I've used macOS for most of my professional life, but recently switched from an iPhone to Android and have been enjoying the change. I've also experimented with Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and Mint on an older Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, including dual-boot setups. Linux has impressed me with its flexibility, but the Surface only manages around 3–4 hours of battery life.
I'm considering a newer Dell XPS 13 with an Intel Core 5 Series 3 320 processor. Dell has a history of supporting Ubuntu on XPS systems, but I'm wondering how well this particular model works with Linux. Are there likely to be problems with hardware such as the webcam, speakers, Wi-Fi, or graphics, and would Ubuntu require a newer kernel or additional driver tweaks?
3 Answers
XPS laptops have generally been among the better-supported systems for Linux, partly because Dell has sold some models with Ubuntu preinstalled. Check the hardware compatibility information for the exact XPS model before buying, since details like the webcam and wireless chipset can vary between revisions.
For newer hardware, Fedora with GNOME is worth considering. GNOME tends to feel familiar if you’re coming from macOS, and Fedora usually ships newer kernels and drivers than Mint. Ubuntu may work well too, but make sure you use a recent release and avoid upgrading to a brand-new major version immediately after launch if you want maximum stability.
KDE Plasma is another good option if you prefer a more traditional, highly customizable desktop.
This platform is officially supported by Ubuntu, and Dell has offered developer editions of XPS systems with Ubuntu certification. Start with Ubuntu 24.04 or a newer supported release and check Dell’s support site for an image specific to the model. The webcam may use a MIPI interface, which can require additional or proprietary support that might not be included in a standard Ubuntu image. Speakers, graphics, and Wi-Fi may also need firmware updates, so it’s a good idea to test the live USB before installing.
On a similar XPS system, Fedora and Debian required updates or extra firmware after the first boot. A newer kernel solved most of the hardware issues, but you should be prepared to install firmware manually if the installer cannot initially detect Wi-Fi or display hardware.
That’s helpful, thanks. I’ll compare Fedora with Ubuntu and look more closely at the exact hardware configuration.