The best Linux laptops: Which tops the list?

Tech specs: OS: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P (12MB Cache, up to 4.4 GHz, 12 Cores), or 12th Gen Intel i7-1260P (18 MB cache, 12 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.70 GHz Turbo) | GPU: Intel Iris Xe | RAM: Up to 32 GB LPDR5, 5200 MHz integrated | Storage: from 512 GB M.2, Gen 4 PCIe up to 2 TB M.2 Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSD | Screen: 13.4″, FHD+ 1920×1200, 60HZ, 13.4″, FHD+ 1920×1200, 60HZ touch screen, 13.4″, OLED3456x2160 3K, 60HZ, or 13.4″ UHD+ 3840×2400, 60Hz, touch | Wireless: Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 6E 1675 (AX211) 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Card | Ports and Slots: 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB Type-C™ with DisplayPort and Power Delivery), USB-C to USB-A 3.0 adapter (included in the box), USB-C to 3.5mm headset adapter (included in the box) | Audio: Dual stereo speakers (tweeter + woofer), Realtek ALC1319D, 2 W x 2 = 4 W total | Battery: 3 Cell, 55 Wh, integrated | Dimensions: Height: 0.60 in. (15.28 mm), Width: 11.63 in. (295.30 mm), Depth: 7.84 in. (199.04 mm) | Weight: 2.71 lbs. (1.23 kg) for FHD+ or 4K+, 2.77 lbs. (1.26 kg) with OLED | Price: Base model starts at $1,599.00 and can go all the way up to $2,199.00.

This Dell XPS 13 has plenty of power. In fact, the latest edition of the laptop is twice as powerful as the previous edition. So, this little gem of a laptop can handle nearly anything you throw at it. 

The Dell XPS 13 has been around for some time and it was the first-ever Linux laptop to be produced by a large company. But Dell didn't just create a laptop geared specifically toward developers (even though the Linux version of the XPS is specifically called the Developer Edition), this thing is a work of art. It's beautiful and with each iteration, it gets better and better. From the gorgeous chassis to the perfectly spaced keys, the tiny bezels, and the attention to detail that a company like Dell can put into such a device, the XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition is hands down, the best-designed laptop on the list.

If you're looking for an executive-looking laptop, one that screams class and elegance, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option on the market. Dell also happens to take Linux and open-source very seriously, so they give back to the community to help improve the operating system and many other open technologies. Another plus with the XPS model is the keyboard and trackpad are quite good. What Dell has done is integrate the trackpad into a single piece of glass that runs across the wrist rest. This not only makes for a very smooth experience but a very elegant design that few laptops can best.

Also: The Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition will soon arrive with Ubuntu Linux 22.04