Supporting hardware companies that support software freedom

strypey · 17 September 2026 22:28

There’s 2 sets of issues here;

What devices are available at all, and what are their pros and cons, considering not just software freedom, but also open hardware and repairability? The FSF’s Respects Your Freedom certification and LinuxPreloaded are good resources for finding companies and devices.
What devices can be bought from retailers in Aotearoa, or shipped here with decent customer support?

strypey · 17 September 2026 22:50

I’ve had experience with;

ThinkPenguin: Sells laptops and a range of other hardware known to work with Trisquel and other 100% Free Code OS. Ordered a WiFi dongle sometime in 2016/17. The ordering process was easy, delivery fairly prompt, and after-sale customer service was excellent. Would buy from them again.
Pine64: Makers of PineBook, Pine Phone, PineTab, PineTime, etc. I ordered one of the first community edition PinePhones in 2020. The device was very cheap, the process was fairly simple, and delivery was prompt. Would buy from them again.

Other companies I’m aware of;

Framework sell laptops with a focus on repairability, including supporting libre OS, and Cory Doctorow praised his Framework in 2022. They are now shipping to Aotearoa. Full disclosure, they are currently controversial for sponsoring Omarchy.
Mecha, creators of the Comet
SoulCircuit, creators of the Pilet

rimu · 19 September 2026 22:04

Nearly 20 years ago(!) I bought a laptop from system76 and they’re still operating - https://system76.com. It was fine.

I just looked at the prices though and they are eye-watering. Maybe that’s normal these days.

strypey · 20 September 2026 00:59

I’m guessing that’s do to with the MOLE Training con pushing the price of RAM though the ceiling?

EDIT: $2000-ish seems to be the standard price for laptops roughly equivalent to a MacBook. ThinkPenguin has one for about $1200, but I’m guessing that’s more minimal specs. Purism is at the more expensive end, closer to $3000.