With a sea of varieties of laptop models that are available today, we have limited choices and options when it comes to the operating system. While most of us tend to stick to Windows, while others get the Apple macOS operating system, very few of us are aware of the Linux operating system or think to buy a Linux-powered laptop.
The thing is, Linux is a quite under-rated operating system that is not talked about much in the technical world, even though one might know the wonders but going with the flow seems easier than trying something out of the box and changing your digital ecosystem.
Linux is pretty much like the Windows and macOS, just a lesser-known version of these two. The Linux operating system came in around the early 1990s and was mostly opted by the tech-savvy due to the complexities in coding the user interface. Since then Linux has been the best option for those who want to experience a versatile and smooth flow of their workings giving a powerful computing experience.
Now, when many people have learned about Linux, they are either switching to the Linux operating system in their laptops or they just buy a Linux-powered laptop as many big companies, after seeing the hike in demand for Linux, have started to manufacture laptops with pre-installed Linux operating system. Hence, to choose a laptop that is suitable for your needs, one needs to do research and learn all the dos and don’ts.
Must read: Understand Crontab In Linux: 4 Elements, Basic Syntax & More
Why Should You switch To The Linux Operating System?
Now, before we hop on to the points regarding how to buy a Linux-powered laptop, let us do a quick review about why to switch from Windows to Linux.
- The number reason to get yourself to change is that Linux is free. Unlike Windows or macOS where you have to pay fees to get a license, Linux does not hold any formalities like that for you. With only a couple of bucks that you invested earlier, you can have every facility in the Linux operating system.
- This is more secure than the other operating systems. The reason being the market share of Linux is comparatively lower for Linux than macOS and Windows, thereby they do not easily target Linux users. You also do not need to spend on the yearly or monthly subscription to an antivirus program if you have Linux OS.
- It is compatible with any version or model of the hardware, unlike Windows where the latest ones are not compatible with the older models of laptops and computers. Whereas, Linux is easily compatible with the low-end and old hardware and even works with IoT devices as well.
- The interface is user and beginner-friendly, so you do not have to go through the complications of finding things. Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Manjaro are very easy to use and you do not have type commands to get your work.
- Drivers are automatically installed on your system and world better than windows.
- The desktop is easily customizable, unlike windows where you had limited options.
- It is a perfect choice for everyone as you do not have to up.
Read: What Are Inodes in Linux and How Are They Used?
How To Buy A Linux-Powered Laptop?
Now before spending on getting a new Linux-operated laptop, you must always install the operating system on our already existing laptop or computer. This can be done via downloading free Linux-distribution into your computer and installing the operating system for a trial version.
Big laptop companies like Dell, HP and Lenovo make some of their models that have Linux installations that are a part of Linux packages and not customer-oriented. Hence, if you are an independent consumer, you can do comparison shopping of laptops that have Linux pre-installed. The other thing you can do is to search ‘Linux laptops’ online and buy a laptop and install Linux into it by yourself.
Now all you need to do is to download a free copy of any Linux and get going. This way you get to experience the Linux OS and learn more by experimenting. Another easy option to buy a Linux-powered laptop is by going over the specifications like RAM and prices and drawing comparisons based on that.
Read: 10 Best Linux Launchers You Must Know About.
Some Laptops That Come With Linux Installed
After the reading of the above points, two ways have emerged. One is to buy a Linux-powered laptop in which it is pre-installed. The second is through buying a laptop and doing the Linux installation later manually. Here are some of the laptops that have Linux pre-installed:
- Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook Developer Edition
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8 with Linux
- System76 Laptops
- Purism Librem Laptops
These were the top picks for the Linux operating system. Now you only need to look up the reviews and their latest version to make a decision. Some laptops do not have Linux installed on them and you have to do it manually. The best recommendation is to buy a Linux-powered laptop instead of the other one because of the hardware configuration. Nevertheless, there can be reasons where you would want to buy a simple laptop and install Linux later. Hence, here is how you can do it.
- Google the laptop model you want to buy and add ‘Linux’ or ‘Ubuntu’ after it.
- Look at the reviews, hardware configuration and other information like version and model of the laptop and go for it!
Read: Linux Terminal For Windows: 6 Step Useful Guide
These were all things to be considered before you buy a Linux-powered laptop. Hope the article helped you.
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