There are great deals of laptop computers– perhaps all of them– on which you can run a Linux desktop. There are a couple of suppliers that use laptop computers with substantial Linux compatibility. And after that there are a choose couple of that concentrate on Linux laptop computers, support them, and even tailor them.

Kubuntu Focus is among the choose couple of. It sent me among its laptop computers to evaluate the Ir14 Gen 2, which runs, naturally, Kubuntu, the KDE desktop variation of Ubuntu. The”Focus “in the business name originates from what it is wanting to offer: a gadget on which you can simply do your work without fretting about what’s taking place much deeper in your system. Go on and sudo apt updatestates the Focus group; we’ve got you.

I utilized the Ir14 Gen 2 for Ars Technica work and my individual requirements for a minimum of 2 weeks. Setting the system up with Focus’ assisted wizard, setting up apps from its shop, and declining to touch any of the much deeper system files, I attained something quite exceptional: no unforeseen habits on a Linux laptop computer. Had actually anything failed, I might fairly lean back on the system’s rollbacks, which I utilized a number of times without any issue.

Is this what it could be like? Does utilizing Linux on the desktop not need to include assembling from source, looking for that a person pertinent online forum remark associated to an issue, questioning where the fault lies along the chain from kernel to desktop to repository to me? Perhaps. Can you give up a little bit of your upgrade and playing interest in exchange for understanding that things will work when they get to you? It may be more difficult than you believe.

What is a Kubuntu Focus laptop computer, precisely?

A Kubuntu Focus Ir14 Gen 2 laptop computer consists of these things:

• A laptop computer made by Carbon Systems, which provides a great deal of fleet and business systems, and occurs to make them fairly upgrade and repair-friendly
• A stock Kubuntu 24.04 LTS system with a Plasma desktop, with Focus’ combinations integrated in
• A couple of software application tools from Focus, consisting of power profiles and rollback

The Focus is not indicated to let you do whatever you desire however to keep doing what you do. Scientists, designers, and jet propulsion laboratories are a few of Focus’ clients. Focus tests whatever that will get here on main upgrade channels to the gadget. When kernel updates appear in the upstream, Focus makes certain whatever on the gadget deals with it, while likewise contributing back to Ubuntu, Kubuntu, KDE, and the kernel itself.

You do not get interim releases. You do not get personnel in the online forums assisting you with running Arch or Fedora. There’s no customized desktop environment or windowing system (“We felt developing a different circulation and community is the last thing anybody required,” the business composes). Focus picked dependability for daily-driver gadgets running Linux. It can, to put it simply, conserve you from yourself, if you’re a lot like me.

Screening, Focus likewise makes a lot of tweaks to the system before shipping: some keyboard faster ways, screen scaling and console typeface changes, automated power profiles on plug and disconnect, and the like. Focus has actually likewise written practically every corner of your system you desire aid on; you can examine it out on its website.

The physical laptop computer

Specifications at a glimpse: Kubuntu Focus Ir14 Gen 2
Show14-inch IPS panel: 1920 × 1200 (16:10), 60 Hz, 350cd/m ², 1,200:1 max contrast, 145-degree open angleOSKubuntu 24.04CPUIntel Core i5-13500H(4.7 GHz turbo, 12 cores, 18MB cache)RAM16 GB DDR5-4800(as examined), as much as 96GB DDR5-5200GPUIntel Iris Xe (80 execution systems, 1.45 GHz )Storage2 x M. 2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4×4(500GB as evaluated)NetworkingIntel Wi-Fi 6AX 201, Dual-mode Bluetooth 5.2Power/Battery53 WHr battery, 90-minute quick charge(90 W barrel or 100 W USB-C), 5-8 hours batteryPorts

• 1 x USB-C 3.2 Thunderbolt