I bought one (an Oryx) to replace a macbook because it comes all set up and ready to go (no driver problems, no tinkering needed). I know it would have been cheaper to buy a machine and install linux on it but its a lot of extra work. I'd honestly just rather pay them to deal with it.
I'm using there OS (pop!) which is Ubuntu based, and works fine (although I'm not sure why they have there own OS, it gave me pause frankly, they have Ubuntu as well). It works well and seems to have updates quite frequently.
I really like the machine, its had no problems and has been easy to setup and use. There are some minor things I don't love, the battery life isn't great and I have to reboot to switch video cards (the laptop has 2 and only one supports external screens).
But jetbrains software works and the web works fine, so I'm pretty happy.
>although I'm not sure why they have there own OS.
I think this makes sense. Their core bussiness is producing an integrated Linux hardware/software package. When a compatability issue comes up, they probably don't want to have to wait on a third party to resolve it; especially when they can still leverage most of the work that said third party does (and; I presume, contribute back their work).
Anyone can hold any status in Ubuntu regardless of who they work for. This is explicitly stated in Ubuntu's code of conduct which doubles as a sort of constitution. They could be Ubuntu developers themselves; then they wouldn't have to "wait on a third party" to resolve anything.
Yes but anything that goes into Ubuntu needs to work on all systems, not just System 76 devices. This would like reduce the realistic rate of change, even if they were (co-)maintainers of all the relevant packages.
Not necessary to upstream packages to Ubuntu Repositories when they could set their own repositories (which I assume it's how they mantain their distro)
It's a matter of branding. Which is great too as long as they keep up to date with security updates and such.
I don't think Canonical would look kindly on someone shipping 'Ubuntu' with 3rd-party modifications to critical system-level packages, at least without participating in the Ubuntu Desktop certification program.
I also use POP!_OS, pretty awesome actually. I have found it to be a really great experience, and I am not sure if this was just fluke, but the installation process was mega easy. Non of the usual wifi driver issues I got with Ubunutu.
Yeah I'm running Pop OS as well. Interestingly, it has the best Optimus support out of any distro I've seen thus far. It installed without issue and allows me to switch between graphics via a GUI (albeit requiring a reboot).
The only issue I have with Pop is the name... and I guess that's something I can get over given how well it works. :)
pop os allows them to apply their own branding, and they also use their own installer that's more tailored towards OEM installations (which makes sense, since they're an OEM and all)
Its not loud, but its not silent either. You notice them running, but not so much to be annoying. My 13 MacBook pro was usually quite quiet except when pushed. Its noiser than that.
The fans run a lot, (especially when using the Nvidia graphics). I tend to push the machine a little though.
I bought one (an Oryx) to replace a macbook because it comes all set up and ready to go (no driver problems, no tinkering needed). I know it would have been cheaper to buy a machine and install linux on it but its a lot of extra work. I'd honestly just rather pay them to deal with it.
I'm using there OS (pop!) which is Ubuntu based, and works fine (although I'm not sure why they have there own OS, it gave me pause frankly, they have Ubuntu as well). It works well and seems to have updates quite frequently.
I really like the machine, its had no problems and has been easy to setup and use. There are some minor things I don't love, the battery life isn't great and I have to reboot to switch video cards (the laptop has 2 and only one supports external screens).
But jetbrains software works and the web works fine, so I'm pretty happy.