3 years ago I needed a new computer and decided on an 16 inch M1 Macbook Pro, but did lots of overthinking about if I wanted to stick to it. I tried Asahi Linux didn’t have any reasons at the time to use linux over macOS (but there was always the chance I might later), the build quality is 2nd to none, none of my Windows laptops lasted more than a few years.
3 years later, I’ve really been itching to switch to Linux. Two of several reasons: because its DEs are more customizable, it has better documented accessibility APIs if you want to make keyboard navigation software. I reinstalled Asahi Linux and really tried to make it my daily driver, but the lacks of apps would require me to dual boot: Photoshop and Roblox.
I researching again for computers closest to Macbook Pros but none of them come close to its build quality. I think it would be best for me to make my own desktop PC for linux. I don’t think I’d fare well with another windows laptop brand.
I got quite lucky, as my first laptop when I switched to Linux, was all-AMD and I had zero AMD issues. So when I was looking for a new laptop a few months back, I stumbled upon a cheap recent Thinkpad, with great specs, all AMD, and got it ASAP. Again, zero issues. But because of the Nvidia horror stories I’ve heard, I knew that there would be no Nvidia on my new machine. That was non-negotiable.
I really don’t understand why people bother with Adobe products. I’ve been using Gimp for like 20 years and it’s never been lacking. I’ve never once thought about re-pirating Photoshop.
Garageband on the other hand… I would kill for a linux equivalent.
I agree, but have you tried traction waveform? Closest option I think but not as polished or accessible.
Text on GIMP absolutely blows. I have way less issues working with DDS files on PS compared to GIMP. I also used to have issues with fuzzy select but that may have been a skill issue on my part.
(I haven’t gotten a chance to work with 3.0)
Text is better. Not perfect. Better.
Reaper runs on Linux. It doesn’t come with libraries for sound though if that is what you use garage band for.
I have a Framework 16. Is it as well-built, efficient, or quiet as a MacBook Pro? Nope. But if something breaks I can easily replace it, and I can upgrade it without having to throw everything away. Also, hot-swappable ports. That’s nice too.
It’s all about trade-offs in the end.
I second the Framework laptops. I’ve bought 4 Framework 13s so far, and no issues with any of them.
My 13 certainly looks like a MacBook and it’s a bit loud no doubt but yeah, I just upgraded a a couple things like more RAM etc and it took all of maybe 5 minutes. Great stuff.
Yeah, the 13 feels a lot more solid. The 16 pays a certain price for its enhanced configurability. Honestly, though, a full-size touchpad module would go a long way to fixing that. The two spacers next to the keyboard look fine (if the keyboard is centered) but the touchpad spacers look less great.
the ultra high end computers with coreboot/libreboot from linux makers (ie system76, slimbook, tuxedo, pursim, starlabs, etc.) are the only things you’re going to find with comparative build quality, but a significantly higher price tag.
you could also get one of the high end computers from ordinary computer makers, but the build quality is going to vary a lot, even with computers from the same manufacturer.
Lenovo sells their thinkpads with Linux too. And they’re absolute tanks.
glad to hear; which ones?
I believe all of them?
I just can’t justify spending the money on a Macbook.
I mean they are great, but I don’t want to pay for MacOS if I don’t use it.
I say go for the desktop for grunty work and pick up an older thinkpad for the mobile use case or just remote in with your macbook. I have a T580 (last of the dual batteries, infinite battery life baby), works an absolute treat on linux and next best build quality to a macbook but with a repair manual and massive upgradeability.
I run Arch EndeavourOS on an old ThinkPad Yoga and it’s good. Fingerprint devices unfortunately seem to be heavily suppressed in Linux by whatever proprietary or encrypted firmware trash is going on, but those devices are not really important.
Best luck I’ve had with laptops has been Razer, actually. They’re gaming laptops, so a bit warm and loud and the battery life isn’t great, but they’re built like a brick, can be easily opened, all parts are easily replaceable/upgradeable, and since they generally use Intel everything, Linux compatibility is solid as well (except for RGB lighting and stuff, but with OpenRazer and Polychromatic even that usually works except for brand new models).
My last laptop was a Razer Blade 14 which ran great for like 6 years before I just got bored and decided I wanted to upgrade to a newer model with a better display. Over the 6 years I used it I upgraded the RAM, SSD, added a second SSD, upgraded the WiFi card, etc. It ran literally 24/7 during that entire time other than brief moments when I shut it down to throw in a backpack for travel, the only thing I had to replace for maintenance was the battery. I now have a Razer Blade 16 which has been great for the last year, zero issues, also running 24/7.
Before Razer I used Dell, Lenovo, HP, and Asus. None of them lasted more than 2-3 years before either the plastic crap holding it together fell apart, or the monitor, mouse, or keyboard failed, or I wanted/needed to upgrade something that was not user-replaceable (usually RAM or WiFi).
I question my choice of Nvidia every day
I haven’t tested it, but there seem to be a Roblox client for Linux.
Sober works great, and is the only method that still works from the ones I’ve tried. I think most of them stopped working because of Roblox’s new Hyperion Anticheat which blocked WINE (unsure if they unblocked it at a later point as they promised, but I’d bet they didn’t).
Side note: The creators of Sober also maintain a project called Vinegar, which allows for Roblox Studio to be installed under Linux (it used to be for both Player and Studio, until the anticheat for the Player was introduced)
Roblox can also be installed via lutris on Linux.
Unfortunately it doesn’t work on ARM devices right now.
Ah that’s unfortunate. You’re still dual booting to Arm Windows and Roblox works there?
DId u read the post? I’m on a MBP so I would dual boot to macOS (it’s not possible to run windows on it rn without a VM).
I forgot that part and thought Roblox was a Windows only game
the build quality is 2nd to none
Good luck when the ram or disk becomes defective 😂
Hush you 😅
My wife’s 2017-era MacBook Pro (with soldered SSD and RAM 🙄) has a mystery battery drain that’ll kill it within 12 hours, even on sleep mode. And I just installed a new battery in it… What an absolute pain in the ass - both the battery and the mystery sleep mode draw. Really loving Apple’s walled garden about now… /s
That hasn’t really happened with macs even up to several years old with those parts irreplaceable, by the time that would happen the device should be replaced.
Yes replaceable parts would be better but the ones on Macs do in fact last a very long time.
Survivor bias on a microsample. It absolutely does happen. It’s the nature of electronics. Not repairable == shit build quality, disposable garbage.
I’m a big fan of the Hp Elitebooks, you can get them with AMD chips. Apple’s MacBooks are pretty much in a league of their own and you pay a premium for that! Have an m3 max for work that is incredible.
You really like them? I got issued one for work and am not a fan.
The power button on these things is in the least intuitive spot and I’ve had lots of weird driver issues causing hardware to fail intermittently. Specs look good on paper, but the experience has been really lacking. The moment I can swap, I think I will.
My personal laptop is an HP elite with a 6850h ryzen and its great. Running Ferdora KDE and works amazing. My wife’s MB air M1 is a little nicer, but macOS…ugh
I haven’t had any issues with mine, I do agree the power button is in a spot I would not have put it in. I’m running arch on mine. The factor laptops others mentioned look very high quality, prob will be my next if this laptop ever stops handling my needs.
I’m running arch on mine.
Ah, that’s probably why you like it. I’m talking about a Win 11 machine managed by our institution. I’m sure if I could get away from how we have Win 11 setup, I probably would only complain about the power location and the weight, but those are very minor.
