As a linux laptop, Dell XPS 13 (model 9343) is perfect, running ubuntu 14.04.3 LTS with gnome for 6 months now, extremely happy with it. Best laptop i ever had, and i am including macbooks & thinkpads in the comparason. I would recommend going with with windows version, then install ubuntu on it, since it comes in much more configuration options than preinstalled ubuntu version. Bios trick to create boot entry: http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/SLN297060/en Be careful though, this is the previous model. The new one, (model #9350), the one with thunderbolt port has some issues depending on the kernel version you have.