Suggestions for a Dev/Linux laptop

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,320
683
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I have a great desktop with many partitions for all the stuff I do when I'm not at my full time job.

I want to know what laptop you would consider for use around the house for Dev work, just fun stuff on the side to learn. Currently I'm just messing with java, php, android, SQL, might get into messing with Roms for my nexus 6 later too.

It has to look decent, not some ordinary plastic box and perform alright. I want to run Linux on, maybe Ubuntu or mint but I would prefer everything works natively.

Was looking at the dell xps 13 Dev edition but its not out yet. I don't wan to spend too much let's say $700-1200 and if there are discounts that would be good too.
 

HOSED

Senior member
Dec 30, 2013
658
1
0
You could have a look at Sager Np2740 AKA Galgo AKA Clevo W740SU (all are the same) https://system76.com/laptops/galago. I loaded Ubuntu 14.04.2 the other day and it runs great on my Sager NP2740 (Dual boot with Win 7). All I have to do was add System 76 driver. For about 1200 you can add an ssd yourself & load linux, I love mine

Dave the Nerd- Great minds thing alike !!!If you run into issues http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=341 is a great place for supporthttp://jeffhoogland.blogspot.com/2014/10/sager-np2740-review-linux-powerhouse.html
 
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sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,320
683
126
Are those from system 76 easy to upgrade? If it doesn't cost much more or less to add an ssd myself I want that option.

My guess is system 76 has drivers for whatever distro you want to run?
 
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HOSED

Senior member
Dec 30, 2013
658
1
0
System 76 only supplies support and drivers for Ubuntu 14.... The SSD is a simple upgrade there is also a slot for an mSata drive but the mSata (and RAM) are not easy to access
didnt find any manual on how to dessemble to laptop to get to the msata and ram so i just had to try. Made it after a while. Removed 17 screws on the bottom of the laptop to take out the battery. Then i removed the plastic strip where the power buttom sits. Then i could remove some screws that fastens the keyboard. Then i unplugged the keyboard and finaly i could install the msata and ram.
 
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sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,320
683
126
Yea I have been checking them out. I'm still unsure weather to wait for the new xps 13 dev edition or go with the light system76 machine and get my own 256gb ssd.

Reviews on pcnotebookcheck don't seem to be that good for system 76.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,320
683
126
I've decided not to go with a dell xps 13 as I'd benefit more from 15.6. I'm debating on weather to get a lenovo y50 and putting Linux on it or researching some more. I've been looking over so many laptops I feel like I don't even want to buy one anymore lol.