Linux

Lenovo/Thinkpad will certify certain models for use with Linux, other brands sell Linux laptops. Those are obviously good indicators that those models should be safe to choose. More generally, the more popular a model is, and the longer it's been on the market the more likely they are to be compatible, just because they are in people's hands and people tinker with them and add stuff to the Linux Kernel. So stay away from the latest model that is uncertified, and don't choose the flashy, overpriced model that will see poor sales.

Avoid NVidia graphics and Broadcom WiFi.

For near-guaranteed compatibility, there are dedicated manufacturers like System76 and Tuxedo. Framework also claims Linux compatibility but for set tested distros (Ubuntu and Fedora).

Generally, anything with Intel/AMD graphics and Intel Wifi is pretty much guaranteed to work in my experience. For laptops, high-DPI displays can be problematic but the fixes are on Wayland which is getting higher priority now.

Check out framework laptops

I just collect junk from my friends and install Linux on them, lol, you get what you get and make it work

As a genera rule avoid Nvidia. Also google the fingerprint sensor and wifi model before buying. General advice like "Thinkpads are fully linux compatible" is rubbish. Take your time to Google all idiosyncrasies of your desired model.

AMD or Intel Graphics. Intel networking, Atheros, or a chipset that is known to be friendly with Linux.

CPU support is fairly diverse.

Sound is fairly well supported but with some devices can be a surprise, as are touchpads. Touchscreen and webcams are generally a bit more dubious.

With desktops, I very rarely have issues but it's also easier to pick my own hardware. For laptops, I usually don't buy something that's new to market unless the component models are known to work. If it's been around for a bit I can usually Google comments by somebody else who's got one and tried to run Linux on it.

tuxedocomputers.com

Do you mean like System76?

In general its not about the CPU or GPU. Even Nvidia works kinda okay on some Devices, at least according to Nick from TheLinuxExperiment. Some apps like Davinciresolve require it, and cuda is also only supported on Nvidia. Mobile AMD graphics are kinda underpowered for some tasks.

Its more about weird hardware that isnt supported, Fingerprint readers, even keyboards going into some weird hibernation and you need to hard reset the PC as you cant control it anymore (Acer swift). Some devices like Microsoft Surfaces need a custom kernel.

Lots ot refurbished business laptops like the Lenovo T series, HP or Dell business series works well, as they also dont have weird components.

Check linux-hardware.org and if you have a running laptop, install their HWprobe and run it, to share that your laptop is working. With comments you can add what is really working etc.

Personally I would also care about Coreboot. Checkout Novacuston (EU) or System76 or Starlabs, they have Coreboot laptops. I mean, installing Linux on some laptop with a proprietary garbage Bios that doesnt get updates (!!!) anymore is pretty hypocritical. Coreboot is awesome but rare, its awesome that there are some companies and people making it run on new hardware, so I would check those out.

And... maybe dont get an M1 Macbook ;D

You basically already know the drill; buy it from a Linux-first vendor that offers devices that you can afford. A list of vendors can be found here. Personally, I'm quite fond of NovaCustom and Star Labs. Fortunately, both have 'cheaper' offerings with their NJ50 Series and StarLite respectively.

Generally it doesnt really matter but if you can it's best to avoid using nvidia gpus although they will work under Linux they don't have as good support doesn't mean you can't use a nvidia gpu under linux if you want or have to I mean I've got a nvidia gpu in my gaming laptop and while it's a pain to setup it works somewhat well for gaming

I always had chance installing Linux on Dell Latitude laptops. MX Linux works flawlessly, everything.

something strong enough to be a stable link in my entire network; if that makes sense. Because I have many plans for things I want to learn about and add to my network or system down the road.

You need to check out Fedora Podcast EP: Getting Fedora with your Lenovo. For the first time they take laptop compatibility with Fedora Linux ecosystem seriously and announce it with such a deep detail on how they do that.

how am I supposed to know which machines are better or even “compatible” with Linux? like all linux distros or flavors?

I think Thinkpad line seems to be your right choice. Not for all linux distros, but at least Thinkpad has used by many developers in the world, so probably more compatible than other laptop brand IMO.

Dell is well known for their proprietary fuckery, both in hardware and software. Pretty much anything other than a Dell or an Ultrabook like the Surface or MacBooks (obviously) should give you very little issue. Look for something that uses Intel NICs and you should be fine, Realtek NICs are poorly supported in Linux.

they pretty much all run linux ootb. Question is: What devices run without binary blobs underneath the OS?

Maybe Slimbook? I haven't bought one yet but it's definitely on my close watch.

https://slimbook.es/en/

Avoid Kaby Lake processors. I specifically have i7-7600u in my laptop and must use a kernel parameter otherwise it kernel panics freezes minutes after booting. Sometimes it still freezes when waking up from sleep or hibernate. Something to do with power management or such.

@Macaroni9538

I've been using Clevo laptops for years. Large user base, lots of great Linux support. I just run Ubuntu, haven't had many issues (and no critical issues).

They usually get rebranded, and I've gotten them through IBuyPower, Origin, and... can't remember the other one. My most recent one was just straight up marketed as a Clevo, got it on Amazon.

You might have one or two odd issues (like having to install custom code to configure the RGB key backlights), but there are plenty of users to ask for assistance on various forums and repos.

Buy it from tuxedo