System76 has long maintained a strong reputation within the Linux community for delivering reliable hardware, robust operating systems, and dependable support, even if it remains outside the mainstream household name category. Its latest offering, the Pangolin Pro, updates the previous Pangolin model with a 16-inch form factor designed to balance portability with serious computing power.
Priced at $1,699, the device is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and can be configured with up to 96 GB of RAM and 16 TB of storage. The laptop runs System76’s Pop!_OS, a distribution often praised for being accessible to both Linux newcomers and experienced users. The system also features an extensive array of ports, potentially eliminating the need for dongles or hubs.
In testing, the Pangolin Pro demonstrated surprisingly effective battery life and strong overall performance. While the reviewer noted that the massive trackpad requires some adjustment and that the webcam quality could be improved, the device was rated 8 out of 10. It was characterized as overkill for average users but an excellent value for those seeking a portable, large-screen Linux computer.
The review highlights that the Linux hardware landscape has expanded significantly since 2007. In addition to dedicated Linux vendors like System76, Kubuntu Focus, and Tuxedo, major manufacturers such as Lenovo, Dell, and Framework now certify laptops for Linux compatibility, providing consumers with more options than ever before.
Wait, is the webcam really that bad? I need this for Zoom calls daily. What’s the resolution like exactly?
96GB of RAM for $1,699? That pricing is absolutely insane compared to what Windows machines offer now.
Finally, a Linux laptop that doesn’t need a dongle hub! The port selection on this is actually impressive.