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Maybe enough #Linux geeks around here to get a good answer to this:
It’s time to consider a new laptop. I’ve been using exclusively ThinkPads running Debian for nearly 20yr now, but I’m wondering if there are other options.
Is ThinkPad still the best bet? What about Juno?
@tkinias I really like the idea of the Frameworks laptop but not the price.
@tkinias starlabs, framework, and tuxedo may be. Although, I myself still go with thinkpad due to above companies won't ship to my country and the sale on lenovo website is too good for my budget.
@tkinias I have had very good luck with my Dell XPS 13. It's all Intel (with Xe graphics) and haven't had a lick of trouble getting anything running. A fresh install of PopOS or Ubuntu or Fedora just works - no tinkering required.
@clegko
Good to know! I really don’t want to buy a laptop and discover that it’s great—except that Bluetooth and wifi don’t work!
@tkinias Check out StarLabs, System76, and Tuxedo. Good luck; hope you find one you love
(I have the precursor to their StarBook and love it although the screen could be better.)
@tkinias I really love Star Labs! https://starlabs.systems
Otherwise, Dell is my go-to. XPS supports Linux well and is some incredible, thin and light hardware.
@cassidyjames Ooooof, 3–4 months lead time on orders is... not ideal 
Looks really cool, though!
@tkinias ah yeah their new StarFighter is entering production, but I think their other models are available?
@tkinias I just got two new Thinkpads. Still the goto workhorse for me
@tkinias If you can wait until tomorrow, I’ll have a review for the Tuxedo Infinitybook Pro 14, which is a fantastic laptop, what I believe every Linux laptop should take inspiration from :) I’m currently putting the finishing touches to the script.
@tkinias I have been in the same boat for just as long.
TP/Lenovo just doesn't have any real competitors unless you go for System76 (haven't tried them though).
- https://puri.sm/
- https://frame.work/
- https://system76.com/
- https://shop.mntmn.com/products/mnt-reform by @mntmn if you want to try ARM
@tkinias I've been using Dells with Ubuntu (not pre installed) for more than 10 years and I'm very satisfied.
@tkinias I haven't gotten my hands on one yet to try it, but Framework (https://frame.work/) is intriguing.
@tkinias If you're interested in taking ethical considerations into account, may I recommend:
https://guide.ethical.org.au/guide/browse/guide/?cat=600&subcat=601&type=612
You don't have to take their ratings at face value, you can click on each company and see the details, weighing up different aspects that matter to you.
For example, for me, the first thing I usually do is rule out those by companies owned by the world's 2 fascist superpowers, China (Lenovo, Huawei) and US (Apple, Dell, HP).
Good luck with your purchase, whatever you decide.
system76 & framework both support linux
@tkinias I think System 76 has some good stuff that ships with Linux and are built to run Linux. I always use Asus and have a good experience running Linux. Asus was the closest I found to MacBook build quality with MacOS.
@tkinias As another in the 20 years of #Debian on Thinkpads camp, I’d still go with a Thinkpad. The only hardware that has really tempted me is the Apple silicon based MacBook Pro hardware, but I just don’t know that I can devote the necessary time to helping with that porting effort. The hardware is exceptionally good. (Running MacOS is really not an option for me.)
@noahm
I had a MacBook Pro running Debian as a backup laptop in the early 2010s (till an accident wrecked the hardware), and it worked pretty well, but they weird keyboard was always an issue—and now that they don’t have function keys Apple hardware is a nonstarter.
@tkinias I’m on Lenovos, but the Legion series.
@ProvAtlantic
I’ve almost entirely had classic ThinkPads. I got one from one of their cheaper lines once and it was rubbish...
@tkinias I think they’re still generally decent, but I like the power of the Legion series.