HN Explorer

Ask HN: MacBook Air alternative for running GNU/Linux

13 points by chatman ↗ HN
Is there a lightweight laptop like MBA that is suitable for running GNU/Linux and gives 12+ hours battery with 11/13 inch display?

14 comments

[ 5.1 ms ] story [ 45.1 ms ] thread
mattl
I hear good things about the X1 Carbon. Acer also made a machine that was very MBA like, and ran GNU/Linux well.
nashe
The X1 is just $800 more expensive.
jasonabate
I've been using an X1 Carbon as my primary machine for the past ten months, and have been very happy with it. Has the typical Thinkpad construction quality, and is amazingly light - can't imagine carrying around my old T60 any longer. Ubuntu LTS installs and runs great, pretty much everything worked as expected out of the box. My only complaint is that the USB docking station, which supports multiple external displays and means fewer cables to plug/unplug, doesn't work with Linux (or at least didn't the last time I tried).
javis
Do you think the MPA is unsuitable for running GNU/Linux? Or are you just looking for a cheaper alternative?
eadz
I run linux on my MBA 11". It works great. I don't think I get quite the battery life I'd get with OSX but apart from that everything works out of the box. Ubuntu has a Mac iso especially for Apple machines.
CyberFonic
I was experiencing much worse battery times on a MBP which is why I'm reluctant to get a MBA, yet it is such an appealing notebook.
vezzy-fnord
I recall the FSF recommending ThinkPenguin's GNU/Linux laptops specifically as an alternative to the MacBook Pro.

I'm not entirely sure about the MacBook Air, but you can try looking into the Dell XPS series.

NhanH
I'd recommend the dell XPS 13 developer edition (it comes with ubuntu). I'm not sure about the battery, but the form factor is pretty close to the MBA.
beggerss
Agreed, I have it and it's a great laptop. The battery is pretty solid--I usually get ~5 hours out of a full charge
frigg
I'd recommend the sony vaio pro.
elheffe80
Honestly, is there a viable alternative that is cost equivalent?
CyberFonic
Seems to me that most alternatives have far shorter battery times than the MBA, even those that cost more. Could somebody who uses Linux (Ubuntu pref) post their actual battery times? I haven't found any notebook that will run for more than 3 hours that is lighter than the MBA.