The Perfect Laptop(blog.brossia.com)
blog.brossia.com
The Perfect Laptop
https://blog.brossia.com/posts/the_perfect_laptop/
351 comments
I'm no die hard apple fan, but you would think I was if you heard me talking about my 16" m1 pro. It's an absolute beast, battery for days, and I've never heard the fan spin up once. It would take a lot for me to even give another machine a chance.
Gosh, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen1 and Gen2 are awful, dreadful, terrible machines. I can understand having a thermal constraint tied to the thinness of chassis, but you would think it’d maybe throttle instead of shutting off in the middle of work. After blowing through 4 separate nano configurations all with the same fundamental problem and riddled with quality issues and borderline abusive support getting bounced around “specialists”; I’m much happier with a M1 Pro MacBook Pro. Not nearly as light, but it’s worked every time I open the lid and want to use it for as long as I want. And that to me is the bare minimum.
I have a desktop with a few gpus in it for “fun”, so a laptop for me often is a client to access more power if needed. I run Sunshine and get 4k60 streaming for desktop, 3d modeling, video editing, and even gaming on occasion. Now with a MacBook instead of a thermally constrained thinkpud I can even do that stuff on the m1 locally do a degree.
I have a desktop with a few gpus in it for “fun”, so a laptop for me often is a client to access more power if needed. I run Sunshine and get 4k60 streaming for desktop, 3d modeling, video editing, and even gaming on occasion. Now with a MacBook instead of a thermally constrained thinkpud I can even do that stuff on the m1 locally do a degree.
> the body of a 12" laptop
I've always owned 15" laptops, and i've never had any trouble fitting them in bags, even in a sleeve. I understand why people might want 7" or 10" netbooks, but a 12" machine just seems like a waste of space to me. I understand that most people feel very differently, though!
> webcam that doesn’t make it look like your laptop (or you) are a potato during a videoconference
And also doesn't look up your nose - my XPS 15 has the camera underneath the monitor, and it's terrible.
> a great keyboard, look to the 2008-11 era ThinkPads for inspiration
Keyboards are one of those things where tastes vary so much. I dislike every ThinkPad keyboard i've tried. Maybe we need interchangeable keyboards, with various styles available?
> a useful number of ports
Interested to see that ethernet doesn't make the cut. I definitely appreciate having that without having to bedongle the machine.
How about adding:
- Ability to charge from USB-PD
Or is that a given these days?
I've always owned 15" laptops, and i've never had any trouble fitting them in bags, even in a sleeve. I understand why people might want 7" or 10" netbooks, but a 12" machine just seems like a waste of space to me. I understand that most people feel very differently, though!
> webcam that doesn’t make it look like your laptop (or you) are a potato during a videoconference
And also doesn't look up your nose - my XPS 15 has the camera underneath the monitor, and it's terrible.
> a great keyboard, look to the 2008-11 era ThinkPads for inspiration
Keyboards are one of those things where tastes vary so much. I dislike every ThinkPad keyboard i've tried. Maybe we need interchangeable keyboards, with various styles available?
> a useful number of ports
Interested to see that ethernet doesn't make the cut. I definitely appreciate having that without having to bedongle the machine.
How about adding:
- Ability to charge from USB-PD
Or is that a given these days?
> another Apple can’t put my finger on why this is so much better than everyone else things
Once you’ve used a Mac touchpad, it’s impossible to go back to a Windows/Linux laptop. I’ve tried…
Once you’ve used a Mac touchpad, it’s impossible to go back to a Windows/Linux laptop. I’ve tried…
For me, the smaller the better. I'm fortunate enough to do most of my real work at a desktop setting, so I'd like the laptop to be as portable as possible.
With that in mind, in terms of pure form factor, the Asus Flip Chromebook (2015) was about as close to perfect as possible. Sure, its processor was anemic even at release. I'd want a higher quality screen. But the keyboard was very good by my standards. The 10 inch screen was the perfect size and was 16:10. Weighed around 1.8 pounds (0.82 kg). If I could have that form factor with modern tech, I'd be in heaven.
