• I’ll buy used, so don’t want latest and greatest. It won’t be my main laptop.
  • to run linux obviously.
  • good battery life, light, not too small to use, but large enough to type on (obviously can do without numeric keypad). not too fragile!
  • I’ll be doing some light python work, perhaps some c/c++ but I’m not after a workhorse, just something for quickly fixing bugs, or making notes on
  • sub 200 GBP / 250USD I guess

I’d be interested in hearing recommendations, and also what to avoid!

  • just_another_person@lemmy.world
    231·
    1 day ago

    Instead of just throwing random preferences out there, I’ll help clarify the field of comments:

    1. Thinkpads USED to be a safe choice, but Lenovo has been tainting that model line for a few years. Search and find specific models, and don’t just buy because it has the Thinkpad brand.
    2. Framework is 100% ready to go. They have a Refurb store where everything is cheap, but if you find one cheaper, get it.
    3. Dell had a ton of Linux ready laptops under the XPS brand not long ago. Search and find out which to make sure, but they shipped with Linux installed.
    4. I hate to say it, but HP Probooks were solid and shipped with Linux also. Terrible company, but they make decent enterprise products. They’ll sell for cheap on eBay.
    • markstos@lemmy.world
      1·
      5 hours ago

      I have had more problems with two different Frameworks than most Thinkpads. Battery died, boot/power problems on both the 13 and 16, touchpad problem on the 13.

      I prefer the concept of the Frameworks but can’t say they have worked better in practice.

      • Nils@piefed.caEnglish
        9·
        20 hours ago

        No, I don’t think I ever seem one for under 700 USD, despite some “news” saying you could find at 500 USD.

        Every time people ask for cheap computers, there is always people sharing their preferences without any regard for OP’s listed needs.

    • d00phy@lemmy.world
      41·
      21 hours ago

      Thinkpad T, P, W, & X (Carbon) are generally pretty solid, though T & X probably better fit OP’s preference for portability. The T series is/was also user upgradable (memory and SSD), usually pretty easily. I think some of the carbon models were also upgradable, but can’t remember. Cruicial’s website is very helpful with this. If the laptop has “Idea” or “Yoga” in the name, it’s more than likely trash. There were some “higher end” Yoga models, but AFAIR none were upgradable.

    • Cyberwolf@feddit.org
      33·
      13 hours ago

      Framework is a US company and nobody wants to pay a premium to advance fascism thank you very much.

      Thinkpads are a safe choice. I have the same use case as OP and i use one. Battery last 7-8h of light use, plenty for a plugless day’s work.

    • carzian@lemmy.ml
      21·
      23 hours ago

      Great advice. Framework is the best choice if you can afford it. Seconded your opinions on Lenovo. They’re absolute trash now.