cross-posted from: https://lemmings.world/post/17468408
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.
AMD for sure. Especially Zen5 is amazing.
But does the new Ryzen AI 9 300 series work well with Linux? I have checked linux-hardware.org for a laptop that I was interested in.
Yoga Pro 7 Gen 9 (14, AMD):
Do you recommend this Yoga Pro 7 Gen 9 (14, AMD) laptop? Or should I go with Lenovo ThinkPad P14s (AMD) Gen 5 (with Ryzen 7 PRO 8840HS). Both are around the same cost and Yoga has better screen, new gen processor but this Thinkpad has better Linux support and arguably better build quality (I haven’t owned a Thinkpad, so I cannot vouch).
In general AMD support on Linux is great. I would choose the Yoga laptop and if drivers somehow end up not working return them. But trackpad and other drivers are usually not related to the CPU but whatever manufacturer made them.