Compatible Laptop for Linux Mint 22 (Wilma)

[doctormann]

It's time to replace my aging Lenovo IdeaPad laptop - been good for 10 years but is failing now.

i like the idea of a Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen5 but I'm having a problem finding out if this is compatible with Mint 22, 'Wilma".  Mint 22 is based on Ubuntu 24.04.  I've checked the Ubuntu compatibility list but the result was a bit vague, indicating that only OEM pre-installed 24.04 may work properly.

So, anyone out there using this OS with a T14?  Alternatively, any recommendations for a compatible laptop?

Thanks.

[BigStar]

Dells have a good rep w/ Linux.

 

As for your proposed Thinkpad, you might post an inquiry on reddit:

 

https://reddit.com/r/thinkpad/

 

There's one thread here w/ redditors reporting mixed results. One achieved perfect success, another has a workaround, another hasn't got WiFi6 working. If necessary you could add an adapter.

 

https://reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/1cj4jjw/linux_compatibility_with_t14_5th_gen/

 

That is merely a quick example. I'm not going to take time to research this in depth. You may find a more recent thread. 

 

Linux (Ubuntu) specific manual for the T14 G5/P14s G5/T16 G3:

https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/t14g5_t16g3_p14sg5_linux_ug.pdf

 

 

[doctormann]

Thanks for that.

I know that Dell are supposed to be OK with Linux so something like an XPS15 is a possibility that I'll look at.

Lenovo, at one time, used to be good for Linux but, allegedly, their IdeaPads now all come with Windows pre-installed and it is, allegedly, not possible to turn off secure boot so installing Linux may be impossible without flashing the BIOS/UEFI - if there is an updated BIOS available.

Lenovo ThinkPads are probably mostly OK - certainly with Ubuntu so probably also with Mint but there doesn't seem to be any guarantee of full compatibility.  There is a warning on the Lenovo website that pre-installed versions of Ubuntu may not work perfectly, or at all.  Sounds worrying!

The Lenovo site has a chat facility and I've used that - but still no definitive answer.

I'll take a look at the links that you provided.  Thanks again.

[pattayasan]

ChatGPT says that laptop will support Linux Mint.

[doctormann]

44 minutes ago, pattayasan said:

ChatGPT says that laptop will support Linux Mint.

I tried ChatGPT - told me 'maybe'.

I think it should be OK so I'll probably risk it.  Now, just need to visit the money tree.