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wwwgem

@wwwgem@lemmy.ml

A space biologist by training and a (Arch)Linux user by passion , https://www-gem.codeberg.page

This profile is from a federated server and may be incomplete. For a complete list of posts, browse on the original instance.

Asking for a Linux (or non-Windows) laptop during a job interview?

I'm interviewing for a software dev job currently (it's in the initial stages). If things work out, I'd absolutely prefer a work laptop with Linux installed (I personally use PopOS but any distro will do), a Mac will be second choice, but I absolutely cannot tolerate Windows, I abhor it, I hate it... (If all computers left on...

wwwgem ,
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If only asking the same thing for non-computer jobs would be accepted. I always have to use my personal laptop.

wwwgem OP ,
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How long have you been waiting? Was it during the pandemic (when everyone was using this as an excuse)? Do you know if it seems to be a current issue?

wwwgem OP ,
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The modularity, repairability, and price for specs are what attracts me compared to the other companies mentioned in this post.

wwwgem OP ,
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Thanks for the tip. I know a lot of people are going for Thinkpads and you're specific recommendation may seem interesting but I'd like to support other companies like the ones I bought from so far (Toshiba, Lenovo, Dell, Vaio, Acer, PB, Razer) and I'd also like to build my own laptop from the start.

wwwgem OP ,
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If that's something usual I'll definitely avoid Framework. When I order a laptop it's because I need a replacement very quickly for work.

wwwgem OP ,
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They're unfortunately harder to find in the wild than pokemons 😂
Have you experienced long delivery time as mentioned above?

wwwgem OP ,
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I didn't think about that. If the usual shipping delay is reasonable then I feel better.

wwwgem OP ,
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Thanks but I've already limited my choice to Framework, Starlab, Purism, and System76 as mentioned beside the title of this post.

wwwgem OP ,
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Great to hear! Going with AMD is something I've tried to do for a long time but I was not lucky with availability, I'll definitely take the opportunity to do so with the next laptop!

wwwgem OP ,
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Thanks. TBH Purism is currently at the bottom (out) of my list based on what I've read but I've put it here to collect any feedback that would change my mind.
A friend of mine has a not that good experience with Tuxedo hardware. But this is a sample 1 and I've read a lot of good stuff about them as well so...

wwwgem OP ,
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That's interesting... I was not aware of that. Another more element to add to my future decision ^^

wwwgem OP ,
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Any more details? ;)

wwwgem OP ,
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I've been disappointed by them and as you can tell I'm not the kind of person to be married with a brand :D I may go back to them one day if there's really one machine I want. Until then I'll stay away from them. Also I really would like to support a company with a better philosophy (from my POV).

wwwgem OP ,
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Right. I was more asking if the OP had any complaints, even minor. Or anything that makes framework standing out except the obvious unique aspects of repairability, extensibility, customization. I'm already clearly sold on that :D

wwwgem OP ,
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So far this is really what makes me leaning toward Framework. But you know, when something seems too good to be true... If Framework is as perfect as it seems to be I can't wait for the need of a new laptop :D

wwwgem OP ,
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Novacustom... Never heard of it. The almost insignificant disadvantage I can see so far for Framework is that they don't use open-source boot.
Everyone so far stand behind Framework. How would you sell me on System76 or Novacustom?

wwwgem OP ,
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Thanks for a nice feedback. One more vote for Framework ;)
I don't use a DE, so this would not make me go with them. Also, I'll use Arch anyway, not PopOS.

wwwgem OP ,
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That would be another terrible story about a great idea turning into BS for profit only. Fingers crossed that it won't happen.

wwwgem OP ,
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Thanks for the feedback.

wwwgem OP ,
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Can you expand on that?

wwwgem OP ,
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Yes, using coreboot would just have been nice to support open-source from all aspects.

wwwgem OP ,
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Very nice to read this feedback. I'm very sold to Framework after all the great things posted here. An impeccable customer support like the one you describe means a lot about a company.

wwwgem OP ,
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Thanks very much for this important feedback. Framework is definitely taking the lead in responses to this post.

wwwgem OP ,
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Wow that's quite impressive. Serious customer service definitely.

wwwgem OP ,
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I'm not yet in need for a laptop but I'll definitely check the outlet. With the replacement parts it can also be another advantage where you may be able to buy a laptop and replace what you need still for a good price.

wwwgem OP ,
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Any more details to share?

wwwgem OP ,
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I agree. Have you ever owned one?

wwwgem OP ,
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Framework also has an outlet, just in case you want to take a look ;)

wwwgem OP ,
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Thanks for the great details!

wwwgem OP ,
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Thanks for sharing this feedback. One more point for Framework :)

wwwgem OP ,
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Thank you for taking time to share this detailed feedback. Very useful!

wwwgem OP ,
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Wonderful to hear! Thanks for bringing one more vote to Framework :)

wwwgem OP ,
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Looks like Framework receives a ton of support. System76 has been surprisingly almost not mentioned and not always in the best terms.
Thanks for your feedback!

wwwgem OP ,
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Thanks. That does not not really address my question but I certainly share your view as to not be married to a brand. My personal history and this post question are actually going that route.

wwwgem OP , (edited )
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Influence is a curse in today's world. I've made this final selection of brands based on personal choice and for reasons exposed in this post. But it's all personal so you may disagree with some/all candidates and that's perfectly fine. I've posted here to actually collect as much opinions as possible so thanks for sharing yours.

