Linux all in one computer

11 Mini PCs That Come With Linux Pre-installed

Looking for a Linux-based mini PC? Here are 11 options that let you replace your traditional bulky desktop with a compact yet powerful mini PC.

When looking for a Linux computer, most people consider either a laptop or a desktop. But there’s a relatively new type of gadget in the same segment of the market, the mini PC.

Mini PCs, in my opinion, will take over from traditional desktop computers in the near future. A traditional desktop has a bulky CPU that takes a lot of space with its fan running like a blower. Mini PCs, on the other hand, are tiny and compact. Barely 4″ or 5″ in size, they can be easily placed on a table.

Moreover, these mini PCs are fanless, which is an added virtue. Of course, you can buy fanless regular desktops, but their space consumption is still an issue. Personally, I also find the mini PC cute in looks. If you’re thinking of buying a new desktop PC and you don’t need to use it for serious gaming, I highly recommend that you buy a Linux-based mini PC.

Mini PCs are tiny, but a lot more powerful than tiny single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. They can replace traditional desktops as their specs are on par with most desktops on the market.

If you’re considering following my recommendation and buying one, you might wonder what options you have. Worry not. I’ll list some of the best Linux mini PCs you can buy today.

Best mini PCs preinstalled with Linux

Please note that some of these gadgets are manufactured in small quantities and run out of stock periodically. Therefore some might not be available to order all the time and you may have to wait a little.

The list is not in any particular order of ranking. Some of the links may contain affiliate information. Please read our affiliate policy here.

1. Intel NUC

Most of the other mini PCs listed here are based on Intel’s NUC – so it’s worth mentioning it as one of the alternatives as well. It may not have Linux built in, but you can choose to install Linux on it. So it makes for a good Linux-based mini PC.

You can either opt for a full-fledged mini PC, or get a NUC board at a lower price to DIY (similar to a Raspberry Pi).

Specifications Overview

• Intel 8th gen processor
• Radeon Vega Graphics
• Intel Optane Memory (16 GB)
• HDMI port
• USB Type-C port
• 2 LAN ports
• 1 TB HDD
• WiFi & Bluetooth

The specifications will differ depending on what NUC product you’re going with. We recommend that you check out all the NUC mini PCs available on their official site.

Price

It starts at 300 USD (approx), but depending on what you choose (an NUC kit board or a mini PC), it can be in the range of $1000. You can find all of its variants on Amazon.

Preview	Product	Price
	Intel NUC 7 Mainstream Kit (NUC7i5BNK) — Core i5, Short, Add’t Components Needed	$529.99	Buy on Amazon

2. Meerkat by System76

System76 is a computer manufacturer exclusively dealing with Ubuntu-based desktops, laptops and servers. System76 announced an Ubuntu-based mini PC, Meerkat, last week. Let’s take a quick look at its specifications:

Specifications Overview

• Processor: Intel i3/i5/i7
• Up to 2 TB of storage (M.2 SATA SSD)
• Up to 32 GB RAM
• Graphics Intel HD 5500 and Intel HD 6000 for i3 and i5 respectively
• 4″ x 4″ in size
• WiFi
• 1 Gb NIC
• 2 USB 3.0 ports

Price

3. MintBox Mini 2 and Mini 2 Pro

The MintBox Mini range is the ‘official’ hardware offering of (almost) everybody’s favorite, Linux Mint.

The MintBox Mini 2 and Mini 2 Pro come with an Intel Celeron J3455 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 120 GB SSD. To pump up the muscle, Intel HD Graphics 500 is included, with HDMI+miniDP support. The difference between the two models is the size of their SSD.

The MintBox is housed in a full metal casing, which provides improved heat dissipation. The unit is also fanless and completely silent. It’s also dust- and humidity-resistant and designed to operate in industrial atmosphere. It comes with a 5-year unconditional warranty.

Although it comes with the latest Linux Mint, any other Linux distro can be installed on it. Windows 10 can also be installed on the MintBox Mini Pro.

If you love Linux Mint then the MintBox is the perfect mini PC for you. By buying a MintBox you directly support Linux Mint, as part of the sale goes straight to them.

