A "better" laptop than a MBPro M5?

imok · 1:42AM

I was ready to buy a new Macbook Air M4, then I realized a Macbook Pro M5 would be better… but now I’m thinking it’s too much money and maybe I can get something that powerful, but with some Linux distro.

I moved to Mac 10 years ago because there were applications in Windows that weren’t available for Mac (Sketch, specifically). But that's not the case anymore, most of the most interesting tools are browser-based, and that means, they are heavier.

But there is now way I’m returning to Windows.

I’m a developer, I like CLI, I use containers like Docker (which I can’t run properly on my still powerful MBP 2015). I sometimes run multiple projects with different versions of Java and Spring Boot, Node.js, and I design in Figma. I manage local databases for testing, sometimes with millions of rows. Most of my workflow is terminal based, and I just want something reliable that can handle several containers, local services, and some light virtualization without slowing down.

Given all that, what kind of Linux laptop would you recommend that balances performance, battery life, and thermals? I’m looking for something that can replace macOS comfortably for development without paying Apple prices. Any suggestions or experiences with Linux laptops for this kind of workload are welcome.

Thanks LESbians, thanks LLMs.

yoursunny · 2:06AM

In the lab we use DELL Latitude laptops reimaged with Ubuntu 22.04.
Typical spec is 4 i7 cores and 16GB RAM.
Enterprise customer can order DELL laptops without Windows license.

The laptop is for GUI only.
Containers and vscode-server run on rack servers with 16 cores and 128GB RAM.

terrorgen · 2:21AM

Maybe framework laptop is up your alley.

But our personal preference would be a cheap used business laptop + much powerful (also used) server hardware.

As much as budget allows.

DrNutella · 3:24AM

I have an M4 and its overpowered, and I got it for a steal furthermore.

bakageta · 4:21AM

I don't think it's worth spending the price of a brand new macbook pro, I just grab a used one of the outgoing year when I need to upgrade. I don't think you'll find something that's a good replacement without paying essentially apple-prices, especially not if you're looking to keep the weight/battery life. I just ended up sticking with mac for my laptop, replacing my 2015 intel mbp for a 2020 m1 mbp when the m2's came out. I'm waiting for the M6 or M7 laptops to come out before I upgrade again. If you're really wanting to get away from mac though, I'd look to lenovo. They sell a handful of models with no windows just linux. The business-class ones are as solid as ever and nice and repairable, though several other models come with soldered ram now, be mindful of that.

CyberneticTitan · 5:20AM

I will tell you now paying extra for the MBP will save you ton of time of having to deal with linux drivers, updates, poor idle battery life, standby, etc. There is some home that Qualcomm or even Nvidia will improve the space through their ARM chips, but for now there is really no better laptop than a Macbook.

My suggestion is that you pick up a refurbished MBA/MBP and give a spin within its return window to decide if the Pro is a worthy upgrade for you. The 120Hz display is amazing even for day to day use. Then just return it within the window.

Not_Oles · 6:13AM

@imok FWIW, maybe take a look at https://lowendspirit.com/discussion/comment/218563/#Comment_218563 and several posts following in the same thread. 🤩

bikegremlin · 6:33AM

I would say Lenovo business class laptops.
Edit:
ThinkPad T (or X if you want ultra-portable) series - though L is OK too - got one.

Note: as much as I love Linux (and use it as a daily driver - half of the PCs I regularly use run Linux), it is lacking for some software and even some convenience.

It has many pros - but it's not all roses (I'd argue that Windows 7 was the closest any OS got to being user friendly without bloat).

Amadex · 8:15AM

https://rog.asus.com/laptops/rog-zephyrus-series/?items=20393

hornet · 12:40PM

https://system76.com/laptops/darp11/configure

host_c · 12:48PM

I would personally go M2/3/4/5 any day of the week.

vyas · 12:49PM

Off lease M2 / resale M4.
Pro, not Air.

@hornet said:
https://system76.com/laptops/darp11/configure

RAM upgrade… competition with Apple !!

vitobotta · 4:33PM

I have maxed out M4 Pro mini and M3 Pro MBP and I would never, ever switch to anything else. These things are screaming fast, light, cool, silent and with an amazing battery life. IMO Apple has changed the game with Apple Silicon and I don't think there is anything that can beat these machines all considered.

imok · 5:02PM

I'm currently using a Mini M1 (I got it in 2021 maybe?) and it's impressive, it has enough processing power for my needs.

The issue is my laptop which has the software outdated and it's unusable for my daily work, but i've found OpenCore and I'll give it a try.

Maybe you guys are right and I just only need an MBP M1/M2.

Amadex · 5:08PM

@imok said:
I'm currently using a Mini M1 (I got it in 2021 maybe?) and it's impressive, it has enough processing power for my needs.

The issue is my laptop which has the software outdated and it's unusable for my daily work, but i've found OpenCore and I'll give it a try.

Maybe you guys are right and I just only need an MBP M1/M2.

Then get macbook to stay in apple ecosystem

A "better" laptop than a MBPro M5?

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