Hey all - what’s your experience with refurb Lenovo laptops for Linux from companies/shops that specialize in this as a service? I’m looking at LinuxPusher.dk but am also curious about other EU-based shops. It seems like a good, affordable way to get a Linux machine if you’re a novice, like me (some experience with Ubuntu and Kubuntu about 10 years ago).
That’s helpful, thanks. I’m guessing they charge a premium because they provide a service. I’m not afraid to tinker a bit, but my interest in Linux is not tinkering - it’s to switch to a freer, more sustainable OS. So I’m curious about services that offer support.
For that reason I’ve also looked at Tuxedo computers, but I’m worried that I’m locking myself into another company’s OS again (from Microsoft/Apple to Tuxedo) rather than having the freedom to choose my own distro. But I guess with support comes a price: less freedom.
Right now I’m deeply locked into the Apple ecosystem. Apple makes wonderful hardware and apps, but it’s still a straitjacket, even if it’s a designer straitjacket. 😀
Well I think Tuxedo computers would work easily with any other distribution. It’s not based on anything factual but I guess we would have heard a lot of bad things about Tuxedo if they were acting like this.
From the little I know, they have some aditional stuff with Tuxedo OS, but they are also trying to get it added to the Linux kernel.
If course I would want to be corrected if I’m wrong as my knowledge is kind of limited.
Tuxedo OS as far as i know is an optional distro they give preinstalled. You can buy them with no OS and install one yourself via usb it takes like 15 mins. This is true of any laptop with an unlocked bootloader (something like a mac can be done but its harder.)
Excellent point - guess I was just applying proprietary thinking to what Tuxedo offers, but of course it’s a different kettle of fish.
If you buy a tuxedo you’ll have local European support, which is a massive plus. Tuxedo OS is totally optional and you can just install whatever you want on their laptops.
Personally, I find thinkpads way too expensive for what they offer. Nearly half the speccs for the same price as a tuxedo with 2 SSDs and 64GB RAM. For me its an easy choice.
Added bonus, Tuxedo makes their laptops to be Linux compatible, while Lenovo’s primary goal is Windows compatibility.
Nice to hear - and yeah, their focus on hardware for Linux is really appealing. Also, supporting a company that offers an alternative to the big players in the Windows market…