this post was submitted on 21 Aug 2023
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I've noticed in the Linux community whenever someone asks for a recommendation on a laptop that runs Linux the answer is always "Get a Thinkpad" yet Lenovo doesn't seem to be a big Linux contributor or ally. There's also at least six Linux/FOSS-oriented computer manufacturers now:

So what gives? Why the love for a primarily Windows-oriented laptop when there are better alternatives?

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[–] CorrodedCranium@leminal.space 5 points 1 year ago (3 children)

You could look into a Libreboot compatible model. When buying a used laptop for Linux the big thing you need to be careful of is a locked BIOS

[–] variants@possumpat.io 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

this is what Im going through right now haha, found a old laptop in our ewaste but the bios is locked, watching a few videos on how to reset the bios I have to take the whole thing apart to short out two pins, might be worth it but it is definitely a project for another day

[–] CorrodedCranium@leminal.space 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Depending on the model you might want to take a look and see if something like coreboot is available while you're at it

[–] variants@possumpat.io 2 points 1 year ago

Whoa thank you I'll have to check it out, looks like skulls would work for my w530

[–] ikiru@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago

That is a good point about the locked BIOS that I hadn't thought about. Thanks for bringing that up!

[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 1 points 1 year ago

No shit installing Linux on an Acer (even though the hardware is horrible and doesnt support Linux) was way easier than on my T495. Also the Uefi is sooo damn slow, I can only imagine what proprietary hell they put in there. The Acer Uefi is 2s, the Thinkpad Uefi is like 7s its crazy, slower than booting Linux.