I'm thinking about getting a laptop to run Linux for the first time and I'm considering an older Intel-based MacBook. I've heard that newer Macs with M-chips aren't compatible with most Linux distributions, apart from Asahi, which isn't fully developed yet. I believe any MacBook made before 2020 should be fine for Linux, right? I'm leaning towards this option because I'd rather have macOS than Windows as a backup, and there are some good deals on refurbished pre-2020 MacBooks. But I'm open to suggestions for new or refurbished non-Apple machines too. I've seen recommendations for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Dell XPS 13, and Asus Zenbook, and even some Linux-focused machines like those from System76. What would be the best choice here?
4 Answers
I've been using a 2011 MacBook Pro with various Linux distributions for ages. Just had to tweak some settings to get the graphics working smoothly. Swapping out the hard drive for an SSD and upgrading to 16GB RAM was super easy too! Don't be scared of the older gear; it can still work well.
If you're looking for Linux compatibility, you might want to skip the MacBook. There are plenty of other laptops out there that work much better with Linux right off the bat, especially ThinkPads. They’re known for their hardware compatibility.
I've got a 2019 MacBook Pro running Linux. It works, but some features, like sleep mode, are a bit glitchy, and it feels experimental. You'll need a special kernel for T2 security chip Macs. If you're not planning to use macOS often, I wouldn't recommend a Mac just for Linux; it might not be worth it in the long run.
My 2015 Retina MacBook Pro runs Linux like a dream! Just be cautious if you’re swapping the battery because it can be tricky. Later Intel models might have that touch bar which could complicate things with Linux. But overall, it should function well for you.
True, those earlier models are great, but just keep in mind that anything post-2015 might have its challenges specifically with the Retina displays and other components. So definitely do your homework!
I've got a 2015 MacBook Air, and Ubuntu runs beautifully on it. Just had to adjust a couple of small settings for suspend to work correctly. Plus, it’s cheap to buy now. If you can, look for one with 8GB RAM. However, I'd still lean towards a ThinkPad for better performance and support!