Bikeshedding, or why I want to build a laptop

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

HP / Consumer Naming and Marketing

  • Many agree HP’s ZBook Ultra G1a 14 name exemplifies confusing, over-segmented product lines; even if one branch is internally logical, the overall lineup feels incoherent.
  • Broader complaints about tech naming: Xbox, Surface, .NET, Teams, Google Workspace, etc. seen as user-hostile; Sony’s “PlayStation N” is praised as the clear counterexample.
  • Some argue naming isn’t important once you own the device; others say it matters for quick comparison, resale, and avoiding research fatigue.

Desire for a Mac-Quality Linux Laptop

  • Strong demand for “MacBook hardware, Linux software”: thin, light, rigid chassis, top-tier trackpad, high-res screen, great thermals and battery, but open OS and docs.
  • Several say current PC laptop industry is “an embarrassment” post-M1; MacBooks remain the least-bad option for many devs despite macOS frustrations.

Existing Options: What’s Close, What’s Lacking

  • Framework: praised for modularity and repairability; criticized for rigidity, screen wobble, battery life, port modules “just being integrated dongles,” and premium pricing.
  • ThinkPads: still seen by some as the de facto Linux standard (T/P-series, T14s, P14s); others say modern models are overpriced, with worse keyboards, poor Linux battery life, and branding coasting on reputation.
  • HP ZBook Ultra G1a: cited as perhaps the only real non-Apple contender, but idle power ~8W vs ~3W on best-in-class; still not “Mac tier.”
  • Other mentions: System76 (good Linux support, but not Mac-like feel), StarLabs (OK but not premium), gaming/ROG laptops (powerful but loud, mediocre firmware), XPS 13 Snapdragon (solid build, 32GB RAM cap, Linux support unclear).

Linux vs macOS on Apple Silicon

  • Some suggest “just run Linux in a VM on macOS”; pushback notes poor GPU access, macOS background bloat, input/latency issues, and USB/YubiKey friction.
  • Debate over Apple’s immutable/closed ecosystem: some value the robustness, others reject loss of control and bundled apps (e.g., Music).

Upgradability, Repairability, and E‑Waste

  • The blog’s “throw it out after 1–2 years, I don’t care about upgradability” stance draws sharp criticism as environmentally destructive and selfish.
  • Others counter that high half-life and secondary use can mitigate waste; argue soldered parts don’t inherently preclude repair if vendors stop blocking parts/docs.
  • Framework-style modularity is seen as the best compromise for finicky developer preferences, though it conflicts with “one solid glued brick” minimalism.

Power Management and Battery Life

  • Multiple reports of Linux and Windows laptops draining batteries in sleep and idling at high wattage; “Modern Standby” is blamed for never truly sleeping.
  • MacBooks are repeatedly praised for near-zero standby drain and consistent “just works” behavior.
  • Some hope for better ARM and Linux power management (e.g., Asahi, future Framework ARM boards, Strix Halo) but see this as still immature.