New Linux Laptop

nolimits76

Commendable
Jul 18, 2016
29
0
1,610
Currently on a 13.3 MBP that I really enjoy. It's a late 2011 model and beginning to show it's age a little. I've boosted the RAM, etc. Maybe a SSD swap? Anyhow, the point is I'm getting the scratch to upgrade.

I'll be the first to say I didn't like the price tag of my MBP, but when I consider overall value, it has been a really great bang for the buck. That said, I'm not shopping entirely by price or compatibility but also by what is a great laptop that will last 3-5 years. Also, I hate the fact many options include soldered RAM, etc. which basically means no user upgrades. :no:

I vastly prefer the Mac environment to Windows. But I'm realistic. There's always that program or two that is finicky or there isn't a true replacement so VM or dual boot scenarios come into play. I'm comfortable and okay with that. Not a computer gamer, so that aspect makes little difference to me.

I barely "speak" Linux but wanting to learn a new OS and understand the power (and learning curve) that distros such as Ubuntu and similar offer. Learning command line is something I desire and want to do. I've been dabbling in the Unix shell of OS X. Although, I also want to have a "pretty GUI", something to rival the OS X interface.

Anyhow, all this said, when looking around I am not sure I like the direction Apple is heading and would like to open up my search to a laptop that would run Linux primarily. As already noted I'd consider Wine or other VM alternatives or even a dual boot for Windows applications. Truth be told I'll probably dabble with a triple boot and try a Hackintosh.

My budget is roughly $1500 +/-. I'd like to find an i7 processor, at least 8-16gb, minimum 500gb SSD, 1920 resolution and preferably a 13.3" screen (weird I know....went from 17" to 15" to my 13.3"....and love it).

Thus far I've considered the following:

- Dell XPS 13.3 (looking at the Linux versions)
- Apple MBP 13.3 (no Linux versions, but I have Ubuntu on my MBP now)
- Asus Zenbook 13.3 (not sure their Linux compatibility)

Open to suggestions and ideas. Bring it own. Let me know if you need more info.
 

nolimits76

Commendable
Jul 18, 2016
29
0
1,610
Forgot to add lighted keyboard (with 10-key would be nice...MBP's don't have it). Also, love my trackpad on the MBP, so something that behaves very similar. Not that gawd awful stick that IBM/Lenova used to offer.