• 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
    0·
    16 days 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.
    • Cyberwolf@feddit.org
      0·
      16 days 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.

      • Nils@piefed.caEnglish
        0·
        16 days 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.

  • Hyacin (He/Him)@lemmy.mlEnglish
    0·
    15 days ago

    I’m loving the new Snapdragon laptops, especially if you don’t have any heavy (read: gaming) workloads!

  • LeFantome@programming.dev
    0·
    16 days ago

    People are going to say Thinkpad but I am going to say 2013 to 2017 MacBook Air. Inexpensive. Light. Good looking. A joy to use. Faster than you think. And well supported under Linux (I use EndeavourOS on them myself).

    • d00phy@lemmy.world
      0·
      16 days ago

      This was my immediate thought. An M1 Mac laptop is still a very useable laptop, and the battery life on them is fantastic.

      • LeFantome@programming.dev
        0·
        15 days ago

        M1 works decently with Linux these days but anything newer than that barely works.

        I was thinking Intel era given the price-point.

  • 404@lemmy.zipEnglish
    0·
    16 days ago

    Refurbished Thinkpad. The answer is always refurbished Thinkpad.

    • br3d@lemmy.world
      0·
      16 days ago

      Yep. I’m using a used ThinkPad X1 Carbon. 8 years old and running Linux like a dream

      • catty@lemmy.worldOP
        0·
        16 days ago

        what are they like for duability - e.g. knocks from being put in and pulled out of a rucksack

        • Fecundpossum@lemmy.worldEnglish
          0·
          16 days ago

          Some of the best you can get in terms of durability. You might pay for it a little in weight and thickness though compared to some ultra thin models.