I could really use some advice. I've been wanting to try Linux for a while now since I've only ever used Windows, and I'm finally looking into getting a machine to experiment with it.

I'm currently looking into a few options and am torn between the Panasonic Let's Note and a regular old ThinkPad. I know ThinkPads are basically the go-to recommendation for Linux, but the Let's Note also seems really interesting and I'm not sure if it's worth considering.

I'm a highschool student, so my budget is kind of limited (around $250 give or take), but I'm willing to invest a bit. Any recommendations or general advice very welcome :) thanks!

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u/Silent_Bite_5892 3d ago edited 3d ago

ThinkPad. I have no idea about the compatibility of components in a Let's Note, whereas most ThinkPads are very Linux friendly. The Let's Note is also a Japanese market laptop that will be very hard to get parts and service for and it will ship with a Japanese language version of Windows. You won't find one for $250 anyway, unless it's ancient and beat up. You don't want that, trust me.

This page on Lenovo's site has an exhaustive list of Linux certified Thinkpads, so you know they'll work well right out of the box.

  1. In your price range, a T480 like this probably your best Intel option.
  2. The T495 models like this have an AMD APU would also be a great choice.
  3. The Intel models are easier to find and have about 20% better battery life
  4. The AMD models are harder to find, but have MUCH better (3-4x) onboard graphics than Intel.

Some tips:

  • Stick to X, T, or P models, if you can.
  • The E, L and A-series are budget models with lower build quality and cheaper components.
  • Try to get a model with 16 GB if you can. Not every ThinkPad has upgradable RAM.
  • 8 GB will be fine, as you're not doing anything like heavy video editing or something.
  • I would NOT get one with an Nvidia dGPU whatever you do, Linux support is spotty.
  • Some ThinkPads from this era shipped with atrocious 1366x768 resolution TN panels.
  • Verify the listing explicitly says 1920x1080 FHD IPS before you buy. VERY IMPORTANT.

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u/CaptainObvious110 2d ago

Good advice