I am thinking of buying a relatively cheap laptop that is reasonably powerful. I am at loss when it comes to new CPU naming and its compatibility with Linux (from both Intel/AMD). I prefer Ryzen 5 or Core 5 above with atleast 16GB RAM.
Framework laptops are not available where I live.
I saw some Reddit posts claiming AMD being not optimized for Linux particularly for arch related distros (I use EndeavourOS). I am thinking of buying a Thinkbook from Lenovo, but confused b/w team blue & red.
Which of these CPUs are better for running Linux long-term with respect to optimizations, power management, thermals, track pad support etc. If anyone has a laptop recommendation, please feel free to comment down below.
Also, should I go for a high end Laptop like Asus Zenbook S14? A lot of reviews are picking it as the best compact laptop to buy this year. Its expensive. But if it keeps working for a long time, like 6+ years, then I don’t mind investing.
Edit: I use Gnome as my DE with EndeavourOS, but can also try Debian 12 with Gnome.
Obligatory Framework plug comment. Doesn’t matter which architecture you go for, they support Linux ootb and there are community threads for almost every distro. You can also upgrade it in a few years :D
I love the Framework project, and want one, but my god do you pay a premium for the modularity.
A Framework 13 with a 7840U, 512gb SSD, 16GB RAM costs £1400.
I can get a different laptop with equivalent specs (but with a much better OLED display) for £670, £620 for a Grade A refurbished one. I didn’t look hard. Literally the first result when I searched “7840U” at a retailer.
I love the modularity, but costing 2.1x as much is something I can’t justify.
Same reason I didn’t get a framework. I would’ve loved to get one, but couldn’t justify the price.
Framework laptops are not available where the OP lives. It was said in the description.