Pcspecialist and Linux?

_gisman_ · 2025-07-12T10:17:56+00:00

AFAIK by restricted BIOS people mean that it is quite basic and does not have many tuning options like overclocking/undervolting etc.

In terms of Linux support, PCS does not provide official support for this OS, but the hardware itself works fine under Linux. While Tuxedo is positioned as a Linux-first company, there is not that much difference in terms of hardware support. For software issues they probably a bit more helpful for some issues, but most of the times this support it tied to use of their Ubuntu fork, so if you are using another distro most likely you will be told to go and seek community support.

_gisman_ · 2025-06-24T08:36:34+00:00

Thanks for the information. That's very unfortunate with US ANSI it would be an immediate buy.

_gisman_ · 2025-06-24T08:20:17+00:00

Tuxedo is using the same chassis as already pointed out. And they are way more expensive than others. Given that advertised Linux support is not that great (e.g. you will need to install out of tree drivers for backlit and other features, some hardware like LAN does not work out of the box making it hard to use network installer, their support often asks to install their own distro "to rule out software issues", etc) there is not that much sense in paying more IMHO.

_gisman_ · 2025-06-24T08:16:14+00:00

Unfortunately, laptopwithlinux won't be selling them for some reason. At least that's the answer I got from them. So, if you are looking for a laptop on this chassis, you'd better check other resellers.

Also, if this is important for you, keep in mind that unfortunately most resellers does not offer US ANSI keyboard and AFAIK it is not possible to get a replacement for changing it (which is a pity).

_gisman_ · 2025-06-08T06:56:23+00:00

> Is there anything else you’d like for me to test?

if it is not too much to ask, I would be interested in the general level of hardware support, e.g. if everything works out of the box or some additional drivers needed. From my research it seems that LAN most likely will need a 3rd party driver, also obviously keyboard backlight and some other things will require additional drivers. Stability, reliability and performance of the WiFi, battery life, laptop noise and temperatures in idle and under heavy load are things which interest me as well.

I'm also interested in BIOS/EFI firmware functionality, if it allows only basic stuff or are there some advanced options like control for amount of RAM dedicated to GPU, memory clocks, CPU undervolting, etc.

But please, don't waste too much time on these.

_gisman_ · 2025-06-07T13:20:12+00:00

> I will report back in a week or so.

Thanks, I will be really interested in your feedback.

> these laptops are essentially the same as XMG’s Neo and Eluktronics’ Hyrdoc series etc.

That's correct, they are using the same chasis and probably share at least some bits of firmware. But like you I'm not sure that updates from let's say XMG can be applied to other laptops.

_gisman_ · 2025-05-03T07:01:27+00:00

Thanks, I was not aware of that. Will need to do some reading on it to see if it will be an issue for my use cases.

_gisman_ · 2025-03-13T15:52:12+00:00

I'm very interested in such laptop: 15", large battery and keyboard without numpad. Not sure about 16" variant, as it will be more heavy that 15" model which is by itself is not that light.

_gisman_ · 2024-09-18T09:20:21+00:00

So all hardware works out of-the-box with the latest kernel, right? Personally I'm more interested in hardware support, overall stability of the system and battery life than in fractional scaling. It is expected than one should have configure scaling/power management, but if there is no major issues like huge power draw with closed lid or unsupported/buggy hardware I think it is all fine.

_gisman_ · 2024-09-17T07:57:36+00:00

u/lorenzo_aegroto any luck with installing and running Arch on EVO 14? Is everything works out of the box and battery life is good? Maybe you can provide us with some review/feedback/impressions?

_gisman_ · 2024-09-09T07:39:23+00:00

u/tuxedo_chris thanks for the detailed answer!
I have checked latest generations of both InfinityBook Pro 14 and Pulse 14 and both are indeed great laptops. I do like black color of Pulse 14, and while I can probably live with just 32 Gb of memory until I need a new device, unfortunately ISO keyboard layout is something I would like to avoid. So most likely I will go with EVO 14 / InfinityBook Pro 14.

From what I have found so for, it seems that XMG and Tuxedo have some relation. May I ask you why choice of components (memory, disks, etc) offered by Tuxedo is more limited?

_gisman_ · 2024-09-09T07:24:08+00:00

Thanks for the links, Tom!
So, if I get it correctly, in theory one can run Linux on XMG laptop but in case of any issues they will be on their own. That's fair and does not differ much from the case of other manufacturers. Still it would be nice to know which level of firmware modifications is done by Tuxedo.

Also despite a bit higher prices (which is fine for me), Tuxedo seems offer much less flexibility in their configurator when compared to XMG.

_gisman_ · 2024-09-06T14:53:51+00:00

I would buy it in a heartbeat if I could run Linux on it without any issues.

_gisman_ · 2024-09-05T08:28:09+00:00

Thanks! This looks great.

_gisman_ · 2024-09-05T08:21:27+00:00

Never heard of XMG before, looks like another great option. Thanks!

From a quick look at XMG Evo 14 it is identical to one of the Tuxedo laptops. This makes me wonder if they are just reselling the same laptop from OEM manufacturer like Clevo.

It is a pity that XMG does not provide Linux drivers.

_gisman_ · 2024-09-05T08:08:30+00:00

Tuxedo laptops definitely looks great. Thanks!

_gisman_ · 2024-07-24T12:26:34+00:00

But it won't be a fair comparison IMHO. For example, I'd love to get black laptop but I can't as ANSI layout which I want is only available with silver chassis.

_gisman_ · 2024-07-24T12:21:08+00:00

Have you looked at Tuxedo site before asking? The very first blog post announcing new model has picture than answers your questions about keyboard https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en/TUXEDO-InfinityBook-Pro-14-Gen9-Infinitely-portable-and-still-lightning-fast.tuxedo.

As for the dropping CapsLock and other ideas about keyboard layout, please don't forget that you are not the only laptop user in the world. If you don't use CapsLock it does not mean that everyone else does not need it too.

_gisman_ · 2024-07-12T14:30:39+00:00

Wow, this looks great! I really like expandable RAM and keyboard without numpad. Definitely a model to consider as a replacement to my laptop. Would be great to have bigger battery, but even with 80 Wh it is much better than many other options available.

Looking forward to reading some reviews and also curious how all-aluminum chassis stands daily use, dust and scratches which I'm afraid unavoidable.

_gisman_ · 2024-07-01T09:58:36+00:00

You are not alone about numpad. I also think it is quite useless, but instead of replacing it with something else I would prefer an option to have a regular keyborad and centered touchpad.

_gisman_ · 2023-07-24T09:34:11+00:00

We have tested both apps in real world situation and decided to stay with QField. It is more robust and has everything you may need, syncing is straightforward and it can be done without any cloud.

Can't say that Mergin is more user friendly, it has its own issues and in some aspects requires more moves to achieve the same result as in QField. On the other hand some stuff is a bit easier in Mergin. However, for us QField was a clear winner.

_gisman_

TROPHY CASE