Fast Breakdown: What are your requirements for your Linux-based devices. A freshly conducted analysis of Linux notebooks sheds light on various aspects like pricing, compatibility issues, GPU, notebook brand, etc. that individuals consider before purchasing a Linux notebook. It emerged that some users are ready to spend more for adequate support.
It’s currently 2017, and the acceptance of Linux-powered devices has increased significantly compared to a few years ago. This growth is likely due to enhancements in hardware compatibility and the interest displayed by significant players in the industry to move away from the Windows-centric approach. However, there is still a long journey ahead; Linux computers still encounter challenges and are yet to rival the dominance of Windows.
A survey on Linux Notebooks was carried out by Phoronix, welcoming individuals to respond to a series of queries regarding their priorities while purchasing a notebook or if it matters whether their device comes pre-installed with a specific Linux distribution. This survey accumulated over 30,000 responses within a two-week timeframe, which can be seen as a substantial data pool to draw conclusions about the general preferences of users.
Further Reading: Can Raspberry Pi Linux Replace Your MacBook Pro?
What insights does the Linux user study offer?
Key Factors Considered by Linux Users when Buying a new Notebook
During the purchase of a new notebook, the utmost priority for most users was the construction quality (30.7%), followed by Performance (25.2%), and so forth.
Evidently, a visually appealing notebook crafted from premium materials is more enticing than one packed with top-notch components under the hood. This is because a majority of computer users engage in routine activities daily and might not require a powerhouse solely for browsing the web, which constitutes the primary task for most individuals (82.5%).
Typical Activities Linux Users Engage in on their Linux Notebooks
Web browsing takes the lead, followed by office tasks (47.7%), software development (73.1%), etc. Notably, Gaming remains on the fringes of the activities of most Linux users, peaking at (21.1%).
Is Linux pre-installed on the notebook?
Regarding whether their latest notebook came pre-loaded with Linux, the response from nearly 90% of the respondents was negative. This indicates that PC manufacturers still exhibit a strong affinity towards Windows. However, there have been instances of machines like Dell XPS and Inspiron running Linux out of the box. Greater involvement from notable hardware vendors would undoubtedly propel Linux-powered devices to a position deserving in the market.
Do Linux users frequently opt for dual-boot setups on their notebooks?
Experimenting with dual-boot systems is something many of us have likely tried at least once. While setting up virtual machines might be more straightforward, attaining the same level of performance as on a bare-metal setup can be a challenge.
According to the survey findings, a majority of Linux users (62.2%) opt not to engage in dual-boot configurations. This reluctance could be attributed to the potential complications. Conversely, 29.3% of Linux users prefer dual-booting with Windows compared to other operating systems.
Which is the most popular Linux distribution?
Leading the pack is Ubuntu, often considered the face of Linux-based operating systems due to it being the first choice for many individuals transitioning to Linux. While acknowledging the excellent alternatives available, Ubuntu secures the top spot in this survey, with 38.9% of respondents favoring it. Arch Linux clinches the second spot (27.1%), followed by Debian (15.3%) and Fedora (14.8%) respectively.
Preferred Notebook Manufacturer by Linux Users
Apologies, Dell, while Linus Torvalds may appreciate your XPS Developer edition, the brand favored by Linux users for notebooks is Lenovo (39.6%). The second spot goes to Dell (27.8%), with Asus (16%) securing the third position. System76 (2.1%), which exclusively focuses on Linux notebooks, finds itself lower down the list.
Preferred Screen Size and GPU Choice
It comes as no surprise that 15.6-inch notebooks are the top choice. Their ideal size, not too large or too small, makes them the optimum screen size for everyday use. With a 30.3% share in the survey, it seems that the adoption of 12-inch and 13-inch notebooks is also witnessing an increase.
Regarding GPUs, the majority of Linux users prefer integrated Intel chips. This likely stems from the driver compatibility provided for Linux-based systems. In terms of graphics chips, 64.1% of users lean towards Intel, followed by Nvidia (26.3%). The preference for dual graphics configurations holds minimal importance for most Linux users.
The most excruciating aspect of Linux laptops?
Clearly, the vexing issue for Linux users lies in the incompatible display hardware, along with the bothersome proprietary drivers. Sometimes even the WiFi hardware falters. Furthermore, touchpad problems persist, an area that is often neglected, alongside the UEFI firmware which obstructs users from parting ways with Windows.
What would be an appropriate cost for Linux laptops?
A majority of users (39.9%) believe that a Linux device should be priced at less than $800, while a significant number could also invest in a laptop valued at $1600 or even higher.
Moreover, over half, which is 55% of the respondents, prefer their Linux device to have a lower price than its Windows equivalent, while approximately 30% are willing to purchase at the same cost. Some individuals are prepared to pay more than the Windows pricing provided they receive adequate Linux assistance and compatibility.
View the original survey at Phoronix.
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