Windal mentioned in the last TEK(0211) that he thought the new XPS 13 was the perfect Linux laptop. I’m currently running a 13" Macbook Pro and looking to make a full switch to Linux and am trying to decide whether to get the 13 or 15. the size isn’t that big of a deal for me either way, it’s more about compatibility and value.
My end goal is red teaming/network security and just started doing some c++ coding…most everything else I do would be classified as general computing.
Well I bought the xps 13 de when it came out last spring, besides some early hiccups the thing is a joy. It does have a different wireless card for compatibility issues. But maybe new kernels fixed that. I really wish my work gave me that new xps 15 instead of the complete garbage dell latitude I have!
Currently running the new XPS 13 9350. I've heard linux compatibility is very spotty since it's using extremely new hardware(skylake, Intel HD 520). I'm a windows user mainly though, although my school makes me run virtualbox for lubuntu and it works well enough.
That said, aside from a couple of common QC issues(light coil whine, some loose keyboards, etc), it's an amazing ultra portable. Very small, very quiet, and pretty fast. Just make sure you get a good unit.
I have the xps 15 (work laptop).
it gets a little toasty sometimes but other than that its awesome
I totally support full linux conversion. But Quick question why not just install refind and dual boot Linux ?. It would be cheaper. I can say from personall experience workx really well. I have Retina Macbook pro 15inch the only things that don't work are the hot-swap thunderbolt and sd card reader. Other than that it fine.
My Opinion is if you are think about spending alot of time in front of a screen "Go Large" as long as it has better res that is.
good luck
My current macbook pro is a late 2011 (so first gen retina). I have it dual booted into Linux but the thing that bugs me the most is the lack of a right click....its just annoying.
OK,
I totally get that. Mine is 1st gen Retina too. But I use kde and it is super ezy to sort out mutli touch settings. But I haven't surmounted the "right click" problem. Always pressing ctrl.
Microcenter has the xps 15 with the full i7 a TB of PCIe (and yes, it is a full tb) a 4K screen, AND the 960m for $1650.
Its a god damn steal.
This is an old and dead thread, but I thought would post for others searching I'm crurently running Arch on a Dell XPS 15 9550 (2016) with a 4k screen and I love it. It's been a fairly problem free experiance.
as an update to this thread
my xps15 work machine died 2 weeks outside of warranty with a £900 motherboard repair bill...
needless to say my workplace said heck no and I am now back on a bog standard laptop :(
they let you keep the broken one? or maybe purchase it from them?