Snapdragon laptops are supported on Linux from version 20.04 onwards.
Snapdragon laptops are supported on Linux from version 20.04 onwards.
It's odd that anyone would purchase them at all. The Windows on ARM project alone was a failure.
They're really good. I own an Asus model. My job involves rotating shifts—two weeks at a remote site, two weeks back home. It fits perfectly as a compact tablet for streaming games occasionally without being tied to mobile apps. I rely on it every evening while traveling; it doubles as a larger-than-usual device for YouTube and similar content. When I travel to Norway, the battery lasts an incredible amount of time. I’ve already downloaded videos and managed to keep it running in airplane mode from Anchorage to Seattle without issues. I only need to charge it briefly in Seattle before heading back home. My flights to Amsterdam are long—nine hours with a layover, then another 90 minutes. In airplane mode and on battery saver, my Sony headphones stay functional. I’d love better game compatibility, but it works well for short gaming sessions here and there. I’ve mentioned this before on the forum: just because someone doesn’t use something doesn’t mean it’s bad.
From recent reviews it seems support has improved significantly. The challenge for Microsoft lies in Qualcomm not being directly involved in desktop computing anymore. The current offerings look much stronger compared to the older Windows RT tablets. In fact, newer Surface tablets are built on ARM technology, unlike the past. While some business models still use Intel chips, consumer versions are increasingly ARM-based. All these trends are reflected in the latest feedback. It looks like Microsoft pushed Qualcomm to develop better solutions for their products. I’m pleased that ARM is gaining traction, especially since battery life on mobile devices would be a big plus. I’m excited about upgrading my 2020 MacBook Pro to a newer MacBook Air eventually, and I’ll wait for the M5 models to arrive.
They say things about it often depend on how you approach the product. If you expect it to be a compact laptop with long battery life that can swap in for your gaming PC, you're likely to be let down. I came with a mindset of using a tablet for everyday Windows work, avoiding being stuck with Android or Apple apps for time-consuming games, and hoping for future updates that support it. The sleep mode functions well. I often charge it fully, use it for two weeks at work, then pack it in my backpack and forget about it for a week or more—still, it retains some battery power.
This applies to any computer. If it isn’t built for gaming, you’ll face a "poor" experience. The truth is Apple demonstrated the capabilities of ARM technology. You can install a complete desktop operating system and perform traditional tasks. Not everything is focused on gaming, which is a significant concern. Another point is that Windows still offers extensive legacy support, sometimes slowing progress. Considering Apple has discontinued support for certain hardware over time, and having moved from Power PC to Intel now to ARM, it highlights the challenges ahead.
I’m still using an M1 MacBook Air with 8GB RAM. I’m considering upgrading to the M5 model when it’s released. The battery is close to 750 charge cycles, and its performance is declining rapidly.