I've noticed in the Linux community whenever someone asks for a recommendation on a laptop that runs Linux the answer is always "Get a Thinkpad" yet Lenovo doesn't seem to be a big Linux contributor or ally. There's also at least six Linux/FOSS-oriented computer manufacturers now:

So what gives? Why the love for a primarily Windows-oriented laptop when there are better alternatives?

  • Oscar@programming.dev
    ·
    11 months ago

    At least to my understanding. My model is the T14 Gen 1 (AMD). But I would recommend checking newer models.

    A few points that indicates this:

    1. It's possible to order it with linux preinstalled:

      In limited countries or regions, Lenovo offers customers an option to order computers with the preinstalled Linux® operating system. - User Guide, Appendix C

    2. Ubuntu 20.04 certification: https://ubuntu.com/certified/202006-27980

    3. RHEL 8.3 certification: https://catalog.redhat.com/hardware/detail/71625

    4. There's a "Linux Certification" page (whatever that means): https://support.lenovo.com/au/en/solutions/pd500492

    5. The BIOS software comes with linux instructions. Though I just use whatever is available with fwupd, which is a CLI application but has GUI support through Gnome with gnome-firmware.


    More info about linux support here, under "Notebooks and Laptops": www.lenovo.com/linux

    A million edits later: I got confused by what the product ID was but I think I finally figured it out.