Manjaro Hardware Compatibility List

A curated hardware compatibility list might be a welcome addition to the Manjaro site. What I propose is a listing of consumer hardware known to be compatible with Manjaro, or, perhaps those that are not.

Such a dedicated page could be invaluable for those uncertain of what to buy; or, whether existing hardware is suitable for Manjaro.

Similar strategies have been used for other OS related sites. Such a page could serve as a general reference for Manjaro customers.

Thoughts?.

1 Like

You mean the Linux Hardware Database? :wink:

See also Forum Rules: Product Recommendation Requests

2 Likes

3: I suppose it’s fine then, if there’s a clear pathway to profit. Without evaluating how it fits the Manjaro ethos, there is potential for (fully disclosed) click-through partnerships with major online retailers, which might generate some kind of (however small) income stream. Though, I concede that would probably better fit the commercial Manjaro site.

2: Fair enough; though such a list might actually enhance that particular goal, and help with research and formulating conclusions.

1: Not a topic then; not for the forum; or, at least not encouraging user input which might devolve into requests for recommendations. The commercial site would then be a better fit. Post modified accordingly.

I’m aware of the Linux HW database, and even use it occasionally myself.

I was thinking of something more tailored to Manjaro as an extra benefit to potential Manjaro customers; however, if that’s something Manjaro is not interested in, I digress.

The https://manjaro.org/hardware/ link in your link doesn’t work, maybe it should be redirected to the Devices section (an anchor needs to be created) of Products – Manjaro

I think there’s a conflict of interests as Manjaro earns money with hardware partnerships, see my link above.

With that said, would the Manjaro admins actually remove a topic where users post their laptop or hardware model and someone makes a compilation of them in the first post, sorted by year?

Note that this kind of list increases the chances of someone discovering Manjaro by searching for something like “[their laptop model] linux”. And of course if their model is marked as compatible, they may be tempted to try it.

Correct, it doesn’t.

The link is referenced incorrectly in the Forum Rules Wiki page.

@Yochanan might like to know about that.

No need, but thanks.

In this instance the potential conflict was from the perspective of governance; or, in particular the forum rules, as was pointed out; and after consideration, I agree.

My suggestion (in whatever form it might ever be acted upon) is a better fit for manjaro.org (the commercial site) rather than the forum.

The forum is limited by (and, I don’t mean this in a bad way) the whole open ethos thing, along with carefully constructed forum rules to benefit everyone concerned.

A commercial site is less restrictive, and can arguably make better use of such a suggestion as mine. Linux can’t always live from donations alone.

IMO it would be better to know about hardware that is incompatible than hardware that works
(search the forum for previous topics with similar hardware)

That is good for getting matching data from similar systems (if the make and model number is known), but it does not lead to many solutions for incompatible hardware
For audio issues it is not very useful because most users do not share ALSA data
Laptop - ArchWiki has more solutions for incompatible laptop devices but not for new hardware

The old forum used to have a topic “Post your inxi data here” for users to link to from support requests, but it was not used much by new users and not read much by users responding to support requests

Threads seeking advice about specific computer product recommendations are discouraged

Users can ask about compatibility and software support for a specific device

Thanks for pointing that out, it’s now updated.

I do not disagree; both known (compatible and incompatible) hardware would likely become a natural consequence of such a page; no matter from which direction it might be approached.

The forum may not be ideal;

Sooner or later is begged the question “What do you recommend?” which places it squarely in conflict with the forum rules, once again.

I suppose forum rules might be amended – or, re-worded – to define allowable conditions for such an addition; though it might conjure grey areas not palatable to all.

A better fit is probably to house a list like this on manjaro.org where it has potentials to; drive (new user) traffic creating continued awareness of the brand; provide what might become a valuable service to users (value add); and generate alternate income streams to supplement donations.

I think the idea is generally more positive than not.

Though it would also take dedication on behalf of someone; to manage the list and keep it updated… and curated…

It might well defeat the purpose if random submissions of the calibre “[Hardware Item] doesn’t work with Manjaro” (based solely on a user simply not knowing how to make it work) were allowed.

The concept has merit. It might strike a chord with someone looking for a way to give back to the Manjaro community.

Cheers.

13 Jul 2024:

A compatibility list may lead to incorrect assumptions regarding suitability

Disclaimer

No warranties, either express or implied, are hereby given for anything provided by Manjaro Linux (“Software”). All software is supplied without any accompanying guarantee, whether expressly mentioned, implied or tacitly assumed. This information does not include any guarantees regarding quality, does not describe any fair marketable quality, and does not make any claims as to quality guarantees or guarantees regarding the suitability for a special purpose. The user assumes all responsibility for damages resulting from the use of the software.

Which is why I suggest it would be better suited to manjaro.org (proper), and not the forum.

The opposite may equally apply.

It’s a fair stance to hide behind a disclaimer; that is arguably one of the reasons they exist. A well curated list could nonetheless be useful, though I concede that care should need to be taken with its management.

Another possibility might be that a Compatibility List (and/or an Incompatibility List) could be hosted offsite. There is already a precedent: Packages.

My stance is that it could be possible. Whether it may be acted upon is certainly not up to this forum member.

… and probably not kept up to date by the people who initially actually posted there, I suspect!

Hardware compatible with Linux will work with any Linux - including Manjaro - and therefore it makes no sense to replicate what is already in the Linux Hardware database already linked in this topic.

The only way to ensure the hardware you have intention of aquiring is actually usable is to research the item and it’s components personally.

That is especially important with cheap laptops preinstalled with Windows.

I have - a couple of times - used a live USB to verify compatibility before buying the hardware. Of course I have only done so with the seller’s acceptance :slight_smile:

1 Like

I recall a local company that I had dealings with, with a manager that took great pride in their internal security; until one fine day along I came armed with nothing more than a bootable Linux (live) installer on USB, and casually showed how easy it was to browse their servers, including areas reserved only for management.

I understand they soon changed their hiring habits, and opted not to employ those so fresh out of University.


Although, @nikgnomic makes a valid point regarding the reverse scenario – listing hardware that is not compatible.

Perhaps a Hardware Shyte List might indeed be more beneficial. Either way