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.

  • Daze@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    1·
    16 days ago

    I just went through this search for attending Uni, and unfortunately it’s almost impossible to get a reasonably-to-decently spec’d out laptop running AMD at the 14” size right now. The purpose was to avoid any 13th/14th gen intels for their recent issues, and increase it’s longevity.

    What it boiled down to (for me) was: • Asus Zephyrus G14 (32GB Ram), or • Thinkpad P14s Gen 5

    Ultimately went with the Zephyrus, and holy shit I’m glad I did, even with Win11.

    Edit:

    To clarify, Framework is available to me, but I couldn’t take a chance on class requirements. This video was very helpful in making the final decision.

    • overgrown@lemmings.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      6 days ago

      Are you running linux on that G14? I am also looking at that P14s Thinkpad. Since it is tested on Arch linux (should work on EndeavourOS). What processor is on that Asus G14?

      • Daze@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        1·
        6 days ago

        Transparently, not yet. I haven’t had the spare time for any tinkering (too busy with a move & holidays) though as soon as I’m able, I plan to swap out the m.2 with a 4tb and split that into a dual-boot. Sorry I can’t give any advice on that right now! 😓

        The processor is an: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS w/ Radeon 780M Graphics