Specifications Overview

• Processor: Intel Celeron J3455 processor
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 64 GB SSD for Mini 2 and 120 GB SSD for Mini 2 Pro
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500
• Operating system: Linux Mint

Pricing

$299 for MintBox Mini 2 and $349 for MintBox Mini 2 Pro. They go out of stock pretty quickly. You can try to buy one on Amazon or check out the manufacturer’s website.

4. Utilite2

Utilite2 is an Ubuntu-based mini PC by the same manufacturer behind MintBox. It’s an ARM desktop PC running Ubuntu LTS. With a size of 3.4″ x 2.3″, Utilite2 has modest features and a modest price.

Specifications Overview

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 (APQ8064) quad-core CPU 1.7GHz
• 2 GB RAM, eMMC with optional 32 GB mSATA storage
• Graphics with Qualcomm Adreno™ GPU
• 1080p video playback and capture
• Dual-antenna WiFi 802.11 and Bluetooth 4.0
• Gigabit Ethernet, 4 x USB2, USB OTG
• Cellular modem support

Price

$192 for the regular model, $229 with SSD storage. Shipping costs extra.

5. Endless Mini

Endless is another Linux PC manufacturer with their own Linux distro. You might have heard of Endless OS, which is a home use-centric distro. Endless offers a range of minicomputers that run on the Endless OS.

Endless Mini is a cost-efficient little machine and can be used for lightweight computing tasks. Endless is an inexpensive mini machine, which automatically implies that it’s not something that you should go for if you have demanding tasks planned for the PC.

Specifications Overview

• Processor: Amlogic® S805, Quad Core, ARM® Cortex A5
• RAM: 1 GB/2 GB
• Graphics: Mali®-450 GPU
• Storage: 24 GB/32 GB SSD
• Operating system: Endless OS

Pricing

Around $79 to $99.

6. Endless Mission One

Another Endless Mini computer, but built with a stronger Intel Celeron CPU clocked at 2.17 GHz, and suitable for more demanding tasks. It’s the slightly pumped-up sibling of the Endless Mini.

The box has a nice design and is pleasing to look at.

It also has decent storage space and is a good deal for the price.

Specifications Overview

• Processor: Intel Celeron N2807
• RAM: 2 GB
• Storage: 500 GB hard drive storage
• Operating system: Endless OS

Pricing

Pricing starts at $249.

7. OnLogic CL100

CL100 is a fanless, dustproof, industrial mini PC from OnLogic (previously known as Logic Supply). Ubuntu is offered as the main operating system on it.

CL100 can be configured according to your requirements but this means the price will go up if you go for a high-end hardware configuration. It also has two years’ limited warranty.

Specifications Overview

• Processor: Intel Celeron N3160 or Pentium N3710
• RAM: Minimum 2 GB
• Storage: Minimum 32 GB SSD
• Operating system: Ubuntu

Pricing

8. TUXEDO Nano V8

Last year, we talked about TUXEDO Nano V8 when it launched. To give you a brief, TUXEDO computers help you build custom PCs and notebooks.

TUXEDO Nano V8 is a Linux-based mini PC (comes with Ubuntu/Ubuntu Budgie).

With an 8th gen Intel processor coupled with 32 GB of RAM, it’s as powerful as a mini PC can get. Of course, you can opt for a low-end configuration if you don’t want a lot of computing power. It also supports the addition of an M.2 SSD for faster storage along with an HDD.

Need to connect two 4K screens to this mini PC? Sure, no problem.

Specifications Overview

• Processor: i3-i7 (7th/8th Gen)
• GPU: Integrated Intel HD graphics
• 4 x USB 3.0 ports
• Up to 32 GB of RAM
• M.2 SSD slot
• WiFi & Bluetooth 4.2
• 2 x HDMI2.0a 4K capable

Price

It starts at 445 Euros for the low-end configuration and goes up according to the hardware specs you choose.

9. Slimbook ONE v2

ONE is a compact Linux-based mini PC that packs in a lot of power with an 8th gen Intel processor.

With M.2 SSD storage support up to 500 GB and the option to crank up the HDD storage to 2 TB, this should be a great mini PC. It can be coupled with up to 16 GB of RAM and is 4K-ready, with an HDMI port available as well.

You can choose to have a Linux OS pre-installed (Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Manjaro, etc). Or, if you want to use it as a multimedia center, you can elect to have Ubuntu Multimedia Center pre-installed instead.

