The 5 Best Laptops For Ubuntu Reviewed
Despite the proliferation of hardware, computers and laptop brands, only a few operating systems manufacturers have dominated the market for decades now.
These days most people are familiar with brands such as Apple and Microsoft, both of which have been upgraded and adapted to keep themselves ahead of all other competitors.
However, there are other lesser-known operating systems currently available, one of the main alternatives being Linux.
Linux is a popular choice for experienced coders and web developers who have a deeper understanding of computer code and prefer the flexibility of this open-source software.
Ubuntu is a Linux distributed operating system that is free and updated on a six-month basis, with a paid subscription option for long term users.
It values privacy very highly and has great community support, which makes it a popular choice among web developers and those who want greater security for their cloud devices.
More users are switching to Linux, as it gives them the freedom to operate outside the existing orthodoxy of Microsoft and Apple. These OSs are installed by the user, giving them a greater degree of control over their device and their software.
But what are the best laptops for Ubuntu and other Linux-based operating systems?
What features should a laptop have to maximize the potential of both your laptop and your operating system? How much can an Ubuntu-adapted laptop be looking to set you back in terms of price?
Well, for all you software outlaws out there, we have the sought-after answers to your questions, with our list of the best laptops for Ubuntu currently available on the market.
We’ve then followed that up with a buyer’s guide to help you in your search for the perfect Ubuntu device for you, along with some frequently asked questions.
Best Laptops For Ubuntu
1. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Ultrabook
Our first laptop is one with several features that make it the ideal machine on which to run your first Ubuntu OS.
Coming as it does with 1.9 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, this machine is more than capable of running numerous applications at any one time.
With a fast boot speed and a 14-inch screen, you can guarantee that this one is up to the task of handling a power-sapping Ubuntu system – introducing Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Ultrabook.
The screen resolution is top-of-the-range, with a picture that can run at 2560 x 1440, which makes it perfect for professional photo and video editing, where picture quality is crucial.
If you have opted for an Ubuntu system, the chances are you value performance over brand loyalty, so you’ll be pleased to know that with its 16GB RAM and an impressive 512 GB of SSD storage space, you’ll be able to complete numerous tasks simultaneously.
This is certainly a machine for hardcore gamers too!
If you do value the privacy that your Ubuntu system affords, then the security features on this laptop will appeal to you. It has facial recognition in the camera, which means that you won’t have to worry about any unwanted visitors accessing your laptop while you’re not around.
If you’ll be using your Ubuntu-booted laptop for work, then maybe you’ll be looking for a much lighter unit to avoid repetitive strain injury when carrying it around in your shoulder bag.
This model weighs only 2.49 pounds, so you can lug it to and from the office or your outdoor workspace with ease.
It also comes with a plethora of connectivity options: two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports and two USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 ports. It also comes with Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, ethernet connection, nano-SIM card slots and a microSD card reader.
This is a great machine if you’re thinking of doing a high volume of data transfer.
2. Dell XPS 13 9360 Ultrabook Laptop
Next, we have a slightly more expensive model, but one that comes packed full of software-enhancing features that can easily handle the Ubuntu operating system.
Running on an Intel Quad-Core i7-8550U 1.80 processor and a maximum speed of 3.9 GHz, this machine is purpose-built for multiple applications – introducing Dell XPS 13 9360 Ultrabook Laptop.
The touch screen infinity-edge 4K 3.3-inch screen display means that the picture quality of this model is unparalleled. Again, this is another machine that is great for image processing or high definition video editing software that tends to consume a lot of RAM.
Speaking of RAM, this laptop certainly has the storage power to back up its hefty processing capabilities, with both 16 GB DDR3 RAM and 512 GB SSD storage capacity.
You can easily replace the preinstalled Windows system with your Ubuntu OS, comfortably handling any extra RAM that it might eat up – although Ubuntu consumes much less CPU power than a Windows OS.
The weight of the laptop is just over 2-pounds, so this unit is extremely portable, especially important if you’re transferring data from one side of the office to another.
With this added processing and storage capability, you’ll want a battery life to match, and this machine certainly delivers, keeping powered on for up to 8 hours on one single charge.
It also has very heightened connectivity – with 3 USB 2.0 ports, a card reader and a headphone jack, data transfer will be a cinch with this machine.
The backlit keyboard and anti-reflective screen make this a laptop that operates very effectively in darkness or the outdoors.
