How would you choose your next developer and data science laptop for Ubuntu

Is there some kind of compatibility map or community forum where you can predict compatibility effort you'll have to invest in installations and tinkering of settings, for contemporary laptop models and the most recent versions of Ubuntu?

Such that you can choose a laptop model where everything works out of the box after installing Ubuntu, or at least a minimal number of driver installations and system tweaks need to be made?

Of course, there's trial and error and hearsay, both of which kind of wasteful.

In case this all (helpfully) digresses to specific recommendations at the absence of any kind of compatibility matrix, then we're talking about a strong i7 model and cache size, and 16 or 32 GB of RAM as the baseline criteria, for data-laden development of cpu intensive algorithms with Ubuntu 20.04.

As of 2022, you can check out Ubuntu certified hardware here. If you install Ubuntu yourself, there's almost always some tinkering.

For a preinstalled system with little to no tinkering, System76 has laptops with your choice of Ubuntu or PopOS!(System76 custom Ubuntu based OS) preinstalled direct from the factory. The laptops are quite affordable considering the specs, designed and built for running Ubuntu, quite powerful, and they have the specs you're looking for with a number of models to choose from. They have lightweight and powerful or powerful and rugged with capability to expand. Some even have the option to add additional NVMe drives and an additional 2.5 drive as well.

System76 also has tech support and I am fairly positive they only have tech support based in the United States as their entire operation is domestic and I believe the main facility is located in Colorado. They do not offer Windows and they are specifically designed and built for Ubuntu and/or PopOS!

Alternatively, Dell has laptops with Ubuntu preinstalled direct from the factory. The XPS 13 Developer edition is powerful and known for developer use. It is also light and thin if this is important to you. I cannot vouch for the ruggedness as I've only owned an Inspiron. XPS is a bit expensive considering the limited options but capable and it also meets your specs Although, an i5 option is available too. Again, the options aren't quite as robust compared to System76 and you'll have to speak with Dell about customer support.

Dell is known to outsource their tech support so mileage may vary. Also, they do make you pay for extended tech support. Dell does have good documentation for Ubuntu on their website and they keep track of bugs and often provide workable solutions.