I currently have a low end Windows gaming laptop that I was planning to upgrade to Linux before Win10 goes end of life, but my HDMI port stopped working, so now I’m debating buying a new Linux laptop instead. Can anyone provide any recommendations?

I would prefer to have something preloaded with linux. On my current laptop I don’t play anything too demanding because it can’t handle it, instead I either stream more demanding games from my desktop or Xbox. I would likely run a VM with Windows because I need to use MS Office for school and I assume I could use that for streaming Xbox games as well.

I would prefer something that can handle a moderate game load without going nuts on fan noise. I would like to have a decent amount of storage (at least 1-2 TB), so either preloaded with that or easily upgradeable would be important.

I’m still figuring out my budget, it depends on what happens with work this summer. I will either be looking for something below $1k or possibly up to $2k if it seems worthwhile. I haven’t really used Linux very much before and not at all in the last 10 years. Any ideas?

  • helenslunch@feddit.nl
    131·
    6 months ago

    I’m gonna recommend Framework to everyone because not only are they built with Linux in mind, but they’re also built with repairability/upgradability in mind. Unfortunately I don’t believe these come pre-loaded with Linux, but honestly, if you’re comfortable using Linux, installing it will be the easiest part.

    • narc0tic_bird@lemm.ee
      15·
      6 months ago

      You can at least buy them without Windows preinstalled so you’re not paying for a Windows license you’re not going to use anyway. They also just launched a “Linux” keyboard that has a Super key instead of a Windows key.

      • sevan@lemmy.worldOP
        5·
        6 months ago

        Lol, it’s a small thing, but I definitely wouldn’t mind having a different key for a non-Windows machine.

    • sevan@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      6 months ago

      I’m okay with blank hardware, I’ve done all my desktop builds for more than 25 years (and recently did the SSD upgrade on a SteamDeck). I just never new there was anything similar available on the laptop market. My concern was more with paying for a Windows license or having hardware that was a subpar choice for linux drivers. I will definitely be learning more!