I’ve noticed in the Linux community whenever someone asks for a recommendation on a laptop that runs Linux the answer is always “Get a Thinkpad” yet Lenovo doesn’t seem to be a big Linux contributor or ally. There’s also at least six Linux/FOSS-oriented computer manufacturers now:
So what gives? Why the love for a primarily Windows-oriented laptop when there are better alternatives?
I, for one, haven’t had to look at laptop manufacturers for nearly a decade because my Thinkpad is still running Linux without a problem.
Aside from political reasons (which are valid!), what makes those manufacturers worth choosing over a Thinkpad?
Fingerprint reader support. Every fingerprint reader I owned didn’t work on Linux. Every laptop I owned with a fingerprint reader never worked on Linux. It’s almost a law of the universe: If it’s not made for Linux people, the fingerprint reader won’t work on Linux.
Thinkpad T480s fingerprint reader working here…
Works fine on my P52s. Required installing the drivers but no issues after that.
Good point. It was quite the adventure trying to find drivers for my T470’s fingerprint reader. It’s been working great ever since, but it was a long road.