Second favorite is the current iteration of the iPad Mini. If I could get that with an M1 or M2, full MacOS, then I'd be happier than (insert metaphor here).
Third favorite was the 2015 Macbook. I'd wish for a better keyboard and more ports, but overall the form factor & weight was extremely good. Would be stellar with a modern Mac kb and Apple Silicon.
Fourth fave was a tiny Sony Vaio from 2000. Forget the model name / number. Also under 2 pounds with a 10 inch screen. Honorable mention to the Asus Eee of 2008. Screen was too small but otherwise it was a perfect size & weight.
I guess I'll have to try a GPD laptop one of these days. They seem to be among the only ones providing tiny & small laptops.
With that in mind, in terms of pure form factor, the Asus Flip Chromebook (2015) was about as close to perfect as possible. Sure, its processor was anemic even at release. I'd want a higher quality screen. But the keyboard was very good by my standards. The 10 inch screen was the perfect size and was 16:10. Weighed around 1.8 pounds (0.82 kg). If I could have that form factor with modern tech, I'd be in heaven.
Second favorite is the current iteration of the iPad Mini. If I could get that with an M1 or M2, full MacOS, then I'd be happier than (insert metaphor here).
Third favorite was the 2015 Macbook. I'd wish for a better keyboard and more ports, but overall the form factor & weight was extremely good. Would be stellar with a modern Mac kb and Apple Silicon.
Fourth fave was a tiny Sony Vaio from 2000. Forget the model name / number. Also under 2 pounds with a 10 inch screen. Honorable mention to the Asus Eee of 2008. Screen was too small but otherwise it was a perfect size & weight.
I guess I'll have to try a GPD laptop one of these days. They seem to be among the only ones providing tiny & small laptops.
Personally, i have found my perfect laptop: The Thinkpad R60, though ancient is - for the things I do - simply perfect. It runs really good with various BSD systems (and of course Linux), has an easily changeable battery, a - in my opinion - great keyboard, is repair- service and (modeartely) upgradeable. I have mine now for over a decade and will keep it running as long as spare parts are available. Will i ever buy a successor? Maybe... but (besides possibly the MNT Reform) i have not found anything which trigger the "must have" reflex in me.
>excellent build quality
I keep hearing this, also for phones, and people usually associate it with certain materials.
Why? I'd rather have a light plastic laptop/phone that works well, is light, and survives a few hits than an overpriced piece of fashion. Bonus points for phones with cracked backs because glass "feels more valuable".
Of course I understand the value of e.g. good hinges, keyboards etc., but pretty sure that's not what people are generally referring to.
I keep hearing this, also for phones, and people usually associate it with certain materials.
Why? I'd rather have a light plastic laptop/phone that works well, is light, and survives a few hits than an overpriced piece of fashion. Bonus points for phones with cracked backs because glass "feels more valuable".
Of course I understand the value of e.g. good hinges, keyboards etc., but pretty sure that's not what people are generally referring to.
> an SD card reader, why not, they’re $5 … also the ability to upgrade the basics, like memory and storage
> 12” body … to fit the 13" to 14" screen it would have very small bezels, this is a great size for fitting in bags and sitting on small tables
Remove one and it makes the perfect laptop much more attainable. It’s near impossible to fit removable hardware and many ports in a small body. Thinkpads are pretty close, but even some of those have to have a flip open expanding port for Ethernet. An hdmi port is taller than many laptops. The small body really is a huge plus for mobility and comfort, but you can’t have ports/etc with that.
Oddly enough my perfect laptop is still the google pixelbook. Enough power for what I need, flawless construction, incredible trackpad and keyboard, runs Linux and chromeos/android apps, is absolutely gorgeous, and super portable.
Downside is there are like no ports so you need a usb hub, the bezel is huge, and … it hasn’t been improved in like half a decade.
