Linux Compatibility Report

In order to test the compatibility with the newest GNU/Linux distributions, TheAlternative have installed Ubuntu 19.04 on five new models of the HP EliteBook and the Lenovo ThinkPad series each.

Lenovo ThinkPad

Generally, Lenovo's ThinkPads keep up the tradition: Everything works out of the box and nothing has to be installed/configured. However, with the Lenovo P1 (2nd Gen.), it was not possible to establish a working wifi connection within a short amount of time of th etest. Additionally, neither touchpad nor mouse buttons worked on the Lenovo P53, whereas the wifi connection worked without problem. Those issues will probably be sorted out as the distros ship newer kernel versions.

Tested Models:

• Lenovo X1 Carbon (7th Gen.)
• Lenovo X1 Yoga (7th Gen.)
• Lenovo T490
• Lenovo P1 (2nd Gen.)
• Lenovo P53

HP EliteBook

Compared to the ThinkPad series, the EliteBooks raised more issues. The only model with an out-of-the-box working wifi connection was the HP ZBook 14u G6. All of the other models require some more manual configuration. However, most of these problems can usually be sorted out in a troubleshooting
session or two. Everything else, especially touch screen with stylus, worked perfectly out of the box.

Tested Models:

• HP EliteBook 840 G6
• HP EliteBook x360 830 G6
• HP EliteBook ZBook 15 G6
• HP EliteBook ZBook 14u G6
• HP EliteBook x360 1040 G6

Apple MacBooks and Microsoft Surface

Even though TheAlternative haven't tested those devices themselves, they've heard good things about linux-compatibility on newer MS Surfaces. However, all newer MacBooks (generally all with a touch bar) and Google ChromeBooks do not work at all. If you are planning on using Linux, staying away from those models is the best idea.

Conclusion

Using Ubuntu 19.10, which is due in October, should fix a lot of incompatiblity issues and later Linux kernel versions will reduces issues further still.
If you'd like to install Linux on your device with some guidance, or if you'd like to make some new friends in the Linux community, TheAlternative invite you to their Linux Install Days in October at ETH: