@Canageek

There are several companies that make laptops with Linux already installed. That might be a place to start.

@Canageek you might consider going with Framework or System76 or another company that ships out computers running Linux.

I have experience with computers from both companies and they have been super solid!

@Canageek here’s a few things i found you can try with a web search:

https://linux-hardware.org/

https://thcc.name/

https://www.linuxcompatible.org/compatibility/

You can also buy a laptop from a Linux first laptop vendor — System76 in the US, Framework in the US, Tuxedo computers in Europe, Starlabs in Europe.

@Canageek

1) I had good luck with system76 boxes when I was using them, and they ship with linux pre-loaded.

2) Framework laptops are well supported under linux.

3) Dell and HP both have lines pre-loaded with linux.

4) I know this is annecdotal at best, but I haven't had any driver problems on anything made by lenovo over the last 15ish years.

Now, to answer your original question, maybe the arch wiki? It used to be a good source anyway.

@Canageek

Crouton on an ASUS Flip C302c (available in aftersale market) has working audio (under Ubuntu, at least), but only if you install the chroot with factory firmware (power wash) *before* running any updates.

Unlike, say, GalliumOS at boot, which will only screech at you in lieu of audio.

As the device is out of service, you have to set it to Beta mode to force updates to actually happen. Chroot audio installed prior to those updates will continue to work afterwards, so just be sure to keep a current backup of your crouton installation.

That said, presumably Crostini, though not a full dev environment, works with native audio regardless of the hardware.

This, however, became a feature of Chromebooks long after myself became accustomed to crouton. So can't speak to it from personal experience.

@Canageek one thing I used to do if I needed a cheap lappy is reach out to community spaces (hacker spaces or maker spaces) and ask them if there are any good dealers in the area. I’ve bought a thinkpad off someone who buys and refurbishes laptops purchased wholesale from companies who liquidate or upgrade. I’ve also found good deals at thrift stores.

If you do get to try before you buy, which everyone should allow, you can bring a live USB drive so you can test the hardware. I used to do this 15 years ago at Best Buy and other computer stores (I miss you computer stores, please come back).

@Canageek The state of Linux on laptops has come far enough that it's fair to say there are certain models that won't work fully, rather than only certain ones that will. That does mean a lot of the registries of 'stuff that will work on Linux' are disused now, though.

You can usually just find something you like the look of and then Google "modelname linux" and find somebody's report of their experience with it

@Canageek

Sometimes dell or lenovo also have systems with linux preinstalled.

Though on lenovo you have to click through on build your own to be able to pick "install linux".

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/d/linux-laptops-desktops/

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/scr/laptops/appref=ubuntu-linux-os

I've used a dell xps, a system 76, and now a framework.

I think from the mainstream vendors you get a more stable firmware, from the smaller vendors you get something more repairable.

update: after nearly eleven years, @Canageek has finally talked me into getting a ThinkPad

I got it with Ubuntu preinstalled; I'm probably going to switch to Mint anyway, but this way I don't have to pay for a Windows license I'm not gonna use

it will arrive in...about six weeks. That feels like a long time to build a computer, but sure.