Do you really need direct OEM driver support after the 1st OS version? Usually the open source drivers are good enough by the time the next release comes out. After 4 years do they not have functional drivers for that machine?
this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2025
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Linux
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[also @sainth@lemmy.world] Overall I agree with you, drivers are generally well-usable even if not OEM, which is fantastic. But yes I do notice small glitches that OEM drivers do solve, an example is trackpoint vs touchpad interference.
Actually I must try to install by hand the old OEM driver (for Ubuntu 20.04) in the new 24.05, and see if it works. I hope I won't break anything...
Sometimes those OEM drivers do matter for power management and hardware-specific features like fingerprint readers or special function keys that might not be fully implemented in mainline kernal drivers yet, even after several yeears.
Typically, in my experience, official Linux support isn't required for a good experience. While the last thinkpad I used with a tablet was an x41 I guess about 15 years ago, I've been using thinkpads with Linux continuously since before then. It's amazing to see manufactures officially supporting Linux now, but once the hardware works in the linux kernel, it tends to keep working on all future releases. It's not like Windows where you need to go to the manufacture's website and download drivers, they are open source and are kept working by volunteers for a long time.
Please do your own research, but in a quick search it seemed like the Thinkpad X12 was working well for some people with modern Linux distributions. I know some people use Linux on the Surface Pro's and I almost bought one once, but decided to go with a wacom tabletop monitor/tablet instead.
Theoretically if it were already released I would say that is the niche that the framework 12 should fit in, but it is going to release in a couple of months. :/
Cool! I missed this one, thank you! I can wait. Unfortunately Framework don't ship to my country, but I could make a trip to a neighbouring one where friends live :)