17 Places To Buy A Linux Laptop With Linux Preloaded

Are you looking for Linux laptops? Do you want a Linux system without having to pay a Microsoft tax? The hardest part of using Linux is to find out the correct hardware. Hardware compatibility and drivers can be a big issue. But where one can find Linux desktops or Laptop for sale? Here are sixteen places to buy a preinstalled Linux Desktop and Laptop.





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16 places where you can buy Linux computers and laptop

Here are 16 places to buy Linux Laptops in 2019 with Linux preloaded. No need to worry about drivers or anything else. Perfect for sysadmins, DevOps/IT work, developers and Linux enthusiast.

1. Dell

Dell sells a high-end Redhat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu Linux-based laptop for business use, developers and sysadmins. If you are a developer and tend to travel a lot, give it a try to “XPS 13 Developer Edition” powered by Ubuntu Linux. Dell also offers precision workstations class laptop with RHEL or Ubuntu operating system. Precision workstations are designed for CG professionals, or as small-scale business servers.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Sample config: Dell XPS 13 developer edition 2020

CPU: 10th Generation Intel Core Processors

RAM: 8 to 32GB (On board/fixed/No extra slot)

SSD/HDD: 512GB to 1TB PCIe SSD

Gaphics: Intel integrated graphics (HD Graphics)

Wireless: Killer AX1650 built on Intel WiFi 6 Chipset + Bluetooth 5.0

Screen: FHD (1920 x 1080) or UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Touch Display

Preloaded distro: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Proprietary driver required: Yes and supported by Linux Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS: No Shipping: Worldwide including USA and Europe More info: XPS 13 Developer Edition​ Preloaded With Ubuntu

See “Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition 2020 Ubuntu Laptop Announced” for more info. Please note that Dell also offers new 9th generation Intel Core and Intel Xeon processors and workstation GPUs its lineup of Precision workstations powered by RHEL or Ubuntu Linux. These are extremely high-end devices.

Related: The Novice Guide To Buying A Linux Laptop

2. EmperorLinux

This vendor sells Linux laptops with full hardware support under Linux. You choose the type of machine you want. You choose the distribution you want. You can choose to have a dual-boot machine too. You can specify your partitions and more. EmperorLinux sale Linux laptop from Panasonic, Dell, and Lenovo.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: Various Proprietary driver required: Yes and supported by Linux Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS: No Shipping: USA (international shipping available on request) More info: http://www.emperorlinux.com/

3. System76

This vendor sells Ubuntu Linux based laptop, server, and desktop computer. It is one of the most recommended brand by Ubuntu forum members.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: Various Proprietary driver required: Yes (for Nvidia based GPU) Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No (coreboot based devices now available) Shipping: USA and 55 other countries. More info: system76.com

The coreboot project aimed at replacing the proprietary BIOS firmware and blobs. System76 recently announced two Intel laptops with Coreboot, which as an alternative to proprietary BIOS. These laptops are using Intel 10th Gen CPUs.

4. Linux Certified

This vendor sells Linux services including robust and cost-effective Linux laptops.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: Various Proprietary driver required: Yes Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No Shipping: USA More info: linuxcertified.com

5. LAC Portland (previously known as Los Alamos Computers)

This vendor sells Lenovo laptop preloaded with Linux operating system. You will find the laptop as per your needs such as performance, everyday computing, ultraportable and economy version.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: Various Proprietary driver required: Yes Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No Shipping: USA More info: laclinux.com

6. Purism

This vendor sells Linux preloaded on the Librem 13 and the Librem 15 laptops. Purism claims to follow a strict belief in users’ rights to privacy, security, and freedom.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: Various Proprietary driver required: No Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No Shipping: USA and worldwide More info: puri.sm

7. ThinkPenguin

This vendor sells a laptop with GNU/Linux. The vendor also does test laptop with OpenBSD but only ships with Linux distro.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: Various Proprietary driver required: No Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No Shipping: USA More info: thinkpenguin.com

8. ZaReason

This vendor sells Linux-based laptop based on rock solid R&D. You can get easy-to-use free and open source software for with each laptop or desktop or server.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: Various Proprietary driver required: Yes (for Nvidia based GPU) Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No Shipping: USA and Canada More info: zareason.com

9. Minifree

This vendor sells GNU/Linux laptops that are certified to Respect Your Freedom. It means your laptop is 100% free from binary blobs. It runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system and libreboot firmware on hardware. You can buy an ultracompact or workstation grade laptop from Minifree. Personally, I’m using Libreboot X200 model. Apart from laptops, they have desktop and server grade computers too

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: (a) Libreboot T400 : CPU: Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz processor

RAM: 4GiB to 8Gib (replaceable)

SSD/HDD #1: 160GB HDD to 240GB SSD (replaceable)

SSD/HDD #2: 160GB HDD to 240GB SSD (replaceable)

Graphics: Intel GMA 4500MHD

Screen: 14.1″ 1280×800 TFT LCD

Gigabit ethernet as standard

DVD/CD RW drive included (only if not selecting 2nd HDD/SSD)

Weight: 2.2 Kg

Upgraded with an 802.11n wireless card (Atheros AR5B95, AR9285 chipset), ensuring full compatibility with free drivers in Trisquel GNU/Linux-libre.

