They do free software now? I thought their software was proprietary. Bad sign for right to repair hardware if not even having right to repair software. And their software facilitates many other proprietary softwares, is my understanding.
I asked an LLM which computer companies do… and it gave some dodgy answers (admittedly caveated). For example, I know Lenovo are increasingly locking up their thinkpads, preventing right to repair. So take this list with a pinch of scrutiny:
Here are some companies that sell computers with Linux pre-installed and actively support the right to repair:
LaptopWithLinux
Offers laptops with Linux pre-installed and emphasizes the Right to Repair, making replacement parts available for up to five years after release. Customers can also purchase their own RAM and SSD for easy assembly and customization. The warranty remains valid even if you open the laptop yourself laptopwithlinux.com.
System76
Known for its Linux-focused laptops and desktops, System76 designs its hardware to be easily repairable and upgradeable. They provide lifetime support and free shipping for repairs during the warranty period techradar.com.
TUXEDO Computers
Manufactures Linux laptops and desktops in Germany, offering a 5-year guarantee and lifetime support. Their hardware is designed for easy maintenance and upgrades itsfoss.com.
Framework
While not exclusively Linux-focused, Framework is renowned for its modular, user-repairable laptops. They offer Linux compatibility and support, and their design philosophy aligns strongly with the right to repair movement reddit.com.
ThinkPenguin
Specializes in computers pre-installed with fully free GNU/Linux distributions and is committed to software freedom and user control. Their products are designed to be repairable and upgradeable linuxpreloaded.com+1.
Dell and Lenovo
Both companies occasionally sell laptops and workstations with Ubuntu pre-installed, though their commitment to right to repair varies by model. Some lines, like Dell’s XPS Developer Edition, are popular among Linux users linuxpreloaded.com+1.
Juno Computers
Offers a simple lineup of computers shipped with Ubuntu, with branches in the US and UK linuxpreloaded.com.
Purism (Librem)
Focuses on privacy and freedom, offering laptops with Linux pre-installed and a strong emphasis on user control and repairability cyberciti.biz.
Slimbook
A Spanish vendor shipping notebooks with pre-installed Linux, known for supporting user freedom and repairability cyberciti.biz.
These companies are recognized for their commitment to both Linux and the right to repair, making them strong choices for users who value openness, customization, and sustainability. Would you like more details on any specific brand or model?
Reminds of when I compared Microsoft’s various licenses and end user agreements to the GNU GPL version 1, when I was switching to GNU+Linux and Free Software over 20 years ago.
A search for the word “change” in the Steam subscriber agreement reveals “deal with the devil” clauses, where they can change the agreement after you agree.
They do free software now? I thought their software was proprietary. Bad sign for right to repair hardware if not even having right to repair software. And their software facilitates many other proprietary softwares, is my understanding.
I asked an LLM which computer companies do… and it gave some dodgy answers (admittedly caveated). For example, I know Lenovo are increasingly locking up their thinkpads, preventing right to repair. So take this list with a pinch of scrutiny:
I was thinking about the steam deck which runs linux out of box, is designed repairable and even replacement parts are available.
Ahh, and Lenovo has option to ship with fedora, not ubuntu, last I checked.
Oh. Well, that’s better than I presumed.
Steam itself’s still proprietary though, right?
… Oh, yeah, and then some. Way short of the 4 freedoms of Free Software’s philosophy. Steam’s https://partner.steamgames.com/steamdirect & https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/ makes quite a contrasting read to Free Software licenses (e.g. WTFPL or GNU GPL 2).
Reminds of when I compared Microsoft’s various licenses and end user agreements to the GNU GPL version 1, when I was switching to GNU+Linux and Free Software over 20 years ago.
A search for the word “change” in the Steam subscriber agreement reveals “deal with the devil” clauses, where they can change the agreement after you agree.