A lot of people associate Linux computers with being cheap. While that is partly true, don’t make the mistake of thinking they are cheap because they are not that good. There are some Linux distros out there tailor-made to suit the need of power users, in ways not even Windows or macOS computers can achieve. Nonetheless, a Linux laptop will cost you less than one that comes with Windows or macOS out of the box.
Just how much cheaper can it get?
If you are tied down with a shoe-string budget, here are some option of really affordable Linux laptop that ought to work within your budget.
Before we jump into those laptops, let us get one misconception out of the way. You can install these Linux distros on just about any computer. However, dedicated machines come with complete set of drivers. If you install a Linux distro on your typical computer, some hardware may fail to work, until you download and install the right Linux version of the drivers. Sometimes, that can be harder than it sounds when dealing with Linux.
The following machines are dedicated to the Linux installed on them, so you will not have to worry about drivers.
#1 – Pinebook 64 ($99)
It comes running Ubuntu 16.05 MATE. Has a 14-inch Full HD (1920X1080) IPS display and powered by 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex A53 chip. Has a 2GB RAM backed by 16GB internal storage expandable up to 256GB using microSD card.
As for connectivity, the Pinebook 64 comes with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11bgn. It has a 10,000mAh Li-ion battery. For just $99, the Pinebook 64 Linux laptop gives you excellent portable-machine experience but not so much on the good performance front. Though it will get online jobs done well on your browser, and other local functions such as word processing and multimedia playback. It will leave you with a lot to desire, but as far as basic work while on the go is concerned, the Pinebook 64 is a good choice budget Linux laptop.
#2 – Alpha Litebook ($249)
It comes running the Elementary OS out of the box with a 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080) display. It is powered by a 2.1GHz Intel Celeron N3150 chip, backed by a 4GB RAM and option of a 120GB SSD or 500GB HDD. As for connectivity, the Alpha Litebook comes with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11bgn.
It is a relatively new Linux-ready laptop in the market and is getting mixed reviews from various online news publishers. The Linux Elementary OS it is running is one of the best Linux distros currently in the market; one that makes Linux much more user-friendly.
#3 – System76 Lemur
It runs Ubuntu 16.04 or Pop!_OS 17.10. Has a 14-inch full HD (1920X1080) IPS display. Powered by a 2.4GHz Intel Core i3-7100U chip and backed by an 8GB RAM and internal storage of 120GB SSD.
As for connectivity, the System76 Lemur comes with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac. It has a 4-cell Li-Ion battery.
