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    System76 and HP strike the perfect balance of form and function with the Dev One

    Image: Alexander Pokusay/Adobe Stock
    I by no means hesitate to heap reward over System76. After all, they haven’t solely produced among the greatest Linux {hardware} available on the market, however they’re additionally the creators of my each day Linux distribution (Pop!_OS) in addition to a proud champion of open-source know-how.
    I’ve been utilizing a Thelio as my major desktop for a number of years, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting the corporate to supply the right laptop computer. Don’t get me improper, the laptops they at present supply are stellar, however I’ve all the time been much less of a fan of Linux on laptops than I’ve been of it on the desktop. That’s to not say there’s nothing improper with Linux on a laptop computer, however there’ve been sure points that I imagine have prevented it from excelling because it ought to.
    The new effort by System76 and HP has modified my thoughts on that stance. Not solely have the 2 powerhouses confirmed they’ll work collectively to create a shocking piece of {hardware}, however they’ve additionally made it fairly clear the ability and suppleness of Linux might be harnessed for cell gadgets to sensible impact.
    That’s the HP Dev One, a 14″ laptop computer that was the product of each System76 and HP. It’s very a lot an HP laptop computer, solely powered by System76’s Linux distribution, and it strikes the right steadiness of type and performance.
    My solely challenge with the Dev One is that it’s being marketed to builders and never the lots. Yes, I get it, builders are a first-rate goal for Linux as a result of all the instruments are available and the working system is completely at residence within the palms of any kind of developer. But the Dev One is simply too good of a laptop computer to solely be marketed to builders.
    Before we dive additional into the evaluate, let’s speak specs.
    SEE: Linux turns 30: Celebrating the open supply working system (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
    The Dev One specs
    Here’s how the spec sheet for the Dev One performs out:

    CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 5850 8 CPU cores, 16 threads
    Memory: 16 GB (2×8) DDR4 3200 MT/s, 2 SODIMM slots, upgradeable to 64 GB
    Storage: 1 TB PCIe 3×4 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD
    Keyboard: Backlit, spill-resistant, Tuned Linux Super Key
    Display: 1,000 nits, 14″ diagonal FHD
    Battery: HP Long Life 3-cell 53 Wh Li-ion with HP Fast Charge
    Ports: 2 USB3 Type-A, 2 USB3 Type-C, 1 HDMI, headphone jack, Kensington lock

    There’s additionally a cool addition they’ve made to the chassis. If you look very intently on the webcam, you’ll see a bit of sliding cowl that strikes to the best to totally block the digicam (Figure A).
    Figure A
    Image: Jack Wallen/TechRepublic. The sliding digicam cowl on the HP Dev One laptop computer.
    Let’s check out what makes the Dev One a laptop computer for all.
    The keyboard and trackpad
    To offer you an thought of the place I’m coming from, in response to Grammarly, I’ve written over eight million phrases since early 2021. Needless to say, I write quite a bit, so I do know what I like in a keyboard. And though no laptop computer keyboard will ever examine to the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard I exploit each day, the HP Dev One keyboard is among the greatest I’ve used on a cell machine.
    Previously, that title belonged to my Chromebook Pixel v2, however the Dev One keyboard has a really related really feel. The keys supply simply the best suggestions, with out a ton of noise. Even higher, the Dev One keys really feel as if they may face up to the intense beating of somebody who sorts as a lot as I might put it by way of.
    Of course, changing the Windows key with a key marked merely tremendous, (Figure B) is a superb contact, as no Linux person needs to see the Windows brand on their laptop computer.
    Figure B
    Image: Jack Wallen/TechRepublic. The delicate Dev One brand is all class.
    Although the trackpad on the Dev One can’t compete with that of the Apple MacBook Pro, it’s nonetheless one of many higher I’ve used. The trackpad is as slick because the MacBook Pro M1, however not fairly as giant and doesn’t accommodate almost the variety of gestures as present in macOS, however which may all the time be a sticking level with Linux. And with the addition of a bodily proper and left mouse button (Figure C), the Dev One can accommodate any kind of workflow.
    Figure C
    Image: Jack Wallen/TechRepublic. The Dev One trackpad is bound to please most customers.
    And, sure, you’re seeing a bit of joystick above the B key. For those that favor cursor management choices, this can be a welcome addition.
    The battery
    The battery life on the HP Dev One is one of the best I’ve skilled on a Linux laptop computer. I can go many of the day with common utilization, which doesn’t embody streaming plenty of media or compiling plenty of code. For anybody seeking to have a Linux laptop computer with a battery that may go the space, you’d be hard-pressed to beat this one.

    Must-read developer protection

    The show
    The Dev One’s show is unbelievable. Hands down that is one of the best Linux laptop computer show I’ve ever used. It’s shiny, vibrant, and its shade accuracy is strong. The solely grievance I’d conjure for the Dev One show is because of the dimension of the laptop computer. Because it’s a 14″ machine, the show is a little more rectangular than I’m used to. Coming from the Chromebook Pixel and the MacBook Pro, I’m used to shows which can be a bit extra sq.. However, that’s a tiny nit to select, given you do get a bit extra side-to-side display screen actual property.
    The working system
    For me, that is the place the HP Dev One actually shines. It’s not simply that it’s Linux, it’s that Pop!_OS works so properly with each facet of the {hardware} to create a wonderfully productive setting. The OS completely stands out on this machine, performing properly above what you would possibly anticipate.
    What’s nice about Pop!_OS is that it may be the desktop you need it to be. On first boot, System76 has gifted customers with the flexibility to decide on the format of their desktop. If you need a extra GNOME-like GNOME, then they’ve bought you lined. And for those who favor a kind of macOS-like GNOME, that’s out there as properly.
    With the Dev One, you get the selection between three completely different GNOME layouts in addition to the choice to allow/disable the COSMIC Desktop tiling function, which many a developer will recognize. So, yeah, the mix of the HP Dev One {hardware} and the System76 working system makes this laptop computer an incredible alternative for nearly any kind of person.
    TCO Certified
    It ought to go with out saying that the HP Dev One is TCO Certified, which suggests it meets all of the TCO certification standards for sustainability. To turn into TCO Certified, a tool should comply with the next standards:

    Socially accountable manufacturing
    Environmentally accountable manufacturing
    User well being and security
    Product efficiency
    Product lifetime extension
    Reduction of hazardous substances
    Material restoration

    The Dev One even features a TCO Certified desktop icon (Figure D) that launches the default browser to the TCO Certified Your Product web page for extra data.
    Figure D
    Image: Jack Wallen/TechRepublic. The TCO Certified launcher is able to current extra data.
    Will the System76/HP Dev One be your subsequent laptop computer? I extremely advocate you contemplate the likelihood.
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