> 12” body … to fit the 13" to 14" screen it would have very small bezels, this is a great size for fitting in bags and sitting on small tables
Remove one and it makes the perfect laptop much more attainable. It’s near impossible to fit removable hardware and many ports in a small body. Thinkpads are pretty close, but even some of those have to have a flip open expanding port for Ethernet. An hdmi port is taller than many laptops. The small body really is a huge plus for mobility and comfort, but you can’t have ports/etc with that.
Oddly enough my perfect laptop is still the google pixelbook. Enough power for what I need, flawless construction, incredible trackpad and keyboard, runs Linux and chromeos/android apps, is absolutely gorgeous, and super portable.
Downside is there are like no ports so you need a usb hub, the bezel is huge, and … it hasn’t been improved in like half a decade.
I'd add "expandable storage" (and "can be fixed") because even if it's an Apple-esque SoC (which we're clearly going to be seeing more of in the future by other brands), there is no reason to not offer one or ideally two m.2 slots that you can just stick more, "slower", storage in.
Am I the only one who likes 17" laptops? I miss my old lunch tray.
Two aspects in which Apple's newest Macbook Airs fit at least my own "peak laptop" definition are:
1) no fans whatsoever
2) no coil whine when I plug my headphones in and stress the CPU
The keyboard is exactly the right size and the right font for me, but I'll concede that muscle memory is an individual thing. I've owned Apple's laptops and keyboards made in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2019, and 2022, and they are very hell-bent on being consistent about key size and placement, I should give it to them.
I'd like a Linux laptop that would beat this.
XPS13 is a close contender because that 3840x2400 screen is the right kind of ratio and super crisp, but man, that fan noise and the coil whine are just killing the mood. Maybe Thinkpad X13s, but Linux support and its screen are both very meh at this point.
1) no fans whatsoever
2) no coil whine when I plug my headphones in and stress the CPU
The keyboard is exactly the right size and the right font for me, but I'll concede that muscle memory is an individual thing. I've owned Apple's laptops and keyboards made in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2019, and 2022, and they are very hell-bent on being consistent about key size and placement, I should give it to them.
I'd like a Linux laptop that would beat this.
XPS13 is a close contender because that 3840x2400 screen is the right kind of ratio and super crisp, but man, that fan noise and the coil whine are just killing the mood. Maybe Thinkpad X13s, but Linux support and its screen are both very meh at this point.
I bought a 12" Macbook last year because my 15" is too heavy to lug around. It's so light that I forget that it's there. I spent months on the road with it. At home I would just plug it into my USB-C monitor and use a keyboard and Magic Trackpad.
Unfortunately it's too slow to play YouTube Music in the background, especially if Docker is also running.
I would buy an M2 version in a heartbeat if Apple made them. I recently bit the bullet and got an M2 Air. It's a lovely machine that's better in every respect, but it's 30% heavier, and I can feel that every time I take it with me.
A 900 gram laptop that charges with a phone charger is just incredible to have.
Unfortunately it's too slow to play YouTube Music in the background, especially if Docker is also running.
I would buy an M2 version in a heartbeat if Apple made them. I recently bit the bullet and got an M2 Air. It's a lovely machine that's better in every respect, but it's 30% heavier, and I can feel that every time I take it with me.
A 900 gram laptop that charges with a phone charger is just incredible to have.
> 2560/1600 = 1.6 (this is a good aspect ratio, the perfect laptop has a ratio ≤ 1.6)
Not just laptops, but monitors in general should be 16:10 or taller. 16:9 only became popular thanks to the computer display industry naively adopting the aspect ratio of televisions. But 16:9 comes from the film industry and has nothing to do with computer productivity. It's a shame that so many monitor manufacturers still focus almost exclusively on 16:9 (or even wider, when width is easily achieved by multiple monitors, side-by-side). I'm fine with the wide options existing, but give me some taller options, too, please.
Not just laptops, but monitors in general should be 16:10 or taller. 16:9 only became popular thanks to the computer display industry naively adopting the aspect ratio of televisions. But 16:9 comes from the film industry and has nothing to do with computer productivity. It's a shame that so many monitor manufacturers still focus almost exclusively on 16:9 (or even wider, when width is easily achieved by multiple monitors, side-by-side). I'm fine with the wide options existing, but give me some taller options, too, please.
