I’ve noticed in the Linux community whenever someone asks for a recommendation on a laptop that runs Linux the answer is always “Get a Thinkpad” yet Lenovo doesn’t seem to be a big Linux contributor or ally. There’s also at least six Linux/FOSS-oriented computer manufacturers now:

So what gives? Why the love for a primarily Windows-oriented laptop when there are better alternatives?

  • Dudewitbow
    55•1 year ago

    Cause thinkpads are cheap and easy to come by

    Source: i work in ewaste

    • @WaterWaiver@aussie.zoneEnglish
      8•1 year ago

      Exactly this. Second hand thinkpads are stupidly cheap – I’m currently typing on my $180AUD laptop. I never buy new.

      • Dudewitbow
        3•1 year ago

        yes. Companies goal is to essentially take in e-waste and used stuff, sort through it and pull out decent laptops/desktops wipe(or destroy) hard drive based on instructions, and resell. The company that gives us the goods gets a cutback of what’s being sold. everything else that is junk is then sorted and recycled to their respective correct facilities. Gotta use the second R in the 3 R’s and the third for whatever is considered old. What’s considered old goods is still very desirable to another company, especially companies outside of the U.S where computers may be more expensive, especially when you’re trying to get them in bulk.

        the work laptop I use is definitely used goods, in fact relevant to thread as it is a 8th gen Thinkpad T490.

        • @miss_brainfart@lemmy.ml
          2•1 year ago

          With everything I hear about good stuff going to waste, I highly enjoyed reading that.

          Keep doing what you do, your workplace is cool

        • @library_napper
          2•1 year ago

          On what marketplace Are they sold? And can I buy a quantity of 1?

          • Dudewitbow
            2•1 year ago

            very rarely sell in quantities of one, but usually some of the end clients are resellers. If you’re ever like on Amazon and find refurbished dell desktops, or any laptop in general (including apple products), there’s a decent chance it came from an e-waste organization first before being bought by a reseller in bulk. There are some companies who “bling” old desktops and resell them in the market place.

          • Dudewitbow
            2•1 year ago

            i cant give specific numbers of course, but in the hundreds/low thousands typically per order.