When it comes to Linux laptops for professionals, it's hard to beat Dell's XPS 13 Developer Edition[1]. Now, with its latest Ubuntu-Linux powered XPS 13 release[2], Dell continues to set the standard for high-end programmer laptops.
These new laptops are built on the 10th-generation Intel Cor i5-10210U processor, Comet Lake. These will arrive on Sept. 5. In October, Dell will upgrade its laptop still further with six-core Intel Core Comet Lake CPUs. Can you say fast? I knew you could.
For networking, the latest XPS 13s use the Killer AX1650 (2×2) built on Intel Wi-Fi 6[3] Chipset. This supports the latest Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth 5.0. That means, if your routers support Wi-Fi 6 (aka 802.11ax), you'll see significantly faster network speeds.
It also comes with up to 16GB of RAM, a fingerprint reader, a narrow bezel around its 14-inch InfinityEdge display, as well as a 100% sRGB color gamut. Another nice upgrade in this system is the webcam has finally been moved to the top of the display. So, we can finally say good-bye to the "nose cam."
These new laptop models will run Ubuntu 18.04 LTS[4]. This Ubuntu will be supported for 10 years[5]. That means, if you wanted, you could still be running this laptop in April 2028.
I don't know if I'll still be running this laptop in a decade, but I do know many developers will be happily using it soon and for the