Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for an affordable laptop that's at least 15 inches and has a decent display. I'm planning to install a Linux distribution like Mint, Pop!_OS, or Zorin OS. My first choice is a 2015 MacBook Pro, but I'm open to other models that might be good options. Here's what I'm looking for:
- Budget-friendly
- Minimum 15-inch screen
- High-quality display similar to a Retina display
- Easy installation of Linux distros
What other models would you recommend?
2 Answers
Be cautious with HiDPI displays; some Linux distros don’t handle them well. I have a 15-inch laptop running the latest Ubuntu, and I have to keep the scale at 100% to avoid issues with apps. It runs fine on Windows 11, but it seems there’s a problem with Wayland and scaling.
Can you share the specs for the MacBook Pro? The GPU and WiFi chip are key since those can affect Linux compatibility. From what I hear, many struggle with webcam support on MacBooks when using Linux. Generally, Linux Mint and Zorin OS are among the easiest to install on Intel MacBooks and older Windows laptops.
Not sure about the WiFi chip, but the GPU is integrated, not Nvidia. I've read about the WiFi issues, but they seem fixable with some tweaking. Webcam isn’t a concern for me, actually. Thanks for the input!
That's exactly why I'm asking for specific model recommendations. I want to avoid buying a laptop that won’t run a distro properly. Appreciate the heads up!