[CONFIGURATION] Laptop recommendations

[system652]

Hello,

I need a laptop that meets the following requirements:

• Ability to work for up to 10 hours per day while plugged in (I will use this laptop as a desktop)
• Sturdy construction because I need to travel by car and airplane
• Allows for future upgrades (such as SSD, RAM, or CPU)
• Compatible with Linux (Kubuntu 24.04.1 LTS)
• Capable of running AutoCAD and 3D viewing in a virtual machine (QEMU)
• Able to run at least two virtual machines simultaneously (QEMU)
• Supports an external 27" monitor (1920x1080) or two monitors plus the laptop monitor (three monitors in total)
• Accommodates an M.2 2280 hard drive

Which brands and models would you suggest for me? I am in Europe.

Thank you

[claydoh]

I don't have any specific suggestions, though a Framework may well come closest, though I think a chatbot wouldn't suggest it.

Allows for future upgrades (such as SSD, RAM, or CPU)

CPUs , no that isn't going to happen on a laptop. A Framework has fully-replaceable parts, but to swap a CPU involves a new mainboard, which they do sell.
it will be vital important to check that a laptop has replaceable ram, more and more seem to come with soldered ram, but that is usually on the low end models and the ultra thin and light ones.

Ability to work for up to 10 hours per day while plugged in (I will use this laptop as a desktop)

Well.....if it is plugged in, then it can run 24/7. Did a chatbot suggest this?

Able to run at least two virtual machines simultaneously (QEMU)

I can do that on a thin client from 2015 and an i5 -- ram is the key, though. 16 at the minimum, 32 is better.

Supports an external 27" monitor (1920x1080) or two monitors plus the laptop monitor (three monitors in total)

Any recent-ish laptop can do that, if it has the ports. My 11th gen intel i5 Chromebook "converted" to linux can power 2 27" 1080p external monitors on top of its 1080p screen (2 usb-c ports and an actual HDMI port). This is on the intel iGPU. no fancy $$ dedicated graphics is necessary. But beefy graphics are always useful (cad, etc)

Accommodates an M.2 2280 hard drive

This is pretty much the standard today.


it would actually be easier to pick a laptop that you might be interested in, then check if it works on Linux. the vast majority will, though the level of effort can range from 100% working out of the box, to needing to futz with Nvidia drivers, to needing WiFi drivers because they cheaped out and use Realtek chips. Ultra new hardware will often have issues, at least for a bit.