Recently, I purchased and began utilizing a Tuxedo Book BC1507, a Linux laptop computer pc. Ten years in the past, if somebody had instructed me that, by the tip of the last decade, I might purchase top-quality, “penguin-ready” laptops from corporations resembling System76, Slimbook, and Tuxedo, I in all probability would have laughed. Well, now I am laughing, however with pleasure!
Going past designing computer systems for free/libre open supply software program (FLOSS), all three corporations lately announced they’re attempting to remove proprietary BIOS software program by switching to Coreboot.
Buying it
Tuxedo Computers is a German firm that builds Linux-ready laptops. In reality, if you would like a distinct working system, it prices extra.
Buying the pc was extremely straightforward. Tuxedo provides many cost strategies: not solely bank cards but in addition PayPal and even financial institution transfers. Just fill out the financial institution switch kind on Tuxedo’s net web page, and the corporate will ship you the financial institution coordinates.
Tuxedo builds each pc on demand, and choosing precisely what you need is as straightforward as deciding on the essential mannequin and exploring the drop-down menus to pick completely different parts. There is loads of info on the web page to information you within the buy.
If you choose a distinct Linux distribution from the really helpful one, Tuxedo does a “net install,” so have a community cable prepared to complete the set up, or you’ll be able to burn your most popular picture onto a USB key. I used a DVD with the openSUSE Leap 15.1 installer via an exterior DVD reader as a substitute, however you get the concept.
The mannequin I selected accepts as much as two disks: one SSD and the opposite both an SSD or a standard laborious drive. As I used to be already over funds, I made a decision to choose a standard 1TB disk and improve the RAM to 16GB. The processor is an eighth Generation i5 with 4 cores. I chosen a back-lit Spanish keyboard, a 1920×1080/96dpi display screen, and an SD card reader—all in all, an ideal system.
If you are effective with the default English or German keyboard, you’ll be able to even ask for a penguin icon on the Meta key! I wanted a Spanish keyboard, which does not supply this feature.
Receiving and utilizing it
The completely packaged pc arrived in complete security to my door simply six working days after the cost was registered. After unpacking the pc and unlocking the battery, I used to be able to roll.
The pc’s design is very nice and feels strong. Even although the chassis on this mannequin is just not aluminum, it stays cool. The fan is de facto quiet, and the airflow goes to the again edge, to not the perimeters, as in lots of different laptops. The battery offers a number of hours of autonomy from outlet. An possibility within the BIOS referred to as FlexiCharger stops charging the battery after it reaches a sure share, so that you need not take away the battery if you work for a very long time whereas plugged in.
The keyboard is de facto snug and surprisingly quiet. Even the touchpad keys are quiet! Also, you’ll be able to simply modify the sunshine depth on the back-lit keyboard.
Finally, it is easy to entry each element within the laptop computer so the pc will be up to date or repaired with out issues. Tuxedo even sends spare screws!
Conclusion
After a month of heavy use, I am actually pleased with the system. I acquired precisely what I requested for, and every part works completely.
Because they’re often high-end programs, Linux-included computer systems are typically on the costly facet of the spectrum. If you examine the worth of a Tuxedo or Slimbook pc with one thing with related specs from a extra established model, the costs usually are not that completely different. If you might be after a robust system to make use of with free software program, do not hesitate to help these corporations: What they provide is definitely worth the worth.
Let’s us know within the feedback about your expertise with Tuxedo and different “penguin-friendly” corporations.
This article relies on “My new ‘penguin ready’ laptop: Tuxedo-Book-BC1507,” printed on Ricardo’s weblog, From Mind to Type.