The size of a laptop often affects the size and distribution of its keyboard keys.
What's appropriate for the user has a lot to do with the size of their hands, and I think this gets overlooked by many who are instead thinking about display size.
As a person with smallish hands who programs (types a lot), anything larger than an X40/X60 ThinkPad form factor has been very annoying to use.
The move to widescreen aspect ratio displays has completely wrecked laptop typing efficiency in my world, since it tended to stretch out the keyboards beyond what my fingers can reach without lifting a palm.
I wish laptop keyboards were treated more like specialized instruments fitted to buyers hands, like shoe sizes. If you consider how much $$ is paid to people that type all day, it's asinine that the laptop industry hasn't matured into optimizing that interface for individuals. Can't I at least get two hand size variants in the average laptop ordering page? Instead it feels like things have only regressed in this department since the classic ThinkPad days.
What's appropriate for the user has a lot to do with the size of their hands, and I think this gets overlooked by many who are instead thinking about display size.
As a person with smallish hands who programs (types a lot), anything larger than an X40/X60 ThinkPad form factor has been very annoying to use.
The move to widescreen aspect ratio displays has completely wrecked laptop typing efficiency in my world, since it tended to stretch out the keyboards beyond what my fingers can reach without lifting a palm.
I wish laptop keyboards were treated more like specialized instruments fitted to buyers hands, like shoe sizes. If you consider how much $$ is paid to people that type all day, it's asinine that the laptop industry hasn't matured into optimizing that interface for individuals. Can't I at least get two hand size variants in the average laptop ordering page? Instead it feels like things have only regressed in this department since the classic ThinkPad days.
Starting with my ZBook 15 from 2014:
1. Make it 16:10. There is plenty of bezel for that. 1900x1200 or something like that. 1200p was pretty common on good CRT monitors in the 90s.
2. Make the number pad optional. Framework is doing that with their 16" model. I'll bury my number pad and give a party.
3. Keep the three physical buttons on the touchpad. By the way, it can probably do gestures and it definitely register clicks but I use it only to move the pointer and scroll with two fingers. I bought the physical buttons because I want to click with them. The middle one pastes the text selected with the left one (Linux.)
4. Keep it user serviceable. I replaced RAM, disks, keyboards, battery a few months ago, it aged well.
5. Maybe make it 2 kg.
6. Maybe trim some bezel on the sides and make it less wide.
7. Definitely make it work with a much slimmer power unit.
8. It's got USB 3 and 2 ports, DisplayPort, VGA, SD card. Probably add an USB C but I don't know. HDMI? I've got a converter for that.
9. Current year CPU and RAM.
10. Discrete graphic card? Don't know, probably not worth it. I have to watch videos and move my desktop, that's all.
1. Make it 16:10. There is plenty of bezel for that. 1900x1200 or something like that. 1200p was pretty common on good CRT monitors in the 90s.
2. Make the number pad optional. Framework is doing that with their 16" model. I'll bury my number pad and give a party.
3. Keep the three physical buttons on the touchpad. By the way, it can probably do gestures and it definitely register clicks but I use it only to move the pointer and scroll with two fingers. I bought the physical buttons because I want to click with them. The middle one pastes the text selected with the left one (Linux.)
4. Keep it user serviceable. I replaced RAM, disks, keyboards, battery a few months ago, it aged well.
5. Maybe make it 2 kg.
6. Maybe trim some bezel on the sides and make it less wide.
7. Definitely make it work with a much slimmer power unit.
8. It's got USB 3 and 2 ports, DisplayPort, VGA, SD card. Probably add an USB C but I don't know. HDMI? I've got a converter for that.
9. Current year CPU and RAM.
10. Discrete graphic card? Don't know, probably not worth it. I have to watch videos and move my desktop, that's all.
> [...]
> Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2
> [...]
