Ubuntu laptop compatibility with hardware is a common issue but Ubuntu pre installed laptops alleviate some of problems. Hardware support on Ubuntu has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. Wireless cards are usually a problem as sometimes only a proprietary driver is available with no free alternative. Couple of years back we published a list of best Ubuntu compatible laptops. The focus on that post was to find out what existing laptops that do not come with Ubuntu pre-installed are compatible for Ubuntu installation after purchase. Here, rather than trying to find what hardware works and what doesn't, I have compiled a range of Ubuntu pre installed laptops to take the guesswork out of choosing hardware. These laptops with Ubuntu pre-installed are guaranteed to work by the manufacturers who make them.
Dell was one of the first manufacturers to offer Ubuntu pre installed laptops a few years ago. This laptop is based on the popular XPS platform and is actually advertised on the official Ubuntu website. The main focus point of this laptop is it's full high-definition display offering the full 1080p resolution. Smart design is the first thing that grabs my attention with a great looking screen packed into a small form factor and only weighing in at 1.36kg. Dell computers may not be everyone's first choice when buying a new laptop, but my personal experience with them has been great with my Dell machines still running perfectly after a number of years. Technical Specifications:
3rd Gen Intel® Core i7 processor
Intel HD 4000 Graphics
Full HD 1080p display
8GB dual channel DDR3L 1600MHz on board system memory
256GB Solid State Drive
13.3” edge–to–edge display
Specifications of the laptop are excellent with a core i7 processor and a 256gb solid state drive, this should be a very nippy Ubuntu compatible laptop. The lack of disc drive may be a concern to some people but this is due to its thin design.
This is more of a mid-range laptop when being compared to the Dell XPS mentioned above, but it is still more than adequate for everyday computing. The addition of a disc drive and a decent size 750gb hard drive make this an ideal machine for music and movies. Battery life is a reasonable 3 hours which is okay for this type of laptop. Technical Specifications:
Intel Core i3 Processor
4GB DDR3 RAM
Intel 4000 HD Graphics
15.6" HD LED Screen
Ubuntu 12.04 64 Operating System
Overall this laptop is great for everyday computing especially with Ubuntu installed which includes all basic software. Connecting this laptop to your TV is easy using the built-in HDMI port, perfect if you use media software such as XBMC or Plex. [Read: How to install XBMC on Ubuntu?]
3. ZaReason Verix 545
Zareason Verix 545
An absolute powerhouse of a laptop, the Verix 545 is capable of running the latest games and any other intensive task you throw at it. ZaReason only makes Linux and Ubuntu pre installed laptops & desktops so hardware support is spot on. This is capable of rivaling high-end desktop performance all in a package weighing less than 7 lbs, with an impressive 3.5 hours of battery life. Technical Specifications:
Intel Core i3 Processor with the option of a Core i7
15.6" LED HD Display
HD Audio Speakers and Subwoofer
Nvidia GTX Graphics (3gb GTX 870 or 8gb GTX 880)
Up to 32gb of RAM
The updated version of the popular Verix line of laptops, this is one of the highest specification Ubuntu pre installed laptops you can buy currently and is definitely worth a look if you are a serious gamer. If portability is what you require then this may not be the laptop for you due to its slightly bulky size.
A great looking laptop available from System76 , the Gazelle features a soft finish which prevents the build up of finger prints and is comfortable to the touch. Boot time is literally a few seconds thanks to the Ubuntu Operating System and the powerful Core i7 Processor. Technical Specifications:
Intel Core i7 with 4 cores
750gb Hard Drive
8gb DDR3 1600mhz RAM
15.6" Full High Definition Display
Ubuntu Installed
In my opinion this is one of the best looking Ubuntu pre installed laptops available on the market today. System76 have a line of Ubuntu preinstalled laptops available in all price ranges but they are all good-looking and built to a very high standard.
The lowest spec of all laptops in the list, the Asus is ideal for someone who wants an everyday laptop at an affordable price. Over 7 hours of battery life is offered by this laptop making it an ideal companion for long train journeys or flights. Technical Specifications:
Intel Celeron Processor
10.1" display
2gb 1600mhz DDR3 RAM
Up to 7 hours battery life
320gb Hard Disk Drive
A great portable, lightweight laptop for anyone on the go. Includes three years of 32gb ASUS cloud storage to back up all of your files.
Conclusion
Ubuntu pre installed laptops have increased over the last few years and more choice is now offered to the consumer. Any of these five laptops will serve you depending on what you require, for portability then the Dell or Asus are the ones to go for. But for an absolute powerhouse look no further than the ZaReason Verix. I hope you have found my article, on the best Ubuntu pre installed laptops in 2014, useful and can now make a decision easier.
