Top 5 Linux Laptops To Buy in 2020 – Linux Laptop Review

The benefits of having a Linux operating system cannot be overemphasized in recent times. Statistics show that more people switch to laptops running on Linux-based operating systems every year.

Linux Laptops need no in-depth introduction. The benefits of having a Linux operating system cannot be overemphasized in recent times. Statistics show that more people switch to laptops running on Linux-based operating systems every year.
Besides the apparent advantage of being free, Linux operating systems also tend to possess better security and are less likely to fall prey to viruses and malware. It is also generally more stable than other operating systems. Before discussing the linux laptop review, let us point out some key features of the operating system.
Users like to be in control of their device which is why it also grants it’s users the benefit of having an operating system that is customizable to an individual’s specifications.
One obvious downside of having a Linux laptop is that it can sometimes be hard to figure out whether the laptop is compatible with Linux, especially with new hardware and their drivers. Check out our list for the top 10 Linux laptops in 2020.

Top 5 Best Linux Laptop for 2020 – Linux Laptop Review

1. Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition

The Dell XPS 13 is already considered one of the best laptops out there, period, and the fact that it’s available with Linux too makes it the clear top choice for those that need a stylish, powerful, and light-weight laptop with Linux.

linux laptop review
Photo credit: Dell
  • Under the hood, the Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition has a lot to offer.
  • The base model comes with an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. That’s more than powerful enough for the Ubuntu 18.04 build that it comes with.
  • The computer can, however, be customized to incorporate an Intel Core i7 with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
  • The base model’s 13.3-inch display has a resolution of 1920 x 1080, though you can upgrade it to a 4K display. Weight-wise, the computer is only 2.67lbs.

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2. Pinebook 64

This laptop certainly isn’t the most powerful device out there — but for the price, it’s a great choice for those who simply want to try Linux a little.pine64 linux
 

  • Under the hood, the laptop features a quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of flash storage.
  • There are also two USB 2.0 ports, a MicroSD card slot, a digital video port, and a headphone jack.
  • The display on the base model comes in at 11.6 inches (though it can be upgraded to 14 inches) with a resolution of 1366 x 768.
  • It’s pretty thin and light, too, with a thickness of 0.47-inches and a weight of either 2.30lbs or 2.78lbs, depending on the size of the model you go for.

 

3. 2018 MacBook Air

Just because a laptop doesn’t come with Linux pre-installed, that doesn’t mean that you can’t install Linux on it yourself. MacBooks are loved for his or her great design and powerful hardware, and there are many guides out there on the way to install Linux on your MacBook, though it’s something we only recommend to those who know what they’re doing. If you’re interested in this, we recommend the new 2018 MacBook Air, which is beautifully designed and features relatively powerful hardware.
 

  • The base model of the new MacBook Air comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
  • It can be upgraded to offer up to 16GB of RAM and 1.5TB of storage.
  • Apple has adopted modern ports for the laptop too — you’ll get two USB-C ports and a headphone jack.
  • As you would expect from a MacBook Air, the 2018 version is nice and light, with a thickness of 0.61-inches and a weight of 2.75lbs.

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4. System76 Serval WS

If you want a Linux laptop and simply need the most powerful option out there, then the System76 Serval WS may well be the laptop for you. Unlike many of the other options out there, this laptop features desktop-class Intel Core i7 and i9 processors, which are quite a bit more powerful than the laptop-class i7 chips you’re likely to find on other computers. Not only that, but the Serval WS also features NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series GPUs, which makes the laptop even better for graphics-based computing.
 

  • The base model of the pc comes with a 15.6-inch display with a 1080p resolution.
  • GTX1060 GPU, Intel Core i7-8700 processor.
  • Storage of 8GB of RAM, and a 250GB SSD.
  • The computer can, however, be upgraded with up to a 17.3-inch 4K matte display, a GTX 1080 GPU, Intel Core i9-9900K processor, 64GB of RAM, and a 2TB disk drive.
  • By default, the laptop comes with System76’s Pop!_OS Linux build, but you can opt to have it ship with Ubuntu 18.04 instead if you choose.
  • The only real downside to this computer is that it’s relatively pricey and a bit bulky, weighing in at 7.5lbs for the 15-inch version or a hefty 9.2lbs for the 17-inch version.
  • Still, if what you would like is power, then that extra weight is just about unavoidable.

 

5. Lenovo ThinkPad E570

You don’t necessarily have to buy a laptop that has Linux pre-installed. Alternatively, you could buy a Windows laptop and install Linux on it, though we recommend that only to those who know what they’re doing. If you want to simply buy a Windows laptop and then install Linux on it after the fact, then we recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad E570. Why? Lenovo’s ThinkPad line of laptops are known to work pretty well with Linux, plus they’re built like a tank.
 

  • The Lenovo ThinkPad E570 features an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of solid-state storage, which is more than enough power for running Linux.
  • The display on the device should be large enough, too, at 15.7 inches.
  • It is a bit bulky at an inch thick and a little over five pounds, but if you can deal with the heft then it’s an excellent choice.

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Choosing The Best Linux Laptop

In choosing the best Linux laptop to buy in 2020, you need to have some things at the back of your mind.

  1. Does the laptop meet your requirements
  2. Is the laptop compatible with Linux Distro
  3. Pre-installed Operating System
  4. Pre-installed Linux OS.

Conclusion

Linux operating system is becoming more and more popular recently, so if you’re looking to buy a Linux laptop in 2020, make proper research about the product, read reviews online such as this one. But overall, there’s no such thing as the number one best, it is all about choice and requirements. Are you currently using a Linux operating system or a Linux laptop, tell your experience so far in the comment section below.

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