Linux computer builder ZaReason is launching a thin and light laptop called the UltraLap 430 which has all the specs you’d expect from a modern ultrabook. But what sets it apart from pretty much every other ultrabook on the market is the fact that the UltraLap 430 ships with a Linux-based operating system rather than Windows.

Prices start at $899, and the laptop is available now from the ZaReason store.

ZaReason UltraLap 430

The ultrabook features a 14.1 inch, 1366 x 768 pixel display, 2 USB 3.0 ports, a USB2.0 port, HDMI output, SD card slot, an Ethernet port, and WiFi and Bluetooth.

It measures 13.5x’  9.25″ x 0.75″ and weighs 3.5 pounds.

The base model has an Intel Core i3 Ivy Bridge dual core processor, 4GB of RAM, a 32GB solid state disk, and a 6 cell battery.

You can also upgrade to a Core i5 processor, add more RAM, switch to a larger SSD, or configure the laptop with a solid state disk and a higher capacity hard drive.

ZaReason offers a range of Linux-based operating systems including Ubuntu 12.04, Debian, Fedora, or Linux Mint. You can also order the UltraLap 430 with variations of Ubuntu including Kubuntu or Edubuntu. There’s even an option to specify an operating system that’s not on the list.

While there’s nothing stopping you from buying an ultrabook that comes preloaded with Windows and installing Linux yourself, there are a few key benefits to ordering from a company like ZaReason. The first is that you can be certain all the hardware will work with your operating system. The second is that you don’t have to fiddle with any settings — everything should work out of the box.

via Geek.com

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8 replies on “ZaReason UltraLap 430 is the first ultrabook to ship with linux”

  1. Don’t buy!!! Plastic chassis with poor quality. Volume keys not working. Ubuntu sticker on the windows key. WiFi after return from suspend mode is disabled… Adapter for U.S. plugs (although I ordered in GB) and more fails…

    Zareason Sucks!

  2. 14 inch screen with 1366×768 resolution? What are they smoking?
    I wish Intel had included minimum pixel-per-inch as an Ultrabook spec’d value.

    1. That was exactly my reaction. I bought a gaming laptop (17″ 1600×1200 4-core i7) from Dell for $1100 two years ago. The thing came with serious sound and great gaming video card, and 8Gb of RAM. Just noticed yesterday that it also has a subwoofer on the rear panel.

      Seriously, what’s up with the ultrabook idea? Selling yesterday’s tech at double the price is a dumb move, no wonder there are no takers out there.

  3. What if you want to install a new version of the OS, a different distro or if you upgrade the SSD (if that’s user upgradeable)? Do they give instructions on how to get everything working?

    1. Yes, both SSDs (there’s room for 2) are user upgradeable.

      ZaReason only uses hardware that is supported by the mainline kernel. You can switch to any distro and have everything just work.

  4. Didn’t Dell do a Linux XPS 13 already? Is the Dell not technically an ultrabook?

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