Linux Laptops
Working with Linux is much more comfortable on a laptop designed for the operating system. Many laptops still have driver and hardware issues — for example, suspend doesn’t work. Below you’ll find a list of manufacturers selling Linux-ready laptops.
Technology
Many of the companies listed below build laptops using Clevo components. With Clevo you can build a custom laptop model, choose the chassis, processor, and other components, add your own branding, and sell under your own name. Some companies on the list use this option for certain models, which is why you may find very similar-looking laptops from multiple vendors.
However, not all laptops on the list come from Clevo. Many companies invest significant effort in designing their own 100% original laptop constructions to deliver better products to their customers.
Laptops and Companies
Starlabs
Starlabs is a UK-based company that has been selling Linux laptops since 2016. Currently it offers 2 laptops. They recently added a mini-PC based on the AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor.
Slimbook
Slimbook has been operating since 2015 in Spain. From the beginning, its goal was to deliver Linux laptops. Currently it has several laptops and desktops in its lineup. It is also developing its own Linux distribution based on Ubuntu: Slimbook OS.
System76
A US-based company with a large product portfolio, not just laptops. One of their own products is a mechanical keyboard. The company plans to open a distribution center in Europe. Currently 6 laptops are in their catalog. The company is also known for developing the Pop!_OS operating system.
Video from their headquarters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHY_QRVJOhA
KFocus — Kubuntu Focus
Currently the company offers two laptops: a 14-inch and a larger 15.6-inch model. In addition to laptops, the company develops Kubuntu Focus Tools software, which includes a power management utility.
Laptop with Linux
The company is based in the Netherlands. Their lineup mainly consists of Clevo laptops. I didn’t find information about the company developing additional software to improve working with their laptops.
Manjaro Computer
An interesting point about this Belgian company is that, in addition to selling laptops, it also sells the Manjaro Pinephone. The company currently has several laptops in its lineup.
https://www.manjarocomputer.eu/index.php/en/
Framework Laptop
The Framework Laptop is a laptop designed from scratch with the ability to replace every part. You can even order it in pieces and assemble it yourself. The laptop also stands out for easy port swapping (USB-C, HDMI, etc.). All ports come as “Expansion Cards” that can be changed at any time without disassembling the chassis.
HP Dev One
A new laptop created for Linux work. The laptop ships with Pop!_OS. Unlike other large-manufacturer laptops, this one cannot be ordered with Windows. Unfortunately it is currently only available in the US.
A few reviews of this laptop: Twitter
Tuxedo
A German company with over a dozen laptops in its lineup. In addition to laptops, the company develops Tuxedo Control Center software for managing performance and power settings.
https://www.tuxedocomputers.com
Dell, HP, Lenovo and Ubuntu
At https://ubuntu.com/certified/laptops you’ll find a list of certified laptops from major manufacturers. If you plan to buy a laptop from one of these manufacturers, check whether the model is on the certified list and also search Google for any driver issues with that specific model. These laptops were primarily designed for Windows, and not everything may work correctly under Linux.
Summary
The choice of Linux-ready laptops today is enormous, which is great — you can find something that suits your needs. If I were choosing today, I would consider something from this set: HP Dev One, StarBook from Starlabs, or Framework Laptop.