You could go with System76, I think they have a high-end “graphics” laptop, which would be suitable for gaming. Open source company so you are guaranteed everything is compatible with Linux.
However, if money is an issue or you find something else you like, for example the Dell XPS laptops ( in the past have been very compatible with linux,) here is a tool to check the model and/or the parts (important) such as wifi, etc., to see if they are compatible for a lot of laptops.
I get the open source support part of your comment, but you are taking out the fact Steam/Valve has done a lot …A LOT…to get games working on Steam. Additionally, for the first time every they have driving Linux marketshare higher than MacOS as a result. So, to dismiss them completely is wrong. They have done a lot for linux…and linux gaming.
Steam On Linux Usage Spikes To Nearly 2% In July, Larger Marketshare Than Apple macOS
I need this!
Who turned up Google’s nazi dial?
I have been using VLC on linux and android since forever, but recently on my new Amazon Firestick 4k Max, VLC was having issues playing h.265 HEVC movies. So, someone recommended Nova Player, and it played them beautifully. Nice player, I may switch all my devices to Nova.
You are not alone. Many love its ‘restrained’ workflow, and DEs are subjective. It sounds like you are ready to move to KDE. KDE has a ‘Overview’ that mimics Gnome’s, so best of both worlds and the taskbar in KDE is actually functional. Don’t waste anymore time, make the switch to day. Operators are standing by. 🤣
You are not alone. Many love its ‘restrained’ workflow, and DEs are subjective. It sounds like you are ready to move to KDE. KDE has a ‘Overview’ that mimics Gnome’s, so best of both worlds and the taskbar in KDE is actually functional. Don’t waste anymore time, make the switch to day. Operators are standing by. 🤣
KDE user so for my personal files I backup with both Kups and Bups (install both) and you get the choice of cloning type or only changed files with going back in time choices. Integrates into KDE taskbar/system settings.
For redundancy, I back up my main sync folder on the desktop to my laptop using Syncthing over my WiFi/network.
I played it using Lutris. I think I had to use winetricks to install .net and after that it ran flawlessly. Do a search on the net. I think the same can be done for Steam using Protontricks. It is such a cool game and if BG3 is anything like it, I am stoked.
Yes, stick with Arch. Arch is not the issue if installed without the holding chambers Manjaro puts in place. Arch has a good installer on its own, but if you need a bit more, distros like EndeavourOS, Calam-Arch-Installer, ALCI (Arch Linux Calamares Installer,) and even Garuda are all fine options.
‘Classic canonical corporate move’…there I fixed it for you.
Red Hat is a corporation, putting dollars first. Not to mention Fedora is now starting to 'trample on user’s privacy with telemetry integration.’
Some are making the case that Fedora’s new telemetry integration isn’t like the bad telemetry like Google and others, it is ‘anonymised.’ Every corporation says this before they remove the username from the data collected and keep the unique user id. I don’t trust Red Hat…and now with this latest reveal, Fedora either. And privacy is all about trust.
This…all of it. I started with Arch using Manjaro, like so many do. There was a mass exodus that exploded, and the worst lot remained on the dev team. Beyond that, as you stated, they convice their users that holding back packages is for their benefit, when in reality, your system becomes unstable at times as a result, especially becoming out of sync with AUR. It is still one of the most popular Arch distros, and …well…I feel sorry for their uninformed users who believe it is a stable choice.
For information sake; Reasons Against Using Manjaro
You can find that info on their website.
GrapheneOS has two officially supported installation methods. You can either use the WebUSB-based installer recommended for most users or the command-line installation guide aimed at more technical users.
Amen, to that!!
TLDR being there is no reason to look beyond Fedora…
This whole privacy issue is about trust. And clearly your privacy recommendations are biased. For example, you seem to put all your trust in Fedora, a corporation owned by Red Hat…OWNED. A distro starting to 'trample on user’s privacy with telemetry integration.’
Now you might say that telemetry isn’t like the others, it is “anonymised.” Except that is what corporations always say before they remove the username from the data collected and keep the unique user id. Again, it is about who you trust, and usually corporations are working and focused on the dollar, not the user.
I encourage anyone to look at other privacy recommendation sites, and form your own conclusions.
I would not recommend this guide. It only recommends rolling releases, so basically Arch. I use Arch btw, Garuda. However, it then goes on to say that only moderate or advanced users should use Arch. It also doesn’t recommend Debian or any debian based distros. I find this funny as many corporate servers use Debian, and I don’t really see any huge security issues since the 90’s waving red flags of warnings and issues. By following this guide, it really leaves no option for beginner linux enthusiasts. I (we) recommend not folloing this guide as it reads like privacy paranoia propaganda piece.
I am on Garuda Linux running their KDE Dr460nized Gaming Edition. It is based on Arch Linux, btw. Because it is Arch, I only recommend it to moderate to advanced linux users, maybe newbies if they are not the kind to go running to a help forum and post, but instead research and figure things out. With that said, Garuda comes with a handy click/install GUI for many things, but a special section for Gamers that makes installing everything you need easy and simple.
If you are a newbie, I would recommend an Ubuntu distro because it has a HUGE help forum to get your feet wet. In that, I would recommend Drauger OS, it is Ubuntu for Gamers.
No what you want is unstable Arch which you can freely do by changing the repos, but your user experience will be fraught with pain and issues. You can move to Debian and do the same by running their unstable branches, same results though, most likely a broken system.
Both will get you the newest releases.
There is no linux version. Steam/Valve has been updating their proton versions to work with BG3. I would recommend using their ‘proton experimental.’ If you buy from GOG, you can use Lutris, they have a runner that should install everything needed to run BG3, and it also lists some tweaks to make.