The Best GNU/Linux Laptop
The hunt for the best GNU/Linux laptop usually hinges on a few key features. First is Linux kernel support, a simple “Does this laptop work with the mainline linux kernel?” question should be answered, and the related “What distributions work out of the box?”. Another feature needing confirmation is if the kernel requires so-called closed source firmware (technically called nonfree blobs) for any included hardware to work, such as WiFi or networking. A few more common questions are: Is it metal or plastic? What is the build-quality? Are the hardware specs current? Is it an OEM or reseller? Does the company invest in and support Linux on the laptop? Below we will answer all of these as it relates to the Librem 14 the best linux laptop available today.
Kernel mainline support, for the best Linux laptop
All Purism products, including the Librem 14 laptop, offer mainline linux support and therefore you have peace-of-mind that your laptop will work with whatever flavor of linux you desire.
GNU/Linux distributions supported out of the box
PureOS, a Free Software Foundation endorsed distribution, is one of the most complete distributions which does not require any mystery blobs to run. Due to this strictness in the default operating system from Purism, it means that the hardware Purism puts out, such as the Librem 14 laptop, does not need any extra firmware to operate fully. This directly relates to the fact that any other GNU based distribution will work out of the box, be that RedHat, Debian, Ubuntu, or the many other GNU/Linux distributions available.
Linux kernel requires no mystery code
An important business decision of Purism was to build hardware that does not require any mystery code, so-called closed-source firmware. Therefore, all Purism products, from servers, mini-pcs, laptops, and even the Librem 5 phone, do not require mystery code in the Linux kernel (nor operating system as a whole).
Making the best linux laptop hardware
Purism, as part of its articles of incorporation, require the use of the highest quality components available, therefore the build quality of all our hardware is the best in the industry. Using metal chassis, metal-to-metal hinges, metal anchored power adapters, all our products are built to last.
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Purism is an Original Equipment Manufacturer, putting out our own designs of our products, with some products fully made in the United States of America. This means you have long-term support from the original maker of the hardware, and that alone is reason to buy and support what Purism is doing. You will enjoy the best linux laptop experience with your Librem 14, or any other product you purchase from Purism.
Investment in GNU / Linux laptop industry
A key and missing part of measuring the best linux laptop is, does the company itself invest in the industry you want to be supported? Purism is the only OEM that invests a majority percentage of its revenue to advance the free software movement; and by doing so your dollars go toward creating a future you desire.
Philosophy of Company who makes the hardware and software
Purism is a Social Purpose Company that releases all source code under free software licenses, it invests many millions of dollars annually in the free/libre and open source software development, including mainline linux kernel support, writing phosh, libhandy, phoc, squeekboard, libfeedbackd, PureBoot, and pushing the free software philosophy into the manufacturing industry.
Hardware specifications
To learn more, and see the detailed hardware specifications, visit the product page of the Librem 14 and see why it is the best linux laptop available today.