While there is a lot to like about modern ThinkPad X1 series, beware that modern Intel "MIPI" webcams (like the one in this model) are unlikely to be convenient to use on Linux for the time being [1]. MIPI support is coming to Linux, both kernel and user space, but it is highly nontrivial, and a reasonable estimate is two years from now [2]. Or, you can make it work right now, but it requires some temporary hacks [3].
[1] https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Lenovo_ThinkPad_X1_Nano_(Ge...
[2] https://www.spinics.net/lists/kernel/msg4467429.html
[3] https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=277462&p=3
> Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2
> [...]
While there is a lot to like about modern ThinkPad X1 series, beware that modern Intel "MIPI" webcams (like the one in this model) are unlikely to be convenient to use on Linux for the time being [1]. MIPI support is coming to Linux, both kernel and user space, but it is highly nontrivial, and a reasonable estimate is two years from now [2]. Or, you can make it work right now, but it requires some temporary hacks [3].
[1] https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Lenovo_ThinkPad_X1_Nano_(Ge...
[2] https://www.spinics.net/lists/kernel/msg4467429.html
[3] https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=277462&p=3
Get an IBM ThinkPad 380XD, swap out the screen for a Chromebook Pixel's 2560x1600 screen, then swap the board out for the Macbook M2's silicon along with as much RAM and as many ports as you can fit in the chassis.
Port Windows 2000 to it, hit me up and name your price.
Port Windows 2000 to it, hit me up and name your price.
M1 or M2 MacBook Airs *with 16 GB RAM* (and this is the catch). These are notoriously costlier (and difficult on retailer sites where you get deals) to have compared to their 8GB counter part - Apple already making it difficult for users to keep the laptop around for longer, because that default 8GB RAM is going to run out sooner than you think. And you can not upgrade it once bought.
Anything on Windows (or Linux considering you'd install that) I wouldn't even touch below 24-32GB or 16GB to begin with and then expandable up to at least +16GB.
It is so shocking to see people declare their laptop just works at the soldiered xGB RAM. Well, a year and half later it will start feeling the pinch.
Anything on Windows (or Linux considering you'd install that) I wouldn't even touch below 24-32GB or 16GB to begin with and then expandable up to at least +16GB.
It is so shocking to see people declare their laptop just works at the soldiered xGB RAM. Well, a year and half later it will start feeling the pinch.
Unconventional choice: Panasonic Let's Note.
Sadly JDM exclusive and has soldered RAM, but the latest models come with a 3:2 display, decent I/O (e.g. RJ45, full sized SD card reader, even VGA (!)), magnesium alloy chassis and a removable battery in a sub 1.1 kg package. Can't speak for the quality of the trackpad or keyboard though.
https://panasonic.jp/cns/pc/
Sadly JDM exclusive and has soldered RAM, but the latest models come with a 3:2 display, decent I/O (e.g. RJ45, full sized SD card reader, even VGA (!)), magnesium alloy chassis and a removable battery in a sub 1.1 kg package. Can't speak for the quality of the trackpad or keyboard though.
https://panasonic.jp/cns/pc/
One missing criterion: allow purchasing without Windows pre-installed, and thus with a slightly reduced price. I resent that all new "Windows-default" PCs include the OS (presumably driving up the price) which I am going to immediately erase.
I bought a first-generation Framework a couple of years ago, and it's been perfect for me. I don't especially need a thin/light laptop, but what I care about is that it's snappy and sturdy, has a nice keyboard, and can be repaired to last long-term (like the Thinkpad T430 that it replaced). The Framework fits the bill on those fronts, so it earns a long-term position on my nightstand.
I had probably written a longer comment earlier on HN, but if anyone is looking at this and is waiting for the perfect laptop... don't. (Assuming you have the money & time, I unfortunately do not right now.) The catch is that you would need to have moderate levels of proficiency with mechanical and electrical skills.
At the end of the day, commercial clamshell laptops... 1. Have terrible ergonomics, due to the small distance between the keyboard and the screen (unless you're a baby, in which case, hi!). The small screen size doesn't help unless you're okay carrying a 17" laptop around. 2. Have components that will fail due to hardware wear and tear. Most noticeable are the hinges but also USB/audio ports and sometimes keyboards. Be it gunk or an accidental pet dropping the laptop on the port.
