The InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen 9 by Tuxedo Computers stands out for anyone hunting for a Linux laptop. This German-made machine mixes sleek style with real muscle, offering advanced CPUs, crisp displays, and a bunch of customizable features.
Buyers can pick their favorite Linux distribution or just go with the default Tuxedo OS. You can even order it without an OS if you want to set it up your way.
Tuxedo Computers works directly with Original Design Manufacturers to tweak things like cooling, keyboards, and hardware. This hands-on approach means the laptop feels well-tuned for Linux, with drivers and software that just work out of the box.
Key Takeaways
- The InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen 9 packs strong performance and a sharp look.
- Buyers can tweak software, hardware, and even the laptop’s appearance.
- It’s built for seamless Linux compatibility.
Personal Reflections
The keyboard tripped me up at first. It came with a German QWERTZ layout, so I had to change the settings to QWERTY. Once I got used to ignoring the key labels, typing felt pretty natural—though the Y and Z swap still caught me once in a while.
The keyboard itself? It’s a nice middle ground. It avoids the infamous butterfly key issues some MacBooks have, but it’s not as customizable as something like the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard. Still, typing felt quiet and responsive, which is what most folks want anyway.
The trackpad gave me pause. Apple’s trackpads are tough to beat, but this one impressed me. It’s smooth, supports tap-to-click out of the box, and has a real click, which I prefer over those fake haptic clicks.
Screen resolution was another hurdle. It shipped with a super high-res setting, making everything tiny. Dropping it to 1920 x 1080 made the interface way easier to use, especially if your eyes aren’t what they used to be.
KDE Plasma ran the show, with Tuxedo OS underneath. This combo handled everything I threw at it, from browser tabs to heavier tasks. The Tuxedo Control Center let me keep an eye on system performance and switch between power profiles, which was surprisingly handy.
Portability? Not an issue. At about 3.09 pounds, it’s almost the same weight as a MacBook Pro 13″. The lightweight build made it easy to toss in a bag and forget it’s there. That’s a win for anyone who’s always on the go.
The display looked fantastic. Full sRGB support meant colors were accurate, which is a must if you care about visuals. The matte anti-glare finish was a relief, cutting down on annoying reflections whether I worked indoors or near a window.
Hardware-wise, you can tell Tuxedo Computers paid attention to detail. The Clevo base gives it a solid foundation, but Tuxedo’s tweaks make it feel like a polished product for Linux fans.
ZDNET’s Laptop Recommendations
If you’re shopping for a top-tier Linux laptop, speed and display quality are big factors. The InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen 9 nails both, offering a smooth experience and clear visuals from just about any angle.
Battery life matters too. The InfinityBook’s designed to last through long work sessions. With Linux pre-installed, you get tons of customization options, right down to keyboard layout tweaks.
Watching your budget? It’s smart to balance price and features. Solid Wi-Fi is another must—nobody wants dropped connections when they’re in the zone.
Technical Specifications of the Tuxedo Computers InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen 9
The Tuxedo Computers InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen 9 brings a high-performance setup for both casual users and pros, especially if you know your way around Linux or dual-booting. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s inside:
Display
- 3K resolution (2880 x 1800), 16:10 aspect ratio
- 120 Hz refresh rate with 400 nits brightness
- Matte, non-reflective finish
Processor
- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS (8 cores, 16 threads)
- Up to 5.1 GHz, 24MB cache
Graphics
- Integrated AMD Radeon 780M, 12 cores, up to 2.7 GHz
Memory and Storage
- 16GB DDR5 RAM at 5600 MHz
- 500GB NVMe SSD for quick boot times on Linux distros like Ubuntu or Mint
Ports
- Left: USB-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, USB-A, audio jack
- Right: Card reader, 2x USB-A
- Back: HDMI 2.0b, USB4 with Thunderbolt-level speeds, Gigabit Ethernet
Battery Life
- 80Wh Lithium Polymer: up to 17 hours idle, 13 hours video, 9 hours web browsing
Extra Features
- Webcam privacy slider
- Works with GRUB, efibootmgr, KDE, XFCE, and advanced partitioning tools
Common Questions about Switching from MacBooks to Linux Laptops
What are the advantages and challenges of moving from a MacBook to a Linux laptop?
Advantages:
- Customizability: Linux lets you personalize almost every part of your setup, from software to the interface.
- Cost Savings: Many Linux laptops cost less than MacBooks, and Linux itself is free.
- Open Source Software: There’s a huge library of free, open-source programs to pick from.
Challenges:
- Learning Curve: If you’re new to Linux, getting comfortable can take some time.
- Software Compatibility: Some macOS-only apps don’t have direct Linux equivalents.
- Driver Support: Certain hardware might need extra setup to play nice with Linux.
How do Linux laptops perform compared to MacBook Pros?
Performance on Linux laptops really depends on the hardware. High-end models can go toe-to-toe with MacBook Pros in many tasks, but some resource-heavy apps, like pro video editors, aren’t always as optimized. MacBooks still edge ahead in power efficiency and that tight hardware-software integration.
Do any Linux laptops match the build quality of a MacBook Air?
Some Linux laptops, like certain Lenovo ThinkPads, are known for their solid build and careful engineering. But let’s be honest: the MacBook Air’s slim, lightweight unibody design is still tough to beat.
Is professional creative software workable on a Linux laptop?
Linux supports creative tools like GIMP for images and Blender for 3D work. But if you rely on macOS exclusives like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro, you’ll have to find alternatives. Some folks make it work, but the switch isn’t always painless for pros tied to Apple’s software.
How does the hardware variety of Linux laptops compare to the MacBook lineup?
Linux laptops cover a wide range of hardware—different sizes, processors, price points, you name it. You get more flexibility to find something that fits your needs. MacBooks keep things simple with fewer models, but they’re consistently high quality and reliable.
What factors should be weighed before switching from macOS to Linux?
- Software Needs: Make sure the apps you rely on actually exist for Linux, or at least that there are solid alternatives. Sometimes, you’ll find a replacement right away, but other times it’s a bit of a scavenger hunt.
- Comfort Level: Think about how comfortable you feel with terminal commands and Linux in general. If you’re used to mostly clicking around in macOS, Linux might throw you a few curveballs.
- Hardware Compatibility: Double-check that your laptop’s hardware works well with Linux drivers. Things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or even your trackpad can get weird if they’re not supported.
- Backup Plans: Back up your files and make sure you know how to move your stuff to the new system. It’s a pain to lose photos or documents, so don’t skip this step.