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- 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U Processor Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.0 GHz)
- 13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) infinityedge non-touch Display
- 16GB LPDDR3 1866MHz, 512GB Solid State Drive
- Intel HD Graphics
3. Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
The next laptop is one that certainly lives up to its beastly namesake, a powerful creature that can easily handle the Ubuntu operating system, as well as numerous other applications and software.
The Intel Core i7 processor is one of the latest versions available and is backed up by 16GB DDR4 RAM, delivering the best in power and space – introducing the Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop.
The screen is amongst the largest of the models on our list, with a generous 15.6-inch full HD screen that will make sure all your videos and pictures play crystal clear.
It also has an LED-Backlit IPS display and a backlit keyboard that makes it an ideal choice for gamers who take their playing very seriously.
The storage and processor capabilities are also second-to-none, with a solid-state drive that will give you the ultimate in quick processing, your applications and programs opening and operating completely lag-free.
This is a great feature if you’re going to run numerous programs at a time. The 256 SSD can easily run an Ubuntu OS.
If it’s gaming you’re looking to use your laptop for, then you’ll definitely make the most of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card with its 6 GB GDDR5 memory, providing you with smooth shadow and light rendering and a high pixel count.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor (Up to 5.0 GHz) with Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
- Overclockable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM
- 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS display (144Hz Refresh Rate, 3ms Overdrive Response Time, 300nit Brightness & 72% NTSC)
- 16 GB DDR4 2933MHz Dual-Channel Memory, 512GB NVMe SSD (2 x M.2 slots; 1 slot open for easy upgrades) & 1 - Available Hard Drive Bay
4. ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 2-In-1 Laptop
Next, we have an ingeniously designed laptop that is one of the best for running Ubuntu and other Linux-based operating systems.
It comes equipped with an Intel Core M processor that runs at a maximum speed of 3.1 GHz, you’ll notice the sheer speed at which your programs are opening and closing, with a touch screen 12.5-inch monitor that maximum usability – introducing the ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 2-in-1 Laptop.
The 8GB of RAM storage will ensure that your system will remain stable as you install your Ubuntu operating system. This laptop won’t crash or freeze, the additional storage capacity of 64 GB will be able to easily cope with the added workload.
The design of the laptop is also very unique, coming in a flipbook 360-degree hinge that you can use as a reverse screen or a table-style device.
The look of this thing is very sleek and stylish, with a lightweight frame that makes it very portable, with over 10 hours of battery life that allows you to work all day.
The connectivity of this model is also very impressive, with Bluetooth 4.2 ports and USB 3.1 units and a Micro SD card reader. It also has a backlit keyboard that makes it easy to use in darker conditions, which is ideal if you’re a gamer that plays until the early hours.
- The flexible 360 Degree hinge and 12.5" full HD touchscreen lets you use the C302 in tablet or laptop mode
- Intel Core Processor with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM for fast and efficient performance with a bright back-lit illuminated keyboard
- Extremely lightweight at 2.65 pounds with the protection of a sleek aluminum metal body.
- Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and a 12-month Google One trial that gives you additional storage across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos
- With the Google Play Store, you can access a rich library of apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines, and more, all from your Chromebook
5. HP Chromebook 15.6-Inch Full HD Touchscreen
Our final laptop is probably one of the more affordable options on our list, so you can dodge the orthodoxy of the big operating systems and also save yourself a few dollars.
With its Intel Celeron N3060 dual-core processor, it can easily handle the more expansive Linux-based operating systems – introducing the HP Chromebook 15.6-inch Full HD Touchscreen.
But Linux users need not be concerned that the cheaper model will lack some of the premium features of the more expensive models, with the HP Chromebook still comes with a 15.6-inch HD touchscreen display. This will make it more amenable to senior users who might have trouble navigating a keyboard.
As for RAM and processor power, this model will certainly not let its users down, with 4 GB RAM and 16 GB storage space. This might be lower than some of the other laptops on this list, but it is still more than capable of handling the Ubuntu OS.
It is a great system for someone who only plans on using it for the most basic features such as emailing, photography or compiling spreadsheets.
The lower end performance also means that relatively little battery power will be used, giving you upwards of 12 hours of life, which is perfect if you want to work late into the night.
It also comes with great connectivity, with two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, HDMI cables and a headphone and microphone combination. This is an ideal model if you plan on doing a medium to high level of data transfer.