A few companies occasionally try to address [1] - like the Asus Easel or the Lenovo/Asus folding laptops that improve portability or screen angle/position. Framework laptops address [2], but are traditional clamshell.
If you truly want a solution, a. Choose a decent single board computer (SBC) as a base, like a gigabyte brix. b. Print a 3d case for it to make it as small as possible. c. Spin your own display from panelook. d. Attach case from (2) with an expanding hinge-type contraption. e. Embellish with desired parts. I'd suggest framework expansion cards. f. ??? g. Profit!
(It doesn't hurt that 4"*4" and VESA-compatible SBCs and miniPCs are often standardized at least in 2 dimensions. And if anyone's interested in anything more on this front - making one, selling it, making a business of selling it etc - feel free to reach out to me (email in profile). I'm frustrated with modern laptops and fortunately have a degree in mechanical engineering.)
At the end of the day, commercial clamshell laptops... 1. Have terrible ergonomics, due to the small distance between the keyboard and the screen (unless you're a baby, in which case, hi!). The small screen size doesn't help unless you're okay carrying a 17" laptop around. 2. Have components that will fail due to hardware wear and tear. Most noticeable are the hinges but also USB/audio ports and sometimes keyboards. Be it gunk or an accidental pet dropping the laptop on the port.
A few companies occasionally try to address [1] - like the Asus Easel or the Lenovo/Asus folding laptops that improve portability or screen angle/position. Framework laptops address [2], but are traditional clamshell.
If you truly want a solution, a. Choose a decent single board computer (SBC) as a base, like a gigabyte brix. b. Print a 3d case for it to make it as small as possible. c. Spin your own display from panelook. d. Attach case from (2) with an expanding hinge-type contraption. e. Embellish with desired parts. I'd suggest framework expansion cards. f. ??? g. Profit!
(It doesn't hurt that 4"*4" and VESA-compatible SBCs and miniPCs are often standardized at least in 2 dimensions. And if anyone's interested in anything more on this front - making one, selling it, making a business of selling it etc - feel free to reach out to me (email in profile). I'm frustrated with modern laptops and fortunately have a degree in mechanical engineering.)
I’ll be that guy—The Perfect Laptop requires a TrackPoint. ;)
Apple gets it. If I'm using a laptop I don't want to stick my fingers onto a touch screen blocking my view and leaving marks. Macbook does one thing extremely well. It is a laptop for serious people not a lap-tablet.
The touch pad is BIG. I need it to be big because it needs to fit my body. Every other brand always seems like trying to sleep on a mattress or wear a glove that is too small. Even a slight difference in size can mean the difference between completing a gesture in one fluid motion or running out of room and having to do it in multiple motions. The scrolling resolution on Mac is much finer than windows which does one line at a time. It's frustrating trying to make adjustments like zoom in windows because the scrolling is so damn janky.
I've had 3 different ThinkPads and 3 different Macbooks and I've always preferred the Macbooks for so many reasons like battery, thermals, display, non-plasticy materials.
How could anyone afford the engineering and manufacturing to build such a perfect laptop and sell it for <2000$?
I've picked up the Samsung Galaxy book Pro or whatever it is, in 16" - and it pretty much checks all these boxes.
Fullsize HDMI, 16:10 screen, headphone jack, sd card reader, USB C and USB A, large touchpad, keyboard is quite good (for me), screen is AMOLED (glossy but nice), battery life is quite good (I get about 6 hours of medium use), it's quite thin with small bezels,fans are a bit noisy but it's not something I care about, SSD is upgradeable (plus another slot for expansion/dual boot), RAM is soldered unfortunately, webcam is good, mics are good. Linux support is getting better, originally it was useless but after a few kernel updates it works quite well. Fingerprint reader doesn't work on Linux though.
