Let’s start with my mistakes:
- I haven’t followed LKML.
- I assumed: Every ThinkPad has - overall - perfect Linux support, so this will as well.
- I did look up support when purchasing but I was still not verifying on the LKML.
- Edit: I trusted Qualcomm’s marketing
So, I wanted a ARM-Linux laptop so bad. I heared about the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s in 2023 and I looked at marketing promises and (rare!) takes on it. Then there was the opportunity to buy this laptop fir a good price with the entire stats I would require for my next 10+ years. So I bought it.
In order to bake Linux on it I had to read up upon many things - I run it daily but have to accept some downsizes.
Anyhow, I thought this title would be interessting regarding Lenovo’s and Qualcomm’s “success” on ARM so that others may be aware that I am looking daily for the LKML and my model SC8280XP.
There is ONE SINGLE CONTRIBUTOR (there were two; The other joined Lenovo) allowed to have “elected and requested” documents in order to aid support. Despite their intentions (QUALCOMM) to support Linux. And I furthermore assume it hasn’t have changed with the new Snapdragon X processors.
So, thanks to John Hovold and Linaro for doing an awesome job. I wish I could support you.
Lenovo artificially inflates the [M]SRP and has fake “sales” to make it seem like you’re getting a good deal. Never ever trust that.
As you discovered there is often one single person working on getting these devices compatible. As an example the OpenBSD team and others will sometimes suggest you donate a system in order for anything to happen. And even then there are no guarantees if blobs are involved.
This is a pretty big goof up but I’ve made the same mistake when the x200 first came out. I think you’re getting dragged because what people are curious about is what specifically isn’t working. I’m surprised it’s working at all but then again John is a beast.
This is true for tons of companies across the board
The fake sale, blobs, proprietary nonsense etc things? Can confirm I’ve seen others pull the same crap. For me Lenovo was the most blatant. But Dell came close. If you have other examples I’d like to see it.