Ask HN: Any MacBook Alternative? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Any MacBook Alternative?

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Apple computers are now spyware.

I would like to switch to Linux.

The problem with Linux is that there is really no good computer.

Is there a great linux laptop with stuff like good driver support, liquid cooling, good battery at least comparable to that of the Macbook Air?

I was thinking of the Razerblade but it has very poor linux support. But the hardware is well built. (The battery is not as good as MacOS)

I heard good things about Framework.

What laptop do you recommend for Linux users? (good hardware and reliable driver support)

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A Windows laptop can achieve similar battery life only during simple tasks.

One performance core in Apple Silicon uses about 5 watts, while a typical modern x86 laptop core consumes 25–30 watts.

One performance core in the most energy-efficient x86 chips is found in the Intel Core Ultra 7 268V, yet it still consumes 15 watts — three times more power with lower performance.

However, if the x86 CPU is idle or used infrequently, a laptop can reach similar battery life during tasks like reading text or watching videos.

If you are concerned about spyware, don't think about buying an x86-based machine that uses Intel ME (management engine) technology – so, any system produced in the last ~15 years:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/minix-intels-hidden-in-chip-op...

If you are interested in open hardware and software, you might want to check out the ARM-based MNT Reform laptops:

https://mntre.com

> ARM-based MNT Reform laptops

There's also Pinebook from Pine64.

Spyware? That's just rumors and also without evidence. macOS is a true Unix and it has an amazing UI. The hardware is astounding. Nobody else is able to make such hardware at this scale, e.g macbooks with Apple Silicon chips.

You could try Framework - I have heard some good things, but it's likely going to be 10 years behind in any case, if not more.

macOS Apple manipulates for certification bodies is UNIX. macOS that you and I run is not.

https://www.osnews.com/story/141633/apples-macos-unix-certif...

Carbon X1 is probably one of the closer laptops to MacBooks.

> That's just rumors and also without evidence.

Apple services are government spyware. Apple admit to as much after Senator Ron Wyden accused them of collecting Push Notification information on users without a warrant. There is no indication that Apple has changed their architecture to protect users from this unlawful surveillance today: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/12/apple-admits-to-...

It shouldn't surprise anyone who paid attention, though. The burden of proof was always on Apple's lap, and they folded like a wet towel when Beijing demanded state-owned iCloud datacenters to facilitate spying on domestic users. If you actually thought Apple would treat Americans any better, then boy you sure drank the marketing Kool-aid.

Spyware? That's just rumors and also without evidence.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44055533

> Apple computers are now spyware.

Now? After 15 years of PRISM compliance, XKeyscore, iCloud and Push Notification backdoors... now they're spyware?

You should stick with your spyware machine, you're not ready to graduate yet.

Have a look at Purism and System76. They offer laptops with preinstalled GNU/Linux. I'm a happy user of Purism Librem 14.

My go to Linux Laptops are refurbished thinkpads.

Which models specifcially?

> Apple computers are now spyware.

you mean now you realize it...worry not, all ur info and activities they know by now already

> Apple computers are now spyware

What? By what definition? Is there evidence of this?

I mean, you can get yourself any old laptop and run Linux on it, but it won't compare with a system that is run by the company building the hardware.

Purism build the hardware and offer preinstalled Linux.

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