Specifications Overview

• Intel i5 or i7 processor (8th generation)
• GPU: Intel UHD 620 (4k support)
• Up to 16 GB RAM
• M.2 SSD up to 500 GB
• HDD up to 2 TB
• Bluetooth 4.0
• WiFi
• HDMI port
• USB 2.0 (x2), USB 3.0 (x2) & USB Type-C (x1)

Price

The lowest configuration starts at 449 Euros.

10. Entroware Aura

If Slimbook’s ONE v2 didn’t impress you enough and you’re looking for more computing power, Entroware’s Aura will be a perfect fit.

It also offers an Intel 8th gen processor (i3, i5 or i7). In addition to that, you get the option to crank the RAM up to 32 GB at 2400 MHz. If that wasn’t enough for a Linux mini PC, you can add an SSD of up to 2 TB (M.2 or SATA). Fret not, it also supports additional HDD storage – if you need.

You only get the option to have Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or Ubuntu MATE pre-installed.

Specifications Overview

• Intel 8th gen processor (i3, i5 or i7)
• DDR4 RAM up to 32 GB @ 2700 MHz
• SSD storage up to 2 TB (SATA/M.2)
• Additional HDD storage up to 2 TB
• WiFi & Bluetooth
• GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 (x4)
• Micro SD card slot
• HDMI port

Price

This mini PC starts at 499.99 Pounds.

11. Olympia by Juno Computers

Olympia is yet another impressive Linux-based mini PC which is a bit cheaper than some of the options mentioned above. It can come pre-installed with Elementary OS, Ubuntu 18.04 or Ubuntu 19.04.

It offers an Intel 8th gen processor coupled with up to 16 GB of RAM. Also, you get support for up to 1 TB of SSD storage (M.2/SATA), and an SD card slot.

Specifications Overview

• Intel 8th Gen processor (i3, i5 or i7)
• RAM up to 16 GB @ 2133 MHz
• Storage: SATA or M.2 SSD up to 1 TB
• SD Card reader
• WiFi & Bluetooth
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 (x4)
• HDMI 2.0 port

Price

This mini PC starts at 403 Pounds.

What’s your pick?

I have deliberately not included the Raspberry Pi or other Linux microcomputers such as Intel’s Compute Stick. This is because I don’t think micro-computers fall into the same category as mini PCs.

What do you think? Are you tempted to replace your desktop with a mini PC? Is there another player that I missed from this list of best Linux-based mini PCs? Do share your views.

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17 Places To Buy A Linux Laptop With Linux Preloaded in 2020

A re you looking for Linux laptops? Do you want a Linux system without having to pay a Microsoft tax? The hardest part of using Linux is to find out the correct hardware. Hardware compatibility and drivers can be a big issue. But where one can find Linux desktops or Laptop for sale? Here are sixteen places to buy a preinstalled Linux Desktop and Laptop.

17 places where you can buy Linux computers and laptop

Here are 16 places to buy Linux Laptops in 2020 with Linux preloaded. No need to worry about drivers or anything else. Perfect for sysadmins, DevOps/IT work, developers and Linux enthusiast.

1. Dell

Dell sells a high-end Redhat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu Linux-based laptop for business use, developers and sysadmins. If you are a developer and tend to travel a lot, give it a try to “XPS 13 Developer Edition” powered by Ubuntu Linux. Dell also offers precision workstations class laptop with RHEL or Ubuntu operating system. Precision workstations are designed for CG professionals, or as small-scale business servers.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Sample config: Dell XPS 13 developer edition 2020 CPU: 11th Generation Intel Core Processors RAM: 8 to 32GB (On board/fixed/No extra slot) SSD/HDD: 512GB to 1TB PCIe SSD Gaphics: Intel integrated graphics (HD Graphics) Wireless: Killer AX1650 built on Intel WiFi 6 Chipset + Bluetooth 5.0 Screen: FHD (1920 x 1080) or UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Touch Display Preloaded distro: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS

Proprietary driver required: Yes and supported by Linux

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS: No

Shipping: Worldwide including USA and Europe

More info: XPS 13 Developer Edition​ Preloaded With Ubuntu

See “Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition 2020 Ubuntu Laptop Announced” for more info. Please note that Dell also offers new 9th generation Intel Core and Intel Xeon processors and workstation GPUs its lineup of Precision workstations powered by RHEL or Ubuntu Linux. These are extremely high-end devices.

