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I've been wanting to buy a System76 laptop for a LONG time now. For me, the increased markup is worth it knowing that I'll be able to get a laptop that runs Lin

I've been wanting to buy a System76 laptop for a LONG time now. For me, the increased markup is worth it knowing that I'll be able to get a laptop that runs Linux and plays video games with little to no configuration. What makes me hesitant is the build quality. I've seen enough comments online (and in this thread) with complaints about parts needing to be replaced. That being said, I want to note that System76 has great documentation on repairing their laptops. For example, here are the docs for the Oryx Pro 6: https://tech-docs.system76.com/models/oryp6/repairs.html https://tech-docs.system76.com/models/oryp6/repairs.html. It's pretty straightforward to upgrade the internals, replace parts, re-paste the CPU, etc. Repairability is an important factor for me, especially considering the next laptop I buy I'm going to use it for a while (I'm currently using a 2013 T530). Still, the complaints about needing to replace things makes me hesitate. It's nice for a machine to be easily repairable and upgradeable, but I don't want to invest so much money in a machine where I'll need to replace parts right away. Also, I imagine most people looking for a new laptop don't own the tools needed to repair nor are they comfortable with opening up a very expensive machine. Heck, I'm only comfortable with fiddling with my T530 because it's so cheap.

geophile 6y ago
What System76 lacks in build quality, they make up for with absolutely stellar support. I started with a Galago, that had a slight screen defect, (slightly yellow on one side). And I didn't like the 4k resolution. They offered me a choice: repair the screen (they pay shipping) or return for a refund so that I could buy the Darter (I pay shipping). I chose the latter, and I've been very happy. So while there is the occasional lemon, they stand behind their machines. And software support has been great, supporting me across obscure Linux problems, not-quite-baked OS upgrades, and pilot error.
- cyrialize 6y ago
  Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I'm this close to pulling the trigger on the Oryp6.
- lowbloodsugar 6y ago
  Spat my coffee out. That's not great customer service! They sent you a defective product, and then made you pay for returning it! WTF? Good customer service would be paying to ship the defective product back and then, once they have the laptop, selling you the laptop that you want. Or better yet, shipping you the one you want immediately.
  - geophile 6y ago
    No, I was unclear. Just after I had the problem with the Galago, the Darter came out It way my choice to get a repair, or to return the machine and buy something else. Since I ALSO didn't like the 4k screen on the Galago, I opted for the Darter. I paid shipping, just as would have happened had the Galago screen not been defective. I was actually in the process of arranging the repair of the Galago when the Darter was released, and they then told me about their return policy. Also: the yellowing on part of the Galago screen was extremely subtle. It took me a couple of weeks to even notice it. But there were no questions asked, they just immediately said it was a warrany repair. Go clean up your coffee.

geophile 6y ago

What System76 lacks in build quality, they make up for with absolutely stellar support. I started with a Galago, that had a slight screen defect, (slightly yellow on one side). And I didn't like the 4k resolution. They offered me a choice: repair the screen (they pay shipping) or return for a refund so that I could buy the Darter (I pay shipping). I chose the latter, and I've been very happy. So while there is the occasional lemon, they stand behind their machines. And software support has been great, supporting me across obscure Linux problems, not-quite-baked OS upgrades, and pilot error.

cyrialize 6y ago
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I'm this close to pulling the trigger on the Oryp6.
lowbloodsugar 6y ago
Spat my coffee out. That's not great customer service! They sent you a defective product, and then made you pay for returning it! WTF? Good customer service would be paying to ship the defective product back and then, once they have the laptop, selling you the laptop that you want. Or better yet, shipping you the one you want immediately.
- geophile 6y ago
  No, I was unclear. Just after I had the problem with the Galago, the Darter came out It way my choice to get a repair, or to return the machine and buy something else. Since I ALSO didn't like the 4k screen on the Galago, I opted for the Darter. I paid shipping, just as would have happened had the Galago screen not been defective. I was actually in the process of arranging the repair of the Galago when the Darter was released, and they then told me about their return policy. Also: the yellowing on part of the Galago screen was extremely subtle. It took me a couple of weeks to even notice it. But there were no questions asked, they just immediately said it was a warrany repair. Go clean up your coffee.