System76 Oryx Pro is a Skylake-powered Ubuntu laptop with NVIDIA GPU and G-SYNC
Buying a laptop can be a confusing affair. Of course you want something powerful, but looks matter too. In other words, the entire experience makes a difference; consumers want the entire package to be well-thought out in both design and execution.
System76 now has such a laptop; the all-new Ubuntu-powered Oryx Pro is absolutely gorgeous, featuring a black aluminum chassis. Inside, however, is is equally beautiful, with Skylake processors (Core i7 only), DDR4 memory and NVIDIA graphics by default. You can even opt for a cutting-edge G-SYNC display. Yes, keeping true to its Oryx name (a type of antelope) this laptop is a Linux beast!
"This machine features the new 6th-generation intel processors, fast nVidia graphics, and a sharp display, all packed in a slim 25mm profile. The Oryx Pro's modern design, makes it the perfect laptop for the on-the-go professional. It redefines the look of sophistication. The full-sized keyboard has gorgeous white backlit-lighting, adding to the overall brilliance of the Oryx Pro. But it’s not just beauty, it’s functionality. The keyboard also features slightly concave keys, a comfortable soft-texture finish and perfect key-stroke travel. All of these elements make this machine an absolute dream for the typist within you", says System76.
The computer-seller further says, "experience completely immersive entertainment with incredible graphics, wide-viewing display, and impressive audio. The Oryx Pro’s optional IPS display produces bright colors and amazing contrast. This, combined with the upwards facing, 3D soundfield of the Onkyo speakers, make the Oryx Pro an optimal portable theater laptop. And portable entertainment isn’t complete without perfect gaming. With nVidia 900 series graphics and G-sync, the Oryx Pro delivers a gaming experience that looks, plays and responds like magic. With this machine, you will master games in all their glorious visual detail".
System76 shares the following specs.
| Operating System | Ubuntu 15.10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | 6th Gen Intel® Core i7 up to 3.6 GHz Quad-Core |
| Display | 15.6″ or 17.3″ 1920×1080, matte, optional IPS & G-SYNC |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Geforce GTX 970M or 980M |
| Memory | Up to 64 GB dual-channel DDR4 @ 2133 MHz |
| Storage | 2× M.2 SSD, 2× 2.5″ 7mm height drive. Up to 5 TB total. |
| Expansion | 4× USB 3.0 Type-A, SD Card Reader |
| Input | Multitouch Clickpad, Backlit Keyboard |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet, Intel Wireless-AC WiFi |
| Video Ports | 1× HDMI, 2× Mini DisplayPort |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, Stereo Mic, Headphone Jack, Mic Jack, S/PDIF |
| Camera | 1080p HD Webcam |
| Security | Kensington® Lock |
| Battery | Li-Polymer – 60 Wh |
| AC Adapter | 180 W, AC-in 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz |
| Dimensions | Dependent on display size & graphics. |
| 15″ 970M: 15.16″ × 10.67″ × 0.98″ (38.51 × 27.10 × 2.49 cm) | |
| 15″ 980M: 15.16″ × 10.67″ × 1.13″ (38.51 × 27.10 × 2.87 cm) | |
| 17″ model: 16.42″ × 11.30″ × 1.18″ (41.71 × 28.70 × 3.00 cm) | |
| Weight | Dependent on display size. |
| 15″ model: 5.5 lbs. (2.49 kg.) | |
| 17″ model: 7.05 lbs. (3.20 kg.) |
System76 definitely has a winner here. This is the type of laptop that hardcore Linux users deserve. The industrial design, with its in-your-face corners, really gives the laptop a purposeful appearance. The specs are downright incredible, and believe it or not, the price is very reasonable too. The Oryx Pro starts at a low $1,399, but this will, of course, increase as you add better specs. Quite frankly, even if you leave all of the base specs as-is, the computer is incredible.
If you want your own, you can configure and pre-order it here. Will you buy it? Tell me in the comments.