[Discuss] Linux on laptops

[cra at WPI.EDU (Chuck Anderson)]

On Thu, Nov 12, 2015 at 12:19:27PM +0000, Edward Ned Harvey (blu) wrote:
> I'm looking for a small, light, cheap, laptop to run linux. I prefer either ubuntu desktop or fedora.
> 
> I know there's a very good chance that any random linux will work fine on any random laptop I buy, but I certainly prefer to have some greater assurance - ideally it's an officially supported distro, or maybe there's some unofficial guide that demonstrates support.
> 
> Any suggestions?

Linux generally works very well on Lenovo laptops as many OSS
developers have them.  I have a T450s and everything just works out of
the box with Fedora 23.  It has excellent battery life with a built-in
battery + a removable battery available in two capacities.

In the small, light category, maybe a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 or the
new Surface Book.  But these aren't cheap, and you probably WILL have
problems setting all the bits to work with Linux, at least initially.
The Surface Pro 3 works with Linux, but there were some Linux patches
that were needed, for example for the TypePad keyboard.  I'm not sure
if they are still needed, or if Linux has integrated them by now.