Companies always find a way to justify for higher price to sell you not that good hardware or to overprice their stuff for non sense reasons. As anyone else (except fan boys of any given brand) I'm running away from that. In my personal views, companies on this list have reasonable offers considering their history, clients pool, philosophy...

Framework is maybe the best deal here because it has good price and all parts of their machines are replaceable. And again, prices for the parts are fair. So in the long run, users may be winners if the company doesn't crash. If it does then it won't be worth than having bought from another company. With all the options to build the laptop you want for your needs it really make me feel like customizing my Linux system but from a hardware standpoint. It's a big plus for me to pay only for what I want/need and with them you can go even further by physically positioning your ports on the fly. That's an unseen degree of freedom and it has real world applications.

wwwgem OP ,
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Don't know if you plan to use another Arch-based distro on this laptop in the future but I came across this page which has some tips to adjust the Framework 13 including one that may be related to what you mention. They recommend to use 1,5 scaling factor. More details can be found here.

wwwgem OP , (edited )
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I agree it's clearly a win in the long run. Also their prices are not cheap but fair, even though you'd pay ~$100 less than an XPS for the exact same specs (but a higher res display and webcam with Framework).

wwwgem OP ,
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You're right.

wwwgem OP ,
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One would say you're more weird than me then. That makes me feel better ^^

wwwgem OP ,
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Looks like the group is eventually not that small.

wwwgem OP ,
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Right. Actually one of the things I love about Linux is that it offers so many options so you can make your own combination to create the perfect system for your specific needs.
You can get all the visual distractions out of your way and tweak litterally everything to an incredible granular level. No other OS can pretend to be so user focused while staying so simple in appearance. You're not adapting to your system, it's built for you.

wwwgem OP ,
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Source Code Pro for writing and Nerd for symbols.

wwwgem OP ,
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That's another thing I've changed as well. No bar or dock anymore. I use rofi and some home made scripts to:

  • show the date/time, disk space, free ram, bluetooth devices battery level, volume, and search bar (to launch a command or a search on internet)
  • manage the volume sinks and sources
  • manage the wifi and vpn
  • manage my passwords and automatically fill forms if I ask for it
  • manage my internet bookmarks
  • search my email contacts
  • manage the clipboard
wwwgem OP , (edited )
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We're exactly on the same page: "the tool is not the goal". The only difference may be that I see chosing options for an app as options for a tool. If I want to cut wood or metal I need a different saw. Even though the tool is basically the same it doesn't serve the same purpose. Hence I configure options once and for all, like I would consider which hardware I need exactly in terms of use, ergonomic, power... before buying it.
I don't spend time tweaking the look of a tool because it's doesn't fit my approach of things anymore. As such I don't even use a DE. But I feel the need to build the right tool (i.e. system app) I need to perform a job as efficiently as possible while keeping the tool itself minimalist and as invisible as possible. On my daily use I have tools that I couldn't live without anymore but if you ask me a list I will either forgot them or put them at the bottom because I will not think about them right away since they became a second nature.

I certainly see the comfort of the out of the box approach and it can serve a lot of people. In my use case I just realize that - using the example above - it could be like using a wood saw on metal in some cases. It may work but not as good as you would expect to have the job done properly. Also, the fit them all approach means building an app with tons of options activated and I prefer to have available to me only the options I really need. The philosophy feels less bloated to me and I'm not overloading my system with stuff I'll never use. It's more time consuming at first to chose the right app but with time it became quick enough and it definitely save me way more time in the long run when I use my system.

wwwgem OP ,
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I can see that. I've tried OpenBSD before Linux as well. One of the reasons I feel good using Linux is that you can go as crazy or as minimalist as you want. And all along this spectrum you can choose the same level of options but the way you chose them will make you build the system you want for your own needs and liking. As long as the options exist but are not installed or activated by default, I like having the choice (which also means the choice to not use them). It also help me build a consistent system where all my tools can freely interact together (and again the way I want to).

I don't want to have to comply to the way a developer decided I should use something.

At the end of the day we're lucky to have the choice in the OS that fits us the best. And most importantly we can evolve and make a switch if we ever feel the need for it :D Like distro in Linux I find it stupid to claim that one OS is best that another. I hope this post didn't give that impression. What's best is what's meet your needs.

wwwgem OP ,
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Both iosevka and fira look nice.

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