Although Linux laptops are becoming increasingly common, most run on Intel hardware and use Nvidia graphics cards, if using a discreet GPU at all. So, the launch of a Linux laptop running with AMD hardware is a welcome addition to the market, especially one that allows you to pick and choose your hardware.
Linux Ryzen Laptops Are Here
System76 is launching the Pangolin Linux laptop, a device fully powered by AMD hardware.
The System76 Pangolin is available with two different AMD processors:
AMD Ryzen 5 4500U: 2. 3GHz base/4. 0GHz boost, 6 cores/6 threads AMD Ryzen 7 4700U: 2. 0GHz base/4. 1GHz boost, 8 cores/8 threads
Once you choose a processor, you can choose up to 64GB DDR4 RAM and a 240GB SSD or an NVMe drive up to 2TB.
AMD’s Ryzen 4000U mobile processors come equipped with AMD Radeon integrated graphics. The Ryzen 5 4500U has an 11MB cache, six graphics cores, and is clocked at 1,500MHz, while the Ryzen 7 4700U has a 12MB cache, seven graphics cores, and is clocked at 1,600MHz. Both processors run at 15W, very efficient for the amount of processing and graphics power.
The Pangolin features a 15.6" FHD screen with a matte finish, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, giving you lots of connectivity options. There’s also a MicroSD card reader too.
The System76 Pangolin Linux laptops are fairly easy on the eye. There’s a backlit multi-color keyboard, and the design is thin. Not ultra-thin, but thin enough and light enough that you won’t notice it in your bag, and it will fit happily on any desk.
You can start designing your Pangolin Linux laptop over at System76, starting from $849.
Linux Laptops Rising in Popularity
Linux laptops continue to rise in popularity. Laptops such as the Librem 13 combine portability, style, and Linux to deliver one of the most secure options on the market, while other manufacturers are slowly following suit.
Not forgetting, of course, that Linux distros are one of the best options to breathe life into an aging laptop, with some excellent Linux distros built with portability in mind.
Furthermore, if a Linux laptop sounds a little scary but you’re done with Windows or macOS, you can always leave for the next best option: Chrome OS. Which also happens to be a Linux-based operating system.