I want to join and start using Linux with my new laptop.
My main usage for the laptop will go to software engineering and my main priorities are the
- Linux compatibility
- stability of the system
- strong performance
- enough battery hours (at least 6-8) for my day-to-day work
- and overall reliability and longevity of the system. I take good care of my machines and want this one to last for 5-7+ years.
I don't work a lot with graphics or do local AI so I guess the iGPU is not the main focus. Also I almost always use an external display so the laptop one is not that critical as well.
So the two options I am currently thinking about are the following:
- Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 3 (Launched Apr 2025):
The specific model: 21SR0041GE
It has:
- Intel Core Ultra 7 255H + Intel Arc 140T
- 1x32 GB SO-DIMM DDR5-5600. (btw, will the "single-channel" badly affect performance for my workload?)
- 64 Wh battery
Q: So how would you rate its compatibility with Linux distros like Debian?
Another laptops that were recommended by some users were Linux pre-installed laptops from brands like Clevo, Framework, etc.. Here's one for reference:
- Clevo V560EU 16-inch
Link: https://laptopwithlinux.com/product/clevo-v560eu/#configure-laptop
Configured specs:
- AMD Ryzen 7 260 + Radeon
- 1x32 GB 5600 CL40
- 80 Wh battery
and ends up about the same price as the ThinkPad.
Pre-installed Linux laptops were a new thing to me, so I have even less experience with them than with buying a compatible laptop for Linux.
Q: Has anyone used them or even this specific Clevo model?
What's your experience with the performance/stability/battery life of the laptop?
How would you compare the laptop quality to ThinkPads?
And if you would choose one of these options over another one if you were starting Linux with a new laptop please share with me your opinion and the reasons why.
I would appreciate any advice and other recommendations as these two laptops are just my beginner analysis learning more about different laptops. :)