Alternative Linux Laptops 📦

8    21 Jan 2021 02:28 by u/VILLAIN

I've known about System76 for a while now but upon checking the comment section of this [System76 Oryx Pro video](https://youtu.be/5aJ9U5t9oD4) someone said: > A much much better choice for Linux users right now (mid 2020) is any of the companies that sell a Tongfang Ryzen chassis as opposed to the Clevo one. From what I undestand Main advantage is that it comes with a whooping 4600H or 4800H processor that's able to run in both low wattage and high performance mode with 6-8 cores depending on the model, is entirely linux optimized and best of all comes with insane 91wh battery. These are known as Tongfang PF5NU1G and there are several companies selling them already (MRSP of about 700USD) and they are absolutely mind blowing in comparison. As someone that's run Linux on laptops for work for nearly a decade, this is a huge jump in performance/use and would replace most thinkpads even. Upon researching it looks like the firmware created by System76 is interchangeable with the laptops in this [r/AMDLaptops post](https://www.reddit.com/r/AMDLaptops/comments/hzlcjo/all_of_the_vendors_that_are_offering_the_tongfang/) so you can use their fan control settings. Apparently AMD PSP can be disabled too! [Source 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxmasterrace/comments/7i6kl7/amd_listened_to_us_and_added_a_psp_disable_option/) [Source 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/7i7u4y/amd_reportedly_allows_disabling_psp_secure/) Now im struggling to understand why /g/ sticks to their ThinkPads, tbh after all this research it sounds too good to be true.

10 comments

3 u/SEELE 21 Jan 2021 04:34
Purism's laptops come with the IME removed. They also offer an anti-interdiction service.
2 u/leadedgasoline 21 Jan 2021 02:47
Just buy a dell or hp and throw linux on it
5 u/VILLAIN [OP] 21 Jan 2021 02:57
Both are overpriced and have extremely bad build quality unless you shill out $1K+
3 u/kek 21 Jan 2021 03:01
Lenovo?
4 u/VILLAIN [OP] 21 Jan 2021 03:24
I've been eyeing their ThinkPad line for a while but it looks like theyre no longer the same company that made the x230/x200 models. Theres a reason why /g/ users buy used laptops from them and swear by it, non of the laptops in those Reddit lists come close to the same build quality or repairability but its better than whatever *big company name* pushes out. I'll probably go with System76 sometime in the near future, would be nice if another privacy focused company picks up on the same hardware and is EU based, if I switch to a Linux laptop I basically want a /g/ meme ThinkPad but modern lmfao (coreboot, intel me/ amd psp disabled).
1 u/leadedgasoline 21 Jan 2021 03:29
Asus or acer
2 u/Vryven 21 Jan 2021 03:31
Buy used business models?
2 u/VILLAIN [OP] 21 Jan 2021 03:55
Why should I go for a used business model over a System76 machine? Looking at the unreleased Pangolin and Galago Pro which are within my budget.
2 u/Vryven 21 Jan 2021 04:09
My issue with System76 specifically is the touchpad. Any laptop that has a touchpad without 2 discrete buttons is an automatic no-go for me. Oddly enough HP and Dell are the two that seem to still keep buttons with the touchpad on the business models. The consumer ones are shit though.
1 u/VILLAIN [OP] 21 Jan 2021 15:08
Good point, to conclude I’ll be waiting for System76 to create their own laptops in house rather than using Clevo ODM. They’ve done a great job given the restrictions in place and have added a premium touch to their products.