Best laptop for Ubuntu

Ubuntu (Latest Stable Version : Ubuntu 11.04 (Maverick Meerkat), upcoming version – 11.10 (Natty Narwhal) – set to release on Oct 13, 2011) is now dominating the market share of Linux desktop (or would dominate the total desktop share in few upcoming years). So the numbers of laptop users running Ubuntu (or other flavors of GNU/Linux) has also increased but it’s still not in the resonance with the growth of Ubuntu, probably due to hardware compatibility problems.

Therefore in this post some of the best laptops are described – which is known for good compatibility with Ubuntu, although any (laptop) model, from a recognizable brand such as Dell, ThinkPad, ASUS, Acer, HP, Lenovo etc, released in past few years, are capable of running Ubuntu smoothly. Anyway – if you’re willing to run Ubuntu on a new laptop – then better choose any of these.

What is the best laptop for using/running Ubuntu ?

1. Dell XPS 15

Dell XPS 15 series Laptops are well suitable for Running Ubuntu 11.10 or other versions (if you want to enjoy 3d effects in ubuntu then better choose one with dedicated graphics memory, in later versions of Ubuntu – Gnome 3 and Unity both needs better graphics performance otherwise you will be running in fallback mode). Ubuntu works smoothly without any problems and so you’re good to go with any Dell XPS 15 series laptop. Therefore if you’re going to purchase a laptop for running Ubuntu (version 10.04 LTS/11.04/11.10 ..) then you are recommended to choose any of these to ensure better compatibility, Although it’s a different fact that most of the dell laptop(new version) works well with Ubuntu. Here is a laptop from this series – with latest processor (Intel Core i7) and overall configuration is pretty good! so it would be suitable for most of the needs.

Dell XPS 15 X15L-1024ELS  @ $949

Technical Specifications : 

• Intel Core i7-2630QM
• 6GB, DDR3, 1333MHz
• 15.6″ HD WLED (1366×768) display
• 640GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
• 6 cell Lithium Ion Battery (56 WHr)
• Built in  2.0 MP Webcam, HDMI Port (click on Image to know more)

Buy Dell XPS 15 X51L-1024ELS from Amazon (Price : $949)

Or Check out the newer model of that Laptop here.

Update! Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition may be a better choice for you. Check out this one.

2. Lenovo X201

Lenovo has always been a good laptop brand for Ubuntu – because most of the Linux based distributions works great on Lenovo without much hassle. Lenovo x201 series laptops are also good for running Ubuntu.

Lenovo ThinkPad X201i 3249MDU 12.1-Inch @ $1099

Technical Specifications :

• Intel Core i3-370M 2.40 GHz Processor
• 2GB PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 RAM
• 160 GB Hard Drive (Serial ATA)
• Li-on Battery (6.7 Hours)
• 3MB L3 Cache

Buy Lenovo ThinkPad X201i 3249MDU from Amazon (Price : $1099)

Update! Also check out ThinkPad X230.

How is your experience with Laptop, running Ubuntu or any Linux distribution ? Consider sharing it (comment below).

Possibly relevant : Gaming Laptops in India

Update – You should also check out System 76 Laptops built specifically for running Ubuntu. Also check out this discussion thread on Hacker News.