Backlight (brightness) control is fully functional in libreboot on this laptop.

The Intel Management Engine (ME) firmware is 100% removed and inoperable Proprietary driver required: No Certified by the Free Software Foundation: Yes Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: Yes Shipping: UK and worldwide More info: minifree.org

10. Libiquity

This laptop vendor certified to Respect Your Freedom. It means your laptop is 100% free from binary blobs. It runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system and libreboot firmware on hardware.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: CPU: Intel Core2 Duo

Graphics: Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD

Screen: 12.1″ 1280×800 TFT LCD

Wireless: Qualcomm Atheros 2.4-GHz 802.11b/g/n or Qualcomm Atheros 2.4/5.0-GHz 802.11a/b/g/n with long-range Signal Sustain Technology (SST)

Bluetooth: Broadcom (some models)

Ethernet: Intel Gigabit Ethernet

RAM: 2GB to 8GB (replaceable)

HDD/SDD: 160GB – 240GB ssd or hdd (replaceable)

Preloaded distro: Trisquel GNU/Linux Proprietary driver required: No Certified by the Free Software Foundation: Yes Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: Yes Shipping: USA (for international shipping try minifree) More info: libiquity.com

11. Entroware

This vendor provides Ubuntu Linux based laptop and desktop solutions including Skylake/Kaby Lake processors .

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: Various Proprietary driver required: Yes Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No Shipping: UK and other European countries. More info: entroware.com

12. Vikings

Yet another vendor that sells FSF certificated laptop, servers and desktop products.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes Config: Various Proprietary driver required: No Certified by the Free Software Foundation: Yes Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: Yes Shipping: Germany, other European countries and rest of the world. More info: vikings.net

13. Linux Now

It is an Australian e-commerce site that sells various Linux powered laptop and desktop systems. All the software you require, including your choice of Linux distribution, comes fully installed, so all you have to do when you receive the order is to switch it on.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes comes with various Linux disros Config: Various Proprietary driver required: Yes Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No Shipping: Australia. More info: linuxnow.com.au

14. Tuxedo computers

TUXEDO Computers from Germany sells laptop and desktops preloaded with Ubuntu and OpenSUSE Linux. Open your laptop for cleaning and switching parts is covered by their warranty policy. Tuxedo also provide desktop computers with preloaded with Linux.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes comes with Ubuntu and OpenSUSE OS Config: Various Proprietary driver required: Yes Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No Shipping: Germany and many other places. More info: tuxedocomputers.com

15. Technoethical

Tehnoetic from Bucharest, Romania (European Union) sells laptop, networking adapters, and mobile phone compatible with operating systems that fully respect users’ freedom as defined by the GNU Project.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes comes with Trisquel OS Config: Various Proprietary driver required: No Certified by the Free Software Foundation: Yes Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: Yes Shipping: Worldwide More info: tehnoetic.com

16. Slimbook

Slimbook is located in Spain and has ten years of experience in the IT. They sell Linux based laptop and mini desktop system.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes comes with various Linux distro Config: Various Proprietary driver required: No Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No Shipping: Worldwide More info: slimbook.es

17. Lenovo

Lenovo is a Chinese multinational company that sells Thinkpad and other Linux powered devices worldwide. Lenovo recently released its first Fedora Linux powered ThinkPad laptop. Lenovo currently offers ThinkPad P1 Gen2, ThinkPad P53, and ThinkPad X1 Gen8 laptops preloaded with Fedora Linux.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes (Fedora and Ubuntu) Config: Various Proprietary driver required: Yes and supported by Linux Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No Open source Libreboot BIOS: No Shipping: Worldwide More info: Linux for Personal Systems | Lenovo store (US)

Lenovo ThinkPads, especially X and T series are popular choices for Linux users, sysadmins and developers. Most ThinkPads offers out of the box Linux compatibility. Here are some of the systems that I’ve used so far:

ThinkPad X200 CentOS 6.x

ThinkPad X220 CentOS 6.x

ThinkPad X230 RHEL 6.x

ThinkPad X240/X270/X280 RHEL 7.x

ThinkPad X131e Fedora 20-23

Thinkpad T400/T440p/T500/T520/T530/W5{10,20,30,4} CentOS and RHEL 6.x or 7.x

Thinkpad X1E Gen 2 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

Conclusion

These days it is not hard to find Linux laptops preloaded. Dell Precision, XPS, Latitude machines have worked for me over the years. Original IBM Thinkpads and Lenovo laptops too. Currently, I’m using the following systems:

Lenovo x230 with Ubuntu Dell m6700 workstation with Debian Thinkpad X1E Gen 2 (my work laptop issued by my employer) Minifree Libreboot X200 with Gnu Trisquel Linux (my travel laptop)

System76 looks better with excellent hardware, and high quality too. You can just buy it and start working on it. No need to worry about drivers or suspend issue. Same with other vendors mentioned in this post. The FSF only recommends the Minifree or Libiquity vendor. Both of them sell modified ThinkPads. So the hardware is pretty reasonable, and you get 100% binary blob free environments.

What laptop do you recommend for use with Linux? Please add your advice on what to avoid. Any horror stories about particular vendors?

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