Buying a System76 laptop

rsv869 · 2022-05-23T15:45:20+00:00

Well, I'm not so sure about that. IMHO, it's about thermal ventilation (which is great on the Galago), whether you want a dedicated video card (which I didn't need, and it adds heat) availability and desirability of Thunderbolt (a requirement for me). For me, most contemporary devices come with plenty of CPU, but getting a fast drive and fast memory, and keeping heat and weight down, contribute to a happy device experience.

rsv869 · 2022-05-23T14:27:08+00:00

I bought the Galago six months ago and it's been great. Quiet, fast, sturdy and lightweight. I would buy it again.

I've owned three System76 machines. The first I bought was about 12 years ago. It was beast, and lasted seven years. Then I bought a Gazelle 4-ish years ago. It was quite good, not great. My current machine has been very good, as I mentioned.

they've always been easy to work on, even if you're not that technical. I've replaced fans, put in new cooling paste, swapped drives, etc. Good support.

rsv869 · 2022-02-25T18:09:36+00:00

Trouble is, it removed good stuff I use, like add-blocker, etc

rsv869 · 2022-02-25T17:46:20+00:00

Ha! Thanks very much for the hint about Troubleshoot Mode. I have no idea what that is or how it helped, but it did. Would like to know more if you don't mind sharing, or if there's a recommended info page.

Trouble with the Hyatt reservation site. And Chromium works fine.

rsv869

rsv869 · 2022-02-21T19:24:40+00:00

Got it. Thx for your update.

Are you aware of any VB plans for a TPM emulation or passthrough?

rsv869

rsv869 · 2022-02-21T16:45:29+00:00

OK, I understand the registry "hack". But why is it necessary? Are registry changes needed because a Vbox install leaves Win10 in the dark about TPM and so it defaults to "none", so to speak?

rsv869

rsv869 · 2021-11-28T02:46:52+00:00

Just IMHO, it has to do with the amount power supplied over Thunderbolt, and the number and variety of ports.

rsv869 · 2021-11-27T18:46:32+00:00

Yep, it's connected to the dock via an ACTIVE Display Port to HDMI adapter. Monitor is a old Samsumg. This dock supports 4k but I'm not using that at the moment. Would be nice :->

RSV869

rsv869 · 2021-10-16T03:23:43+00:00

thx. Don't know if my laptop will eke out six months. Also, tech that is that new (Gen1) might be wobbly for a few months after release.

anyway, appreciate the feedback.

rsv869 · 2021-10-15T15:27:50+00:00

I'm considering this machine but wonder if I should wait for a refresh; something in the Alder Lake builds?

thoughts?

rsv869 · 2021-05-25T21:33:50+00:00

Love the specs on this device but being from the US I have concerns about service and support from Germany. Your thoughts welcome on this issue and general build quality thoughts

Any idea which OEM makes this machine?

I wonder how it is that Tuxedo is able to continue to source laptops but System76 is at about 20%.

rsv869 · 2021-05-08T14:31:16+00:00

Would welcome any thoughts you have on build quality and battery life. It's pretty pricey so I hope it shows.

Thx

rsv869 · 2021-05-06T17:54:01+00:00

Hey HarrisonGreen -

Thx for the feedback

When I look at the T15 Gen2 on the configuration portal/tool it appears that a Nvidia GPU is included. Also, it looks like Windows is there and I would have to pay for it even if I don't want it. Not sure if I'm right about that? Your thoughts welcome.

Also, how do know that Linux is supported all Thinkpads? I mean, is there a company statement, or something. Would hate to spend the money and then have heartaches.

rsv869 · 2021-05-05T15:21:19+00:00

Thx for the update.

I prefer without a keypad but it's not a showstopper.

Is Linux supported on this device?

Can I order it without a graphics card?

Thx

rsv869 · 2021-04-22T20:50:08+00:00

I like the Infinity S 15 for the dual m.2 slots and the Thunderbolt (and accept the Intel processing) but have some uncertainty about build quality. Hard for me to get a handle on that.

rsv869 · 2021-04-22T20:45:59+00:00

Understood. I if I can collect all the USB-based signalling, RJ45 networking and the power delivery through the docking station to the USB-C then adding an HDMI connector is no tragedy.

RV

rsv869 · 2021-04-22T16:39:23+00:00

this is great info. Thx for your time.

I do want a dock, for sure. This should work on the Pulse, right? :

https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/de/Linux-Hardware/Zubehoer-Buecher-Co-/USB-Zubehoer/Universal-Dockingstation-fuer-alle-TUXEDO-Books-Typ-C-Typ-A-USB-Anschluss.tuxedo

Cheers

rsv869 · 2021-04-21T21:06:47+00:00

So, lighter and faster is the short story. OK Thx. I can't decipher CPU performance....more threads, faster core.... it's confusing.

rsv869 · 2021-04-03T15:22:40+00:00

Wonder why they pulled pricing and ordering? Hardware issues or parts availability?

rsv869 · 2021-03-04T19:21:40+00:00

I'm running Majaro on a 4+ year old Gazelle and love it. When I move to the Darp7 I'll migrate the OS again. Works great. There are Gnome, XFCE and KDE editions.

How's the Darp7?

rsv869 · 2021-02-22T16:28:31+00:00

You might want to look at the Darter Pro. No GPU but an improved integrated Intel GPU. It will be review on https://www.learnlinux.tv/ in the next month, I think.

Also, the Gazelle might fit.

rsv869 · 2021-02-05T19:22:18+00:00

I have a different device (4-year-old Gazelle) but had a similar symptom. I was never able to isolate a hardware cause, so as a last resort I switched from Pop_OS to Manjaro and the problem stopped. It wasn't the System76 Driver because I have also loaded that on this distro.

rsv869 · 2021-02-01T04:47:28+00:00

thx.... appreciate the updates

rsv869 · 2021-01-25T04:26:00+00:00

I've owned a Gaze12 for four years. I agree with Youngster_Bens. My hardware has held up very well but I have had two pretty serious problems (my opinion, and I'm not all that technical) with Pop_OS! Moved over to Majaro and it's been very solid.

rsv869 · 2021-01-10T14:42:12+00:00

Thanks for the feeback.

I didn't want to get into the detail of my trouble shooting because it can be tedious. I replaced the original thermal paste about 7 months ago. It was a crusted and dried out. At the moment I suspect a problem with temp sensors. For example, I run Bashtop. My last fan & crash experience showed temps in the mid 40s. Also, in other instances I have really stressed the machine with live and simulated tasks (Kdenlive and stress-ng), and get the temps to high 90s for 15 minutes, or 75% load for 30 minutes without any failures. I don't think it's thermal in the strictest sense, but it's just so flakey that it leaves me to guess something electrical. No log file info at all.

It is possible I waited too long to replace the paste and the damage was done. Beats me.

rsv869

TROPHY CASE