When comparing Gluglug laptops vs System76 laptops, the Slant community recommends System76 laptops for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux laptop vendors?” System76 laptops is ranked 1st while Gluglug laptops is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose System76 laptops is:
The system is built for Ubuntu, so Linux support is basically built-in. If you want to swap Ubuntu for some other Linux, you can do so with ease after purchase, and you do not need to worry about whether or not all the laptop features will work.
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Pros
Pro No "Management Engine" backdoor
Gluglug avoids post-2008 Intel chipsets due to the proprietary "Management Engine" which allows remote access to the computer (including the screen, RAM, and storage), and has been exploited to develop low-level rootkits.
Pro Runs Libreboot
The bootloader is totally free from proprietary blobs, giving you total control over what runs on your system.
Pro FSF Respects Your Freedom certified
Gluglugs laptops have been FSF Respects Your Freedom certified since Dec. 2013.
Pro Linux will Just Work
The system is built for Ubuntu, so Linux support is basically built-in. If you want to swap Ubuntu for some other Linux, you can do so with ease after purchase, and you do not need to worry about whether or not all the laptop features will work.
Pro Ubuntu comes pre-installed with auto updates
All of the hardware has been selected and tested for compatibility with Ubuntu, without headaches. That usually means it works flawlessly on other distros too.
Cons
Con Old
The devices are pretty old IBM laptops, while they do work are definitely not going to be the best performers.
Con Bad customer support
Multiple people have reported that the customer support is subpar. Support often tries to avoid replacing defective laptops, applies temporary or wrong fixes and generally avoids taking responsibility.
Con Hardware issues are common
Laptops in multiple instances have arrived defective or started experiencing issues within the first few weeks of use. Notably, ZaReason, a company that, like System76, does not manufacture laptops themselves and instead relies on rebranding Clevo's laptops, has not had as many issues with their laptops, suggesting that the laptops System76 resells are those that don't pass Clevo's quality assurance yet are in working condition.