Recommendations for a good developer (Ubuntu) laptop

My old xps13 is old in the tooth and the new ones have some things I don’t like. So I am after recommendations. My preferences

  • Linux (Ubuntu/Debian friendly). Happy to wipe and install and will check compatibility beforehand but if anyone has a Linux daily driver they love let me know
  • good CPU and decent RAM (32gb would be nice)
  • Lightweight - smaller preferred (currently on a 13" and happy)
  • Touchscreen would be nice
  • Usb-c
  • Decent battery life

I have access to other machines for heavy GPU stuff that’s not as important as CPU and RAM.

Uses:

  • Programming/terminal use
  • Reading docs and papers
  • Watching movies etc
  • No gaming

That’s my wishlist. What do you suggest, Aussie tech friends?

maniacalmanicmania,
@maniacalmanicmania@aussie.zone avatar

What did you end up going with?

imoldgreeeg,
@imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone avatar

Oh thanks for the reminder. I got a framework - i7 and 32gb RAM. Happened to have a spare Samsung 1TB SSD sitting around the office that hadn’t fit the desktop it was bought for so popped that in.

Putting it together was easy enough and the instructions+comments were really helpful. Only minor thing was that I bought an ethernet port which sticks out from the side a bit so I am going to get a USB C for that spot and just carry the eithernet port for when I need it.

I am loving it. The screen ratio (it’s 3:2) took a minute to get used to after having a widescreen but I really like it now. Perfect for two windows side by side when programming. I have a separate widescreen display if I really need it. And the screen is a bit matte and quiet easy to look at for long periods of time. Keyboard is nice.

I set it up with Ubuntu 22.04 and the cool thing there is that the framework website has post install instructions for supported distros that take care of some little tweaks and things. That was great and saved some time.

Basically I am very happy with it.

maniacalmanicmania,
@maniacalmanicmania@aussie.zone avatar

Good luck. I’d been keen to get a Framework just for something different but I’m also shy of trying new things which is why I’ve stuck with Dells. Also the extended warranty with next day on site support has come in handy a few times. Dunno if Framework offers anything like that.

imoldgreeeg,
@imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone avatar

Yeah I have been looking at the framework but I saw a few reviews a little while ago that turned me off it. Should have another look

maniacalmanicmania,
@maniacalmanicmania@aussie.zone avatar

What are the things you don’t like about the new Dells?

imoldgreeeg,
@imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone avatar

Not a fan of the touchbar. Don’t need a windows co-pilot dedicated key instead of a right-alt key. I think there were a couple more things but to be honest this just got my back up. I haven’t seen reviews of how those things adapt to Linux users.

maniacalmanicmania,
@maniacalmanicmania@aussie.zone avatar

I am so out of the loop. Screw that touchbar. I can see why you’d want something else. I’m kinda shocked they did that. I guess they know their own market more than me though.

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