My old xps13 is old in the tooth and the new ones have some things I don’t like. So I am after recommendations. My preferences

  • Linux (Ubuntu/Debian friendly). Happy to wipe and install and will check compatibility beforehand but if anyone has a Linux daily driver they love let me know
  • good CPU and decent RAM (32gb would be nice)
  • Lightweight - smaller preferred (currently on a 13" and happy)
  • Touchscreen would be nice
  • Usb-c
  • Decent battery life

I have access to other machines for heavy GPU stuff that’s not as important as CPU and RAM.

Uses:

  • Programming/terminal use
  • Reading docs and papers
  • Watching movies etc
  • No gaming

That’s my wishlist. What do you suggest, Aussie tech friends?

  • PetulantBandicootEnglish
    5·
    8 months ago

    I’ve got a Framework Laptop 13, 12th gen Intel (Core i5-1240P). I am running Fedora Workstation on it with no issues. I think I had to do something to get the fingerprint reader to work, but it wasn’t a big deal from memory.

    Framework

    • Linux: It works and they support 2 distros officially.
    • CPU and RAM: There are 3 different CPUs to choose from at various prices, and RAM can be specced up to 64GB (or BYO RAM).
    • Lightweight: 13" available (and a new big daddy 16" with dedicated GPU selling now).
    • Touchscreen: Sadly, no to this one.
    • USB-C: It’s all USB-C, and they have this cute gimmick where you can turn the USB-C ports into anything with expansion cards; USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.
    • Battery Life: Can’t comment on this, as I always have mine plugged in. But I have seen reviews and videos saying around 6 hours is the average life time from a full charge.

    Here’s a Framework post clarifying what they support verses what is compatible. Also has links for Ubuntu 22.04 installs and Fedora 39 installs.

    There is Tuxedo Computers, who are based in Germany (so prices are in euros). They develop their own Linux distribution, Tuxedo OS which is KDE based. All hardware is either selected or purpose built to work with Linux. I have never used or purchased their laptops or desktops, as I don’t think they ship to Australia. If you wanted to try them, you would have to go with mail forwarding service, if that is even a thing. I usually watch The Linux Experiment reviews when I am feeling noisy. Just a caveat, I think he sometimes gets sponsored by Tuxedo.

    There is also System76, which is in the USA. I personally wouldn’t bother, as the shipping prices to Australia were ridiculous when I was looking at buying a Launch keyboard from them. They develop their own distro too, if that sways you.

    There is also the usual suspects like Thinkpads or Dell XPS like you have 😊

    • imoldgreeegOP
      3·
      8 months ago

      Oh thanks so much for this info. It’s hard to find someone using the framework in the wild for a real opinion. That’s so helpful

      • mranachi
        2·
        8 months ago

        There’s a few of us. I’ve been daily driving framework 13 Intel 12th gen over a year for work running fedora. It replaced a Microsoft surface who’s battery life had died in 3 years (warranty replacement).

        Really enjoyed using it tbh, and happy with having a clear upgrade pathway (I’ll probably wait till the next 13 inch main boards get released). I love the idea of being able to change my i/o around, but realistically is just allowed my to settle on what I actually want. Turns out to be 2xusbC, microSD and usbA. If there ever is a mobile sim I’d get that, also am rs232.

        It’s not perfect though, and you pay more and give up some polish to get the modularity.

        Battery life is middling but workable. Short story is I am concious of keeping it charged. Depending on the workload I can get to 6hrs, but that’s really it. I never goto work without my charger, I also have taken to carrying a power brick in my backpack to cover the few times I’ve run it down and want to work on the train.

        Video and microphone are not great, but usable. Most issues have been using linux in a Microsoft work environment related.

        Speakers needed an easy effects re balance to be usable for video calls with anything but minor background noise.

        My display port 2 adaptor died, as have many other users.

        Screen wobbles more than I’d like, but not enough to get the upgraded hinges.

        It’s fairly loud when the fans spin up, but I’m normally doing something to upset it. Either working on a soft surface obstructing air flow or running a heavy work load.

        • imoldgreeegOP
          2·
          8 months ago

          Thanks heaps. I am leaning towards this I think. I can handle clunkiness and I am used to carrying a power brick because my xps drains fast if I load up the CPU which happens a lot now days. I did momentarily consider a MacBook but I have reached a place where I can have Linux for work and I don’t want to go back.

          I am annoyed that I have a perfectly serviceable laptop chassis and I can’t upgrade parts. So I have a soft spot for the idea of the framework. At least I have afew good ideas for research to keep me occupied this weekend

  • Ilandar
    4·
    8 months ago

    Possibly Lenovo’s X1 Carbon series? I have a Gen 6 running Ubuntu. They keyboard feels amazing. but that model does suffer from battery drain issues so maybe look at others (you might want something newer anyway). I also have a W530, running Zorin OS. Still great for general usage after all these years though obviously too large, heavy and old for you.

  • maniacalmanicmaniaEnglish
    2·
    8 months ago

    Good luck. I’d been keen to get a Framework just for something different but I’m also shy of trying new things which is why I’ve stuck with Dells. Also the extended warranty with next day on site support has come in handy a few times. Dunno if Framework offers anything like that.

    • imoldgreeegOP
      3·
      8 months ago

      Yeah I have been looking at the framework but I saw a few reviews a little while ago that turned me off it. Should have another look

        • imoldgreeegOP
          2·
          8 months ago

          Not a fan of the touchbar. Don’t need a windows co-pilot dedicated key instead of a right-alt key. I think there were a couple more things but to be honest this just got my back up. I haven’t seen reviews of how those things adapt to Linux users.

          • maniacalmanicmaniaEnglish
            3·
            8 months ago

            I am so out of the loop. Screw that touchbar. I can see why you’d want something else. I’m kinda shocked they did that. I guess they know their own market more than me though.

      • Ilandar
        2·
        8 months ago

        What was it from those reviews that turned you off the Framework?

    • imoldgreeegOP
      2·
      7 months ago

      Oh thanks for the reminder. I got a framework - i7 and 32gb RAM. Happened to have a spare Samsung 1TB SSD sitting around the office that hadn’t fit the desktop it was bought for so popped that in.

      Putting it together was easy enough and the instructions+comments were really helpful. Only minor thing was that I bought an ethernet port which sticks out from the side a bit so I am going to get a USB C for that spot and just carry the eithernet port for when I need it.

      I am loving it. The screen ratio (it’s 3:2) took a minute to get used to after having a widescreen but I really like it now. Perfect for two windows side by side when programming. I have a separate widescreen display if I really need it. And the screen is a bit matte and quiet easy to look at for long periods of time. Keyboard is nice.

      I set it up with Ubuntu 22.04 and the cool thing there is that the framework website has post install instructions for supported distros that take care of some little tweaks and things. That was great and saved some time.

      Basically I am very happy with it.