Linus Torvalds, the principal developer of the Linux (opens in new tab) kernel, has revealed that he would like to get his one of the new Apple M1-powered laptops (opens in new tab), if only it just ran Linux.
Apple’s use of open source software to power its critical services is an open secret.
When it comes to hardware though, the company prefers to obfuscate the little details that developers need to fully support its devices on Linux.
- These are the best Linux laptops (opens in new tab) for running Linux
- Here are the best Linux distros for business (opens in new tab)
- We’ve also compiled a list of the best Linux apps (opens in new tab)
Fond memories
Torvalds has used Apple MacBooks in the past, as he revealed in an exclusive chat with Linux Format magazine (opens in new tab) way back in 2012. He reiterated this in response to a question posted recently at the Real World Tech forum (opens in new tab), also revealing why he decided to eventually move away.
“I have fairly fond memories of the 11" MacBook Air (I think 4,1) that I used about a decade ago (but moved away from because it took Apple too long to fix the screen - and by the time they did, I'd moved on to better laptops, and Apple had moved on to make Linux less convenient).”
While Linux does run on virtually every processor in production, there’s more to a computer than the processor. It’s support for these other components that is usually the deal breaker. And the M1-based MacBooks are no different.
"I've been waiting for an ARM laptop that can run Linux for a long time. The new Air would be almost perfect, except for the OS. And I don't have the time to tinker with it, or the inclination to fight companies that don't want to help."
So unless Apple changes its philosophy and opens up about its hardware, don’t expect Linux developers to queue up to get one of the new Apple MacBooks.
- Subscribe to Linux Format magazine (opens in new tab) for more Linux and open source goodness
Via: TNW (opens in new tab)
