Lenovo and their Linux 'bet'

[manyroads]

If you have not read about Lenovo's recent commitment to Linux yet, you might find this article interesting:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevang ... 7b7f897ae0

[SwampRabbit]

I saw the initial pilot announcement, and while I think this is a great thing, my trust in Lenovo is pretty small. I hope that this turns out to benefit everyone, I really do. My concerns are more related to Lenovo pulling stunts like it did with Superfish. My concerns are of potential BIOS, chipset, firmware restrictions or spyware support-ware built into these systems to reduce freedom, privacy, and or both.

But then again, the fact that Lenovo agreed as part of its Superfish settlement that it has to deal with 20 years of auditing by the FTC and must disclose all software pre-installed or included in their future systems.... I think it is safe to say if another stunt is pulled like Superfish or other hardware hacks, it won't take a year or more for the Linux communities to find it like it did with Superfish on Windows.

FWIW, I own 3 Lenovo systems (all bought post Superfish), so even if I don't 100% trust Lenovo, I'll buy their cheap computers for non-critical things lol. And that striked out spyware was on purpose

[Jerry3904]

My X1 Carbon 5th gen is fabulous with MX on it. Best laptop I ever owned.

[manyroads]

I think there is something else worth noting... this now means two huge hardware mfg firms are recognizing the Linux eco-sphere (Dell & Lenovo). That, if nothing else, seems to bode well for the future.

[SwampRabbit]

My X1 Carbon 5th gen is fabulous with MX on it. Best laptop I ever owned.

I really like my G50, it was a steal for $300. And I like the Yoga 2 so much I bought a 2nd one for the wife.
I've also got decent support from Lenovo for an IBM RAID controller after Lenovo bought them out.

I think there is something else worth noting... this now means two huge hardware mfg firms are recognizing the Linux eco-sphere (Dell & Lenovo). That, if nothing else, seems to bode well for the future.

Very true, don't let my paranoia stray from the fact that I think this is a great thing, and it does open the gates for other players to follow suite.

[Head_on_a_Stick]

Original source: https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press ... cientists/

I am v. happy, I had to pay for the Windows licence on my E485 but it irritated me so much I wiped it after a few weeks. I'm tight and I hate wasting money like that...

[woodsman]

i have been running thinkpads for over a decade and really do not have issues. went from r series long ago to t to X series. they run linux nicely. only issue i had was when i called them years ago to enquire about their systems and linux - they were quite negtive and prissy. i decided to just buy and try linux and have never looked back. personally they beat system 76 stuff and dell stuff. do not know about the 13" developer ones though - they look nice but i heard there is some serup issues.

[clicktician]

I've had excellent luck with Lenovo Thinkpads. Run Linux very well. Especially the X series. But honestly, I would have rather seen them commit their massive development staff to making Linux work with their hardware than certifying their hardware to work on Linux. They're really not creating forward momentum in development. They're just taking advantage of the work others will do for free.

Over the past few years, I've been buying System 76 laptops instead of Lenovo. Only because their contribution to improving Linux is much more evident.

[Head_on_a_Stick]

I would have rather seen them commit their massive development staff to making Linux work with their hardware

Lenovo will also upstream device drivers directly to the Linux kernel, to help maintain stability and compatibility throughout the life of the workstation

[AK-47]

But then again, the fact that Lenovo agreed as part of its Superfish settlement that it has to deal with 20 years of auditing by the FTC and must disclose all software pre-installed or included in their future systems....

And if you believe they're going to play by the rules without a fight or some sneaky behaviour, prepare yourself for a shock.