Fullsize HDMI, 16:10 screen, headphone jack, sd card reader, USB C and USB A, large touchpad, keyboard is quite good (for me), screen is AMOLED (glossy but nice), battery life is quite good (I get about 6 hours of medium use), it's quite thin with small bezels,fans are a bit noisy but it's not something I care about, SSD is upgradeable (plus another slot for expansion/dual boot), RAM is soldered unfortunately, webcam is good, mics are good. Linux support is getting better, originally it was useless but after a few kernel updates it works quite well. Fingerprint reader doesn't work on Linux though.
Recently got a 14" mbp m2 Pro for work. So far 3 months in, I "think" it is the perfect work/personal laptop (excluding gaming).
For those who are budget or environmental conscious a second-hand Huawei Matebook can be a great choice. The older premium models have great battery life (think 13+ hours when undervolted), are passive cooled, have great 3:2 high resolution screens (with very thin bezels) and very good build quality. You can charge them with USB-C so if you have an Android phone you don't need an extra charger. SSD is upgradeable, sadly memory is not.
It's not an alternative for a M2 MacBook, nor is it going to run your 200+ microservices but for 200-300 bucks they tick a lot of the boxes and work great as ultra-portable productivity machines.
It's not an alternative for a M2 MacBook, nor is it going to run your 200+ microservices but for 200-300 bucks they tick a lot of the boxes and work great as ultra-portable productivity machines.
For me the perfect laptop was actually the Chromebook Pixel LS from 2015. Retina 3:2 touchscreen display in a 13in aluminum shell with a really good trackpad, usb-c, and built in webcam. Could be configured with 16GB of RAM though the ssd topped out at 64GB, but it was a laptop, I wasn't going to be storing games or media on it.
However that generation of the Chromebook Pixel had a defect of some sort where the adhesives in the screen breakdown after about 6-7 years and leak into the display, causing discoloration. In fact if you have one of these and have left it untouched for a good amount of time you should check it, there's probably adhesive that has leaked onto the keyboard.
This single incident where my favorite laptop is basically unusable after 6-7 years with no way to raid another one for a spare display (they all have this problem, and their display isn't interchangeable with the 2013 model)is why I'm an even bigger proponent of right to repair and easily upgradeable or interchangeable parts. If I had my way of things, I'd simply open up the computer every few years and replace the motherboard with something more modern but keep the shell. If I knew how to design motherboards or replace laptop displays without completely destroying or scratching the chassis I would. Watching the screen slowly discolor and turn to a milky blue is almost like watching a beloved dog get old and develop cataracts.
However that generation of the Chromebook Pixel had a defect of some sort where the adhesives in the screen breakdown after about 6-7 years and leak into the display, causing discoloration. In fact if you have one of these and have left it untouched for a good amount of time you should check it, there's probably adhesive that has leaked onto the keyboard.
This single incident where my favorite laptop is basically unusable after 6-7 years with no way to raid another one for a spare display (they all have this problem, and their display isn't interchangeable with the 2013 model)is why I'm an even bigger proponent of right to repair and easily upgradeable or interchangeable parts. If I had my way of things, I'd simply open up the computer every few years and replace the motherboard with something more modern but keep the shell. If I knew how to design motherboards or replace laptop displays without completely destroying or scratching the chassis I would. Watching the screen slowly discolor and turn to a milky blue is almost like watching a beloved dog get old and develop cataracts.
I want to mention Tuxedo Computers and Slimbook which are great.
After trying a Slimbook I don't think I'll buy another brand unless a company like this one pops up. Of course Tuxedo is an equally good alternative but Slimbook HQ is literally 45 min away from home so that's a plus to me.
They make laptops fully compatible with linux, offer great custom support, their designs are pretty nice in my opinion, good specs, quality build, good battery life (except for the "gaming" laptops), good trackpads, etc.
After trying a Slimbook I don't think I'll buy another brand unless a company like this one pops up. Of course Tuxedo is an equally good alternative but Slimbook HQ is literally 45 min away from home so that's a plus to me.
They make laptops fully compatible with linux, offer great custom support, their designs are pretty nice in my opinion, good specs, quality build, good battery life (except for the "gaming" laptops), good trackpads, etc.