I'm curious if anyone knows of a good list of hardware that works well with Linux since I've heard some models are not compatible. Also, when it comes to prebuilt machines, are there specific brands or models that are better suited for Linux? I've debated installing it on a separate NVMe drive in my current setup versus getting an entirely separate machine.
2 Answers
I used to have a few budget HP computers, but I hit some major issues when streaming videos, which was a pain. That's when I switched to Dell, and they've been pretty solid for Linux. I love building my own setups now by picking the chipset and RAM I want and just wiping Windows off. Also, I've heard good things about Lenovo, especially their Thinkpad series, though I haven’t tested them myself yet.
Check out these sites for some solid hardware recommendations that run well with Linux:
- [Linux Hardware.org](https://linux-hardware.org/)
- [Linux Compatible.org](https://www.linuxcompatible.org/compatibility/)
- [Distrowatch](https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=hardware) — they list manufacturers who create systems fully compatible with Linux.
While there are manufacturers that make 100% Linux-compatible machines, often they come at a premium. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, I've found that brands like Dell, Lenovo, and HP usually have models that work great with Linux. Personally, I run Debian on a Dell Latitude 7480 and it works flawlessly. Lenovo Thinkpads are also super reliable for Linux users!
Thanks for those resources! I've been eyeing a Dell laptop for a while.
Interesting! Do pre-installed machines typically come with bloatware or anything extra?