New user and forum member here. I’m completely new to Zorin and Linux. I made the choice after becoming disillusioned with Big Tech merging with Big Government. I read that a user-friendly Linux distribution I had never heard of called Zorin stated they refused to comply OS-level age verification, so I jumped all in.
So here I am! Happy so far after a week and even made a donation. I’m wondering though… there are links to new computers on the Zorin site, and I found a website of a small business that sells Zorin in new computers with Windows removed alongside degoogled phones. All options are very expensive. Has anyone ever bought one? Is it worth it? Or do you all just install on old computers and buy refurbished?
I installed Zorin on my refurbished laptops. The new computers which are offered with Linux preinstalled are too expensive in my opinion. If you are a Linux beginner, it is the best to install Linux on an older computer and test there if you like it and are comfortable using Linux.
I’m not a techie so I don’t like the idea of installing myself. I’m afraid something will go wrong and I’ll be screwed. The problem with the refurbished route is putting the OS an a computer that wasn’t made for means it might not work 100% properly. Like on my refurbished one, it has trouble with browsers. The browsers mostly think the screen is bigger than it is, so it’s hard to use regardless of computer settings. Chrome and Firefox work fine though.
Here, You could argue that most Machines are not made for Linux - even these who have Linux installed. The Thing here is: Windows is far more widespread in Consumer Market. So, Hardware Manufacturer's orientate primary to this.
Of Course there is Hardware what can work better with Linux than other but in Common You stand on the same Situation independent from the Hardware.
You have to care about some Things; that is true. But when done, the Installation Process itself simply runs through. You only have to click through Stuff and make some Input for creating a User Acount with type in Your User Name, Machine Name and Password. This is not really different from Windows.
And when You have Questions to this, You can look in the Help Articles and of Course ask here in the Forum.
Are you looking for a laptop? There are for example used Lenovo thinkpad x1 carbon for less money and usually good compatibility to linux.
If you look for new Laptop/PC look for the description if there is Linux Compatibility highlighted.
AMD Ryzen CPUs fit usually good for Linux, for example my GEEKOM Mini PCs with AMD processors. ZorinOS has there no compatibility problems and is running smoothly.
In Germany there is a company named TUXEDO with Latops/PCs preinstalled Linux Distro TuxedoOS to buy world wide, but it is as expensive as the linked ones on the Zorin page.
If you decide for hardware without preinstalled Linux:
anyhow here in the Forum during your ZorinOS installation you are welcome with any questions to help you! You are welcome!
What you mentioned about going used what I did this time. There’s a small business on eBay that seeks refurbished computers, often with Zorin installed. I got a $200 Fujitsu.
I could definitely try to install it myself on a laptop. It’s just easier to get it pre-installed.
Hi there. I am a fairly new Zorin user myself. Currently about a month in. I had a question about new computers too. I was told by someone about Tuxedo Computers. I have been looking at them. As far as installing Zorin again. I get it. I had my own troubles. A lot of troubles. Mostly I used Ventoy. I am not saying Ventoy is no good. But I had trouble on my end. You need to use a good boot software. Mostly disable Secure Boot and Re-order the Boot order to boot USB first. Once you get that. That it should be easier.
I have 2 GEEKOM Mini PCs in use with Zorin OS 18.1 I had so far no compatibility issue as GEEKOM had promised Linux compatibility. Also they have a high quality chassis with high value connections and have proven their worth in daily use.
I realized that GEEKOM just launched a new laptop Geekbook M16 with Linux compatibility. But there is Win11 preinstalled not ZorinOS or an other linux Distro. To use ZorinOS it has to be installed by your own.
The quality and pricing looks very good: today at the german GEEKOM homepage it is to get for 764 Euro after actual price reductions.
Here the specifications:
Dimensions 355 × 250 × 16.8 mm (L × W × H)
Weight 1.7 kg
Operating system pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro (Linux compatible)
Processor (CPU) Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 185H (16 cores, 22 threads, 5.1 GHz)
Graphics (GPU) Intel® Arc™ Graphics
NPU Intel AI Boost, up to 35 TOPS (CPU+NPU+GPU)
16 GB LPDDR5 RAM
Storage: 1 × M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD for U9-185H, expandable up to 4 TB
1 × M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD slot, expandable up to 2 TB
Display 16.0 inches, 1920 × 1200 (16:10)
60 Hz refresh rate
99.9 Wh battery | Up to 24 hours of battery life
100W USB-C PD fast charger | 1.8m USB-C cable (white)
Connections: 1 × HDMI 2.0
1 × USB 4.0 (40Gbps) | Data, display
1 × USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s) – Full functionality
2 × USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
1 × 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo jack
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4
camera
Resolution: 2MP 1080p
Digital switch for webcam protection (On/Off)
Security: Supports TPM 2.0 (hardware-based security)
Fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button
98-key keyboard, German layout (QWERTZ) with numeric keypad, white backlighting (4 levels), with LEDs for Caps Lock and Fn keys
Touchpad 13.5 × 8.9 cm multi-touch touchpad
Hinge with 180° flexibility (folds flat), can be opened with one hand.
Speakers & Audio Speakers: 2 × Stereo speakers
Audio certification: DTS:X Ultra
Certifications FCC / RoHS / CCC / CE / CB / EAC+FAC
Package contents: 1 × Premium packaging
1 × GEEKOM GeekBook M16 laptop
1 × Docking station
1 x 100W USB-C PD fast charger
1 x 1.8 m USB-C to USB-C cable
1 × User manual
I see it too on US Amazon for less 709,31EUR with QWERTY keybord.
Pricing is without TAX and Import costs for sending from USA to Germany, so the price visible within USA might differ.
Maybe the best is a browser search for "GEEKOM GeekBook M16" within your country.
I think one of the problems that might be faced is Intel Arc Graphics if intended to use for gaming. But for basic use the specs are impressive.
Just a side comment, the fact that it comes with Windows 11 Pro is astounding. I purchased an Asus Notebook for youngest's Uni course in 2018 that only came with Windows 10 Home and cost considerably more than that GEEKOM. The plus side was it was a lot faster than her classmates' Lenovo's that continually froze or were incredibly slow.
