Linux

If you don't care about using a webcam (it's very unstable on linux), the machine is good. However, if you want to use a linux laptop, get a linux laptop, not something conceived for windows with linux as an afterthought. https://linuxpreloaded.com/ has a list of shops that sell linux first hardware

• system76
• purism
• ~~framework~~ comment below says it's not linux first
• Malibal
• Tuxedo Computers

If you do however insist on buying something that's windows first, it's advisable to check the linux hardware database with your model first. For example, here's the model you're buying. Somewhat consistently, these components aren't recognized across distros:

• Alder Lake Imaging Signal Processor
• Goodix USB2.0 MISC
• USB Bridge

and no webcam is detected at all. Having one of the Dell XPS 13s myself, I'd rather go for a TuxedoComputers laptop if given the choice, but if you don't have that option and don't care about the webcam, then it's good choice.

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The Lenovo Slim series of the past couple years are absolutely broken for any kind of non-Windows operation. Stay away.

I think the XPS 13 is a nice device.

For reference: I think your mistake was buying a Lenovo laptop without the word "ThinkPad" in the name. There are Lenovo Thinkpad something devices. They are (usually) more likely to support Linux. And there are Lenovo comsumer devices and they're a mixed bag.

XPS 13 generally has good compatibility with Linux. You can check Ubuntu certified models here. I personally went with Framework instead.

Would have sworn yesterday you made a lengthy post saying you switched back to windows? What the hell happened in 14 hours?

I have great experience with my framework AMD, excellent Linux hardware support and excellent support team. I have never encountered less problem on any system I own, including dell and hp.

Linux specific manufactures like system 76, tuxedo, slimbook, starlab, and nova custom are also great options, but I cannot endorse them since I never used any of them.

With framework, you get:

• assembled in Taiwan, with many components made in Taiwan
• more "cutting-edge" hardware (might require some minor tweaking, like running couple commands; but they have extremely detailed documentations on these tweaks).
• better upgradablity (upgrade CPU, main board and battery)
• 3:2 display with reasonable DPI (but need fractional scaling)

With other linux manufacture, you have

• (some) coreboot, system76 even has intel ME disabled.
• standard screen resolution (1080P is bit grainy for me but you dont need fractional scaling)
• preconfigured and preinstalled linux distro; 100% works out of the box, no tweaking or command.

BTW, I think most of these laptops have great windows support as well (but check before you buy), so you are not locked into linux.

Brand does not matter. You will likely get in trouble with any new laptop model. Install the latest kernel, and probably most of them will be gone. But some can be fixed only after a year or so.

My Dell with preinstalled Ubuntu had a fingerprint scanner not working, wifi chip losing connection and disabled "subwoofer" (lol). After a year or two of upgrading a distro everything works (well, I mapped subwoofer output in config and idk if this still needed or not).

Dell laptops have mostly just worked on Linux quite well, but you may run into issues with the camera, however this hack(?) has worked for me: https://github.com/stefanpartheym/archlinux-ipu6-webcam.

I believe Dell has a catch for the camera saying that it may use more CPU when in use. Whilst the laptop is Ubuntu Certified, the camera only works if you select the Ubuntu option instead of Windows, and use the install they give you.

Some other nice things to have:

• fwupd should also work for firmware updates, hopefully. My speakers sounded worse on Linux than Windows, some tinkering with hdataskretask helped a little, however it's still worse.
• This should let you change some bios settings, like changing charge limits and thermal profile (cool, performance, balanced etc): https://github.com/dell/libsmbios
• This GNOME shell extension allows you to change charge limits easily: https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/5724/battery-health-charging/

Dell > Lenovo most days. Buy the Ubuntu edition to spurn the Windows license, then install whatever.

If you want to use Linux on your laptop, is there any reason not to go for 'dedicated' Linux laptops?

FWIW, I haven't seen these Linux-first vendors being mentioned under your post yet: NovaCustom and Star Labs.

Get a thinkpad?

Get a proper lenovo thinkpad it's way better than a Dell. My x1 carbon is amazing.

Don't know about Pop OS, but I'm running an XPS 13 (9380) with Arch using Wayland without any issues.

XPS machine are generally pretty well built machines. But 1300 for a 12th gen machine right after 14th gen has just come out?

I don't think Dell has 14th gen based XPS 13 yet but I wouldn't pay MSRP for a machine with a 2 year old CPU. I'm sure you can find it for a lot less elsewhere.

I bought a xps 13 9370 and several years and two self-replaced batteries later, I'm not noticing even a hint of age related slowdown. I thought the lack of USB-A ports would be a problem, but it wasn't. I have run Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Mint, Manjaro, Arch, EndeavorOS, Solus, MXLinux, Debian, OpenSUSE, Fedora, and many others on this machine with minimal issues. I don't know about the models after mine, but the 9370 was a solid choice.

XPS13 has very highly positive reviews from several sources. I've had the same dilemma as you 3 years ago and went with the XPS13 9310 and I'm extremely happy with it. So much that I bought an on sale Razer Book 13 for my wife since it's almost an XPS 13 with a different name.
Note that I don't have the "developer" version of the XPS but it runs with no issues at all. I can install Linux myself, don't need someone to do that for me and I'm not using Ubuntu anyway. Also, the delivery delay were insane when I bought it and I was extremely lucky to find a "regular" version in one of my local stores.

I've tried a lot of laptops over 30 years and no brand was convincing enough to get me returning to them every time. I just go where I can find the hardware I need enclosed in a well-enough robust case and I'm done. All the parts are sold by the same manufacturers anyway. The difference between brands is just which parts are assembled together and how well it's done.

As a bonus, it's also nice that the firmware of the XPS 13 (including the bios) can be updated with fwupd.

Out of curiosity, why not go for something that supports Linux out of the box? Why stock to mainstream?

I've had bad experience with Dell and their chargers. Took 2-3 attempts at an RMA to get a working one.

I am currently running a Klevo (branded as Gigabyte) laptop and its working great for my needs.

Also it looks like the Framework Laptop is in budget for you. Not sure if you've looked into them.

Xps 13 is a great laptop. Personally I would install arch or artix in it.

I have Lenovo and not happy with it. Weird issues like unable to start it when battery has run out and it's plugged into docking station. Need to wait like 15 mins before it even turns on.

Also issues with docking stations (from Dell) not showing external screen unless i unplug the cable at boot and then put it in during boot.

I guess all this could be because I run Linux though but I'm just not happy with the laptop.

I would get a framework laptop as a next one.

On Ubuntu 22.04 me and a relative tried to fix the sound on the XPS 13 9315. Neither of us found an easy fix. We hopped distribution to get it working, hope you have better luck with 20.04.