I'm heading to college soon and my old laptop is on its last legs, so I'm looking to buy a new one that can run Linux smoothly. I'm considering three options: 1. HP Omen with Ryzen 7 7840HS, RTX 4060, 8GB RAM, 1TB SSD; 2. HP Victus with Ryzen 9 8945HS, same specs as above; and 3. Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 with Ryzen 7 8845HS, RTX 4050, 6GB RAM. I've heard from some seniors that the HP Omen might have driver support issues with Linux, which makes me concerned. I've also been told that the display on the HP Victus isn't great, but it shouldn't have any Linux issues. The IdeaPad Pro is a bit pricier and has a weaker GPU, so I'm curious how Linux performs on it. I'm not planning to game heavily, but I'd like a GPU for local AI projects and I prefer sticking with Linux over switching back to Windows. What do you all think? Any recommendations?
5 Answers
I wouldn’t recommend going with an Nvidia GPU for Linux. They can often lead to compatibility issues. Having an AMD GPU is usually more favorable, and it’ll also handle everyday tasks and some gaming pretty well. Just ensure you get enough RAM and a good SSD, which you seem to be considering!
If you're going to run Linux, I highly recommend going with a laptop from System76, Slimbook, or a Framework laptop (though they can be pricey). You want to make sure you're not stuck with a Windows installation, as some hardware can be tricky. Remember, common issues often come from the WiFi card, so check how well-supported the card in your laptop is for Linux, particularly with Intel cards. Lenovo ThinkPads are another solid option because they've been reliable with Linux compatibility, especially their business-class models.
Totally! It’s good practice to check online for ‘laptop name Linux support’ to find out what issues you might encounter.
Dell laptops generally have great Linux support! I picked up one of their budget models and I’m very happy with it. Battery life and build quality are decent, plus I got an upgradable configuration. Unless you need high-end graphics for something like 3D rendering, a regular laptop should work fine for college. If your classes allow it, consider cloud GPUs for your AI projects too, they can save you from needing a powerful local GPU.
My major is Computer Science, so I definitely need a laptop for programming, but it’s helpful to know I could rely on cloud resources when needed.
Yeah, charging options are everywhere in classes, so battery might not be a huge concern!
Between the options you listed, definitely check out the HP Victus. The CPU is good, and while there's some talk about the display quality being subpar, the Linux compatibility should be fine. Just keep in mind, some users have mentioned color issues with the display quality. But considering your needs, it might be a reasonable choice!
Yeah, wobbling isn't a deal-breaker for me, but I do want to avoid color issues if I can!
I’ve heard about the Victus display too; friends said it wobbles a bit, but if that doesn't bother you much, then it could still work.
For Linux compatibility, think about getting a Lenovo ThinkPad. They've been noted for their solid Linux support and tend to work well overall, especially in their business lines. Just be cautious about the consumer models; they are hit or miss regarding support.
Totally agree! ThinkPads are the way to go for reliability!
Yup, business models have much better track records than consumer ones, that’s for sure.
I was eyeing the Framework too but shipping is a hassle for me. I'll check out Slimbook as you suggested.