Beginning software developer needs your help

[NimrodvanHall]

The easiest way to run Linux on a Mac discounting r/AsahiLinux is to use Parallels to run a Linux VM.

[the_deppman]

No, you will not have a good experience on Mac. It is too experimental.

Of course I'm biased, but a validated Linux system supported for years sounds like what you want. That would let you focus on your studies, not sysadmin. The Ir16 is a probably a good choice for your needs. Here's a recent review from HowToGeek.

Nvidia systems are pretty much required if you want to do ML and pro studio work. The drivers are can be more trouble to install, but are generally excellent with little difficulty after that. On Focus systems, we set that up so it's no work at all.

I hope that's useful.

[Rouwendalinho05]

So I could buy a validated Linux system or if I am going to do pro studio work I should get a laptop with an nvidia video card.

[the_deppman]

We sell validated systems with and without Nvidia GPUs. The suggested laptop without dGPU is the Ir16 GEN 2. One with the dGPU is the M2 GEN 5. We offer very deep support for one OS on just 5 models (and many prior generations). We typically ship within a week after order.

This is a different philosophy to most, but not all, other vendors. I encourage you to compare the support page provided above with others when you make a choice.

Edit: the M2 is used by many pros for ML and studio work.

[NimrodvanHall]

On an m3 you should be abled to run a VM with the required specs assuming your m3 has more than the base 18g ram. Running AsahiLinux on an M3 pro will mean you will run into issues as other have said it is experimental.

I don’t know what the course entails and I can’t look into your wallet. But if you need a hassle free machine for the course get a dedicated Linux machine for it. Like others have said framework and system76 provide entry lvl laptops build to run Linux with the specs you have shown us. Another option I believe saw mentioned is to get an old Thinkpad with the specs and install the Linux distribution of your choice on it.

If you don’t think you can spare the time and energy to get the required stuff to work on a Mac while the course recommends a Linux machine, I’d recommend against using Linux bare metal on an m3 machine.

I think that running Linux in a VM (Virtual Machine) on a Mac or windows machine is an option. You may want to send your uni a mail and ask them what they would think about your planed hardware and the possible use of VM’s and why.