It has been more than 14 months since my XPS 13DE notebook was stolen. Ever since, I was on the hunt for a replacement. I have just some simple requirements that seem so difficult to meet:
- Linux pre-installed
- Payment in BitCoin
- Swiss German Keyboard with back light
- Ultrabook (slim and powerful)
The natural choice would be to go with the successor of the model that I was so fond of. Dell does accept BitCoin, but only in the US, UK and Canada. Unfortunately they don’t sell Swiss keyboards in those markets, and I don’t know where to get a keyboard to retro fit.
There are a few vendors selling devices that fulfill some of the requirements, but I found only one so far that can achieve them all.
The best choice at the moment seems to be a Librem13 or Librem15 from purism. The 13inch model has only an i5 processor, and no backlit keyboard. So I would opt for the 15inch model. They have difficulties getting the display panels. And lots of the devices they shipped internationally didn’t reach their destination. This an unfortunate situation, but they seem very friendly and responsive. From what I can observe, they give their best to resolve the situation as good as they can. At the moment It looks like I have to wait two more months to get a Librem15.
Here are some devices that I considered:
| Model | Linux | BitCoin | Keyboard | Ultrabook | Remarks |
| Dell XPS13 Developer Edition | yes | no | yes | yes | Very nice device |
| Purism Librem15 | yes | yes | yes | yes | Waiting for display, and shipping problems |
| Tuxedo | yes | unknown | no | yes | Only German Keyboards |
| Why | yes | no | yes | yes | Out of stock |
If you know of a device that fulfills my requirements, and is not listed here, please tell me.
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