Let’s start with my mistakes:

  • I haven’t followed LKML.
  • I assumed: Every ThinkPad has - overall - perfect Linux support, so this will as well.
  • I did look up support when purchasing but I was still not verifying on the LKML.
  • Edit: I trusted Qualcomm’s marketing

So, I wanted a ARM-Linux laptop so bad. I heared about the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s in 2023 and I looked at marketing promises and (rare!) takes on it. Then there was the opportunity to buy this laptop fir a good price with the entire stats I would require for my next 10+ years. So I bought it.

In order to bake Linux on it I had to read up upon many things - I run it daily but have to accept some downsizes.

Anyhow, I thought this title would be interessting regarding Lenovo’s and Qualcomm’s “success” on ARM so that others may be aware that I am looking daily for the LKML and my model SC8280XP.

There is ONE SINGLE CONTRIBUTOR (there were two; The other joined Lenovo) allowed to have “elected and requested” documents in order to aid support. Despite their intentions (QUALCOMM) to support Linux. And I furthermore assume it hasn’t have changed with the new Snapdragon X processors.

So, thanks to John Hovold and Linaro for doing an awesome job. I wish I could support you.

  • 7dev7random7@suppo.fiOP
    73·
    2 days ago

    A friend of mine bought an used M1 and Linux support is limited to this day. I just want to run Debian (stable).

    Framework doesn’t have (and still hasn’t) an aarch64 CPU.

    The benefits of an ARM-Linux based laptop for me are:

    • Running my obiquitious OS (Debian).
    • No fans and less heat on the lap (note that charging heats the battery which in turn heats the laptop. Though this is just 25 Minutes to charge up and this laptop [X13s] cools down very fast)
    • battery life (I can safely assume 6 heavy hours of no-plugin vim, REPL and browsing).

    You may come up with downsizes and I bet I can address these with easy workarounds to stay within my requirements.