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- Intel Core i3-8130U (2.2 GHz base frequency, up to 3.4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 4 MB cache, 2 cores)
- 4 GB DDR4-2133 SDRAM (onboard); 128 GB eMMC
- 15.6" diagonal FHD IPS micro-edge WLED-backlit touch screen (1920 x 1080)
- 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C (5 Gb/s signaling rate, Power Delivery 3.0, HP Sleep and Charge); 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (HP Sleep and Charge)
Best Laptops for Ubuntu Buyer’s Guide
To your average PC user, an Ubuntu or Linux-based OS might sound slightly alien and not be worth the transition from the tried-and-tested brands like Microsoft and Apple.
But if you are inclined to detach yourself from the dominance of these two brands and have a system that is more tailored to your needs, improving functionality and security, then you’ll certainly want to consider Linux and Ubuntu.
However, Ubuntu is not adaptable for every piece of hardware available and additional drivers might have to be purchased to prevent compatibility issues.
But what features should a Linux-adapted laptop have to avoid further complications down the line?
Make Sure That Your Laptop Has Your Desired Specs
When it comes to hardware, Linux is relatively flexible, so you can find the ideal models with the specifications you need to run your high-end games or video/photo editing software.
Consider what you’re going to be using your laptop for on a day-to-day basis. If it’s a work machine, you might not need as much processing power as a gaming unit.
Remember these important phrases when it comes to specifications: RAM, CPU speed, hard drive space, GPU (graphics card).
What Are Your Laptop’s Additional Features?
Laptops have a lot of great additional features and, again, you’ll need to consider what you’ll be mainly using your laptop for and how frequently.
Touch screens increase the functionality of both laptops, with finger and facial recognition for increased security and privacy.
LED-backlit screens and keyboard increases the visibility of your laptop, which will be useful when operating in low lighting or if you are sight-impaired.
Ubuntu does support touch screen functions, but you must always check if your OS supports additional features without having to install additional drivers.
Is Your Ubuntu Compatible With Your Laptop?
There will often be a list of laptops that your Ubuntu OS is compatible with, so check your desired purchase against this list.
If you buy a laptop that is not compatible, you might find yourself spending more time and money on workarounds.
The open-sourced nature of Linux operating systems will make finding the perfectly compatible laptop relatively easy, with plenty of forums that are dedicated to helping out newer users.
You can gather a wealth of information from many users way before you make that all-important purchase.
What Is Your Budget?
When it comes to buying a laptop that can cope with a Linux OS, you won’t have to completely break the bank, there are plenty of lower-spec models that will run smoothly and glitch-free.
Linux and Ubuntu are famously low-running and light, not sapping huge amounts of your laptop’s CPU power. In fact, Linux tends to cope relatively well with hardware that Windows and Apple would struggle with.
Does Your Laptop Have Windows Preinstalled?
If you’ve ever bought a laptop before, the chances are you’ll be aware that most of them come pre-installed with a Windows OS.
Linux systems are fairly easily to install and replace these existing OSs, however, you might find yourself paying more for a laptop that uses the licensing of a Microsoft operating system.
But there is a third way in which you can keep your Windows and Linux systems operating simultaneously, simply by partitioning the portion of the hard drive and dedicating it to Linux. You can switch between the two operating systems on boot up as and when you need to.
You can also purchase a Linux-ready laptop, which already has the operating system install. This removes all the added headaches of having to install a brand new OS, as it has already been done for you.
All you need to do is press the power button, and it’ll install all by itself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible To Upgrade My Existing Laptop With Ubuntu?
Yes, you should be able to upgrade your existing machine with Ubuntu, although you might have to check to see if it’s on the list of compatible models, or consult the Linux community forums first.
For a tutorial on how to install Ubuntu on your laptop, watch this video:
Is Ubunto A Difficult OS To Learn?
Ubuntu comes with a fairly traditional-style desktop setup with a taskbar and icons you can click on to access certain programs, so if you are familiar with Windows or Apple, the chances are you’ll be able to navigate your way around this OS.
Ubuntu has been designed specifically to aid the transition from Windows to its unique OS. They want to gain more users as possible, so it is within their interests to create a desktop that looks familiar to as many people as possible.
Will My Video Or Gaming Software Be Compatible With Ubuntu?
Again, in much the same way as laptop models themselves, you’ll have to check with the software manufacturer to see if that particular program is compatible with Ubuntu, as not all programs are.
A few software developers have realized the growing popularity of Linux and have developed Linux versions of their applications to capitalize on the growing market.
A lot of game developers are doing the same and you’ll often find that the biggest games available on platforms like Steam are also Linux-compatible.