Hi Nothing team and community.
I’m coming from the world of geeks and developers who use Linux as our daily driver. And I’m genuinely excited about the idea of a Nothing laptop.
If you’re exploring what such a device could be, here are a few thoughts that reflect what many power users (especially from the Linux world) would love to see:
- Strong out-of-the-box Linux support. Even if Linux isn’t the official OS, having 100% hardware compatibility with a base distro (like Debian) would go a long way. A machine that “just works” with Linux — Wi-Fi, suspend/resume, audio, GPU, Bluetooth, touchpad, everything.
- Don’t forget about software — even on Linux. Most laptop makers don’t provide any GUI software tools for Linux. That means no access to warranty info, battery health tools, power profiles, RGB/backlight settings, or fan control. Offering even minimal utilities for Linux would be a game-changer.
- Ports — thoughtfully placed, including on the back. Minimalism is great, but usability matters. Many users (especially developers and remote workers) would appreciate rear I/O — Ethernet, USB-C, — not just side ports. It’s cleaner, neater, and better for desktop setups.
- A mechanical keyboard. It’s been done (e.g. XMG Neo 15/17). But those laptops looked like gamer toys. You can do better. Something that feels like the old ThinkPads or IBM laptops. A Nothing laptop with a mechanical keyboard in a minimalist, industrial design would stand out instantly.
- 14″ form factor with a 16:10 screen. This size hits the sweet spot — compact enough to carry, large enough to work comfortably. Combine that with a sharp, color-accurate 16:10 display, and it’s perfect for creators and developers alike.
- Also, features like open firmware (e.g. Coreboot), upgradeable components, quiet thermals, matte display, and even privacy-focused touches like camera/ mic kill switches would make a huge difference. These are the small things that matter deeply to Linux users.
A device like this could bridge the gap between design, usability, and freedom — appealing to both creatives and developers. And if you support Linux well, you’ll win over one of the most passionate, loyal communities out there.
Happy to hear what others in the community think too!