2. EmperorLinux

This vendor sells Linux laptops with full hardware support under Linux. You choose the type of machine you want. You choose the distribution you want. You can choose to have a dual-boot machine too. You can specify your partitions and more. EmperorLinux sale Linux laptop from Panasonic, Dell, and Lenovo.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: Yes and supported by Linux

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS: No

Shipping: USA (international shipping available on request)

More info: http://www.emperorlinux.com/

3. System76

This vendor sells Ubuntu Linux based laptop, server, and desktop computer. It is one of the most recommended brand by Ubuntu forum members.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: Yes (for Nvidia based GPU)

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No (coreboot based devices now available)

Shipping: USA and 55 other countries.

More info: system76.com

The coreboot project aimed at replacing the proprietary BIOS firmware and blobs. System76 recently announced two Intel laptops with Coreboot, which as an alternative to proprietary BIOS. These laptops are using Intel 10th Gen CPUs.

4. Linux Certified

This vendor sells Linux services including robust and cost-effective Linux laptops.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: Yes

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No

Shipping: USA

More info: linuxcertified.com

5. LAC Portland (previously known as Los Alamos Computers)

This vendor sells Lenovo laptop preloaded with Linux operating system. You will find the laptop as per your needs such as performance, everyday computing, ultraportable and economy version.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: Yes

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No

Shipping: USA

More info: laclinux.com

6. Purism

This vendor sells Linux preloaded on the Librem 13 and the Librem 15 laptops. Purism claims to follow a strict belief in users’ rights to privacy, security, and freedom.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: No

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No

Shipping: USA and worldwide

More info: puri.sm

7. ThinkPenguin

This vendor sells a laptop with GNU/Linux. The vendor also does test laptop with OpenBSD but only ships with Linux distro.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: No

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No

Shipping: USA

More info: thinkpenguin.com

8. ZaReason

This vendor sells Linux-based laptop based on rock solid R&D. You can get easy-to-use free and open source software for with each laptop or desktop or server.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: Yes (for Nvidia based GPU)

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No

Shipping: USA and Canada

More info: zareason.com

9. Minifree

This vendor sells GNU/Linux laptops that are certified to Respect Your Freedom. It means your laptop is 100% free from binary blobs. It runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system and libreboot firmware on hardware. You can buy an ultracompact or workstation grade laptop from Minifree. Personally, I’m using Libreboot X200 model. Apart from laptops, they have desktop and server grade computers too

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: (a) Libreboot T400: CPU: Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz processor RAM: 4GiB to 8Gib (replaceable) SSD/HDD #1: 160GB HDD to 240GB SSD (replaceable) SSD/HDD #2: 160GB HDD to 240GB SSD (replaceable) Graphics: Intel GMA 4500MHD Screen: 14.1″ 1280×800 TFT LCD Gigabit ethernet as standard DVD/CD RW drive included (only if not selecting 2nd HDD/SSD) Weight: 2.2 Kg Upgraded with an 802.11n wireless card (Atheros AR5B95, AR9285 chipset), ensuring full compatibility with free drivers in Trisquel GNU/Linux-libre. Backlight (brightness) control is fully functional in libreboot on this laptop. The Intel Management Engine (ME) firmware is 100% removed and inoperable

Proprietary driver required: No

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: Yes

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: Yes

Shipping: UK and worldwide

More info: minifree.org

10. Libiquity

This laptop vendor certified to Respect Your Freedom. It means your laptop is 100% free from binary blobs. It runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system and libreboot firmware on hardware.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: CPU: Intel Core2 Duo Graphics: Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD Screen: 12.1″ 1280×800 TFT LCD Wireless: Qualcomm Atheros 2.4-GHz 802.11b/g/n or Qualcomm Atheros 2.4/5.0-GHz 802.11a/b/g/n with long-range Signal Sustain Technology (SST) Bluetooth: Broadcom (some models) Ethernet: Intel Gigabit Ethernet RAM: 2GB to 8GB (replaceable) HDD/SDD: 160GB – 240GB ssd or hdd (replaceable) Preloaded distro: Trisquel GNU/Linux

Proprietary driver required: No

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: Yes

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: Yes

Shipping: USA (for international shipping try minifree)

More info: libiquity.com

11. Entroware

This vendor provides Ubuntu Linux based laptop and desktop solutions including Skylake/Kaby Lake processors .

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: Yes

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No

Shipping: UK and other European countries.

More info: entroware.com

12. Vikings

Yet another vendor that sells FSF certificated laptop, servers and desktop products.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: No

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: Yes

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: Yes

Shipping: Germany, other European countries and rest of the world.

More info: vikings.net

13. Linux Now

It is an Australian e-commerce site that sells various Linux powered laptop and desktop systems. All the software you require, including your choice of Linux distribution, comes fully installed, so all you have to do when you receive the order is to switch it on.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes comes with various Linux disros

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: Yes

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No

Shipping: Australia.

More info: linuxnow.com.au

14. Tuxedo computers

TUXEDO Computers from Germany sells laptop and desktops preloaded with Ubuntu and OpenSUSE Linux. Open your laptop for cleaning and switching parts is covered by their warranty policy. Tuxedo also provide desktop computers with preloaded with Linux.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes comes with Ubuntu and OpenSUSE OS

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: Yes

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No

Shipping: Germany and many other places.

More info: tuxedocomputers.com

15. Technoethical

Tehnoetic from Bucharest, Romania (European Union) sells laptop, networking adapters, and mobile phone compatible with operating systems that fully respect users’ freedom as defined by the GNU Project.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes comes with Trisquel OS

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: No

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: Yes

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: Yes

Shipping: Worldwide

More info: tehnoetic.com

16. Slimbook

Slimbook is located in Spain and has ten years of experience in the IT. They sell Linux based laptop and mini desktop system.

Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes comes with various Linux distro

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: No

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS/firmware: No

Shipping: Worldwide

More info: slimbook.es

17. Lenovo

Lenovo is a Chinese multinational company that sells Thinkpad and other Linux powered devices worldwide. Lenovo recently released its first Fedora Linux powered ThinkPad laptop. Lenovo currently offers ThinkPad P1 Gen2, ThinkPad P53, and ThinkPad X1 Gen8 laptops preloaded with Fedora Linux.

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Linux pre-loaded Laptop: Yes (Fedora and Ubuntu)

Config: Various

Proprietary driver required: Yes and supported by Linux

Certified by the Free Software Foundation: No

Open source Libreboot BIOS: No

Shipping: Worldwide

More info: Linux for Personal Systems | Lenovo store (US)

Lenovo ThinkPads, especially X and T series are popular choices for Linux users, sysadmins and developers. Most ThinkPads offers out of the box Linux compatibility. Here are some of the systems that I’ve used so far:

• ThinkPad X200 CentOS 6.x
• ThinkPad X220 CentOS 6.x
• ThinkPad X230 RHEL 6.x
• ThinkPad X240/X270/X280 RHEL 7.x
• ThinkPad X131e Fedora 20-23
• Thinkpad T400/T440p/T500/T520/T530/W5 <10,20,30,4>CentOS and RHEL 6.x or 7.x
• Thinkpad X1E Gen 2 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

Conclusion

These days it is not hard to find Linux laptops preloaded. Dell Precision, XPS, Latitude machines have worked for me over the years. Original IBM Thinkpads and Lenovo laptops too. Currently, I’m using the following systems:

1. Lenovo x230 with Ubuntu
2. Dell m6700 workstation with Debian (now I installed FreeNAS with 3 SSD)
3. Thinkpad X1E Gen 2 (my work laptop issued by my employer)
4. Minifree Libreboot X200 with Gnu Trisquel Linux (my travel laptop)

System76 looks better with excellent hardware, and high quality too. You can just buy it and start working on it. No need to worry about drivers or suspend issue. Same with other vendors mentioned in this post. The FSF only recommends the Minifree or Libiquity vendor. Both of them sell modified ThinkPads. So the hardware is pretty reasonable, and you get 100% binary blob free environments.

What laptop do you recommend for use with Linux? Please add your advice on what to avoid. Any horror stories about particular vendors?

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