[kwlug-disc] laptops with Linux preinstalled

[Ron Singh]

Some interesting feedback on 2 Linux laptops from a Jason Evangelo of
Forbes, a 5-min listen --

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RizvGLIVGQQ

Note his comments on the quality of the IPS display of the System76.

These are gorgeous systems, but the lack of a trackpoint is a dealbreaker
for me.

A good channel he has, worth the sub.

Thanks,

Ron S.



On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 10:50 AM Chris Irwin <chris at chrisirwin.ca> wrote:

> On Thu, Jun 04, 2020 at 12:34:57PM -0400, Doug Moen wrote:
> >
> >Nowadays, there are many options for buying laptops with Linux
> >preinstalled and officially supported by the laptop manufacturer.
>
> Another option is Purism.
>
> https://puri.sm/
>
> Their laptops are *slightly* aged (seventh-generation Intel vs 10th is
> just coming out), but they went through considerable effort to create an
> attractive product. They tried to ensure every piece of hardware
> respects user freedom.
>
> * Physical hardware kill switch for webcam + Mic (not just a shutter)
> * Physical hardware kill switch for Wireless (Wifi + Bluetooth)
> * Coreboot, so no big/closed BIOS or UEFI code
> * Lobotomized Intel's IME
>
> That said, their products do include a significant price premium for all
> those benefits.
>
> They have a USB token that helps you verify your laptop hasn't been
> tampered with at boot time:
>
>
> I believe they'll sell you a pre-encrypted laptop, and ship the
> encryption keys/tokens to a different address using a different shipping
> method, use tamper-evident tape on packaging, put glitter nail polish on
> all screws, and send you PGP-encrypted photos of everything before it
> ships to help detect package interdiction/tampering... So if you're
> extremely paranoid about getting a trusted device, I'm not sure there is
> any other option :)
>
> Personally, I'm using an used T460 I picked up off kijiji. I've got
> years of muscle memory using a trackpoint, and my threat model skews
> more toward "stolen laptop" vs "black helicopters out to get me".
>
> That said, Purism are also working on a phone, which is also very
> interesting.
>
> --
> Chris Irwin
>
> email:   chris at chrisirwin.ca
>   xmpp:   chris at chrisirwin.ca
>    web: https://chrisirwin.ca
>
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