Is now the best time ever for Linux laptops?

As I’ve said, ad nauseum probably, I like my secondhand ThinkPads.

But I’m not immune to the charms of other machines and, as far as I can tell, now is an amazing time for Linux laptops. By which I mean, companies selling laptops with Linux pre-installed or no OS preinstalled, or aimed at Linux users. Yes, it’s a bit subjective.

There seems to be quite a range of machines, at quite a range of prices, with quite a range of Linux and other non-Windows/macOS operating systems available.

This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list, but just some thoughts on a few of them that have crossed my timeline recently.

All have points that I really like but, right now at least, if my current ThinkPad died, I’d probably just buy another eBay ThinkPad…

Framework

Update 2025-10-25: This is a list, not recommendations, but personally I won’t be buying a Framework machine: “Framework flame war erupts over support of politically polarizing Linux projects”

I love the idea of the Framework laptops, which a user can repair and upgrade with ease.

Moving away from “disposable” IT, into well-built systems which can be updated in line with user needs, and readily repaired, is fantastic.

Plus, they have physical switches to disconnect microphone and camera, which I like.

I’ve seen more people posting about Framework machines than I have about pretty much all of the others here put together, so my guess is that these are some of the more popular Linux-first machines at the moment.

I know a few people who have, or had, one of these. Most seem quite happy. One… not so much. But the fact that multiple people I know have them means, perhaps, sooner rather than later, I’ll get my hands on one temporarily, to see what it is like.

Malibal

I only heard about Malibal while seeing if there was anything obvious that I’d missed from this post.

Their machines appear to start at $4197, based on what they displayed when I clicked on the link to Linux machines, which felt noteworthy.

And some of the stuff on their website seems surprising.

Update 2025-10-25: The link about their reasons for not shipping to Colorado no longer works, nor is it available via archive.org (“This URL has been excluded from the Wayback Machine.”). Again, this is a list, not recommendations, but this thread on Reddit does not make for good reading.

Minifree

I’m slipping this in because I have soft spot for Leah’s Minifree range of machines even though, strictly, they are not “Linux-first” laptops, but rather Libreboot machines, which can come with a Linux installation.

I massively admire what Leah is doing here, both in terms of funding their software development work, and also helping reduce electronic waste through revitalising used equipment.

Of all the machines and companies in this blog post, Minifree’s are, I think, the ones which tempt me the most.

MNT

I think the MNT Pocket Reform is a beautiful device, in a sort-of-quirky kind of way.

In my head, these are hand-crafted, artisan laptops.

Could I see myself using it every day? Honestly, no.

The keyboard would concern me, and I am not sure I see the attraction of a trackball. (I’d happily try one though!)

But I love the idea of a 7" laptop, and this, for me, is one of its key selling points.

If I saw one in person, could I be tempted? Perhaps…

Pine64

The Pinebook Pro is a cheap ARM laptop.

I had one of these, and it has gone to someone who could make better use of it than I could.

Even its low price - I paid about £150 for it, I think, because it was sold as “broken” (which it was not) - could not really make up for the fact that I found it underpowered for my needs.

This is probably a “me” thing, and perhaps my expectations were simply misaligned. The Pine64 store certainly hints in this direction:

Please do not order the Pinebook Pro if you’re seeking a substitute for your X86 laptop, or are just curious

Purism

Purism makes a laptop, a tablet, and a mini desktop PC.

I love their hardware kill switches for camera and microphone. A camera cover is all well and good, but I’d really like to have a way of physically disconnecting the microphone on my machines.

Again, I don’t think I know anyone who has one.

Slimbook

Were it not for a friend of mine, I wouldn’t even be aware of Slimbook.

Matija, who wrote up his experiences setting up a Slimbook Pro X 14, is the only person I’ve seem mention them.

But there they are, with a range of Linux-centric laptops, at a range of prices.

Starlabs

I could be tempted by a Linux-first tablet, and StarLabs’ StarLite looks much the best of the bunch…

But, at £540 + VAT, or thereabouts, with a keyboard, it is far from cheap for something that I don’t think would replace my actual laptop.

System 76

I’m aware of System 76, but I’m not sure I know anyone who has one of their machines.

Tuxedo

As with System 76, I’m aware of Tuxedo, which certainly appears to have an impressive range of machines.

But I don’t think I’ve heard or seen of anyone using one.