Recent searches
Search options
Summarizing laptop options to replace my X201:
- NovaCustom NV41 https://configurelaptop.eu/nv41-series/
- Starlabs Starlite https://se.starlabs.systems/pages/starlite
- Starlabs Starbook https://se.starlabs.systems/pages/starbook-specification
- Pinebook Pro https://www.pine64.org/pinebook-pro/ - but unclear shipping status
Are there any Chromebooks that are marketed for non-ChromeOS usage? I like that the above products are built for FOSS people. Maybe that by itself should be one of my requirements. If so, this rules out Lenovo from my options.
We have a winner! I just ordered a NV41. Both Pinebook Pro and Starlabs Starlite seems fine, but since I don't need a cheap or ultra-lightweight option, the NV41 or Starbook felt like better choices. I may need a travel laptop, and will consider the Pinebook Pro and Starlite for that in the future. So the choice really came down to NV41 vs Starbook. Both have dasharo coreboot, libre EC, same 1260P with disabled ME, issues with CPU microcode and non-free WiFi (but can be replaced). 1/2
The Starbook doesn't ship until next year, and didn't seem to offer anything the NV41 didn't also have. The Starbook lacks certain things that the NV41 has: RJ45, a well-written service manual, custom logo, longer warranty and spare parts availability, NovaCustom seems to have better Dasharo documentation. And it ships from a EU country rather than UK, which may give me better customer protection. I dislike Intel ME, non-free Wifi and that non-free CPU microcode may be needed though. 2/2
@jas Not sure what kind of workloads you're planning to run, but the PineBook Pro seems to be the oddball in your list. It's (a lot) cheaper, but also seriously underpowered compared to other options – maybe even to your old X201. Most driver issues are ironed out by now, but it might still cause (software) issues being an arm-based device. Also RAM is limited to just 4 GB. I got one 2y+ ago and it's a nice device to tinker with. But it's just not suited for work in many ways.
@data0 Agreed, primarily the 4GB is limiting.
My workload is emacs, firefox, gnome/evolution, compiling software and some podman/qemu for testing. My X201 with i7-620M, 6GB and a Samsung 980 Pro SSD is usable enough for me.
Once the Pinebook is in stock, I'll likely order one to play with it, but I doubt it would work as a daily worker.
The Starlabs Starlite is similarly low-end both performance and price-wise.
@jas Thanks for this thread. I am about to order a laptop for a new hire and wasn't aware of NovaCustom. I don't personally care too much about the freedom aspect, but more about the high end + Linux combo, and such laptops are hard to find. Their PD50 looks like an option for us.