Which hardware manufacturers are more friendly to Ubuntu, besides Intel? [closed]

Solution 1:

As you mentioned, Intel is great with open-source drivers:

• For their integrated graphics
• And for the other most common source of Linux driver hell, internal wireless adapters
  • I would be sure to get a laptop (upgrade the configuration if necessary) to get one of the Intel Centrino adapters -- either the 1000-series, or somewhat higher-end 6000-series is OK.

The other aspect is the entire system, especially dual-graphics, which aren't well supported in Linux for either AMD or Nvidia (and you will have to get one of them if you want discrete graphics). For that, I'd recommend you consider getting a Lenovo Thinkpad, preferably the T, X or W series (which have their heritage in IBM). They have excellent Linux compatibility, and their BIOS includes dual-graphics options many laptops do not which give you some degree of control over when the discrete card (and hence more battery!) is used. Thinkpads also have an excellent user support community for Linux hardware here.

Solution 2:

The other source of Linux driver hell not mentioned above is printers. Some manufacturers are great, some don't even bother.

In the 'great' category I would put HP and Brother. HP created a lot of the software and standards for Linux printer drivers and protocols, so you would expect them to be good.

Ironically, in view of the comments above concerning laptops, Lenovo are useless when it comes to printers. I bought one once, and got it home before I discovered there were no Linux drivers for it, period. I had to take it back to the shop, and I ended up exchanging it for an HP.

So, it's worth checking driver availability for a printer before you part with the readies.

Solution 3:

You should check Partners at Ubuntu website.

It provides extensive info regarding:

• Certified hardware
• Canonical partners
• Certified software

Canonical partners help to ensure that Ubuntu will always be compatible with the latest hardware and software. And they provide a range of services from implementation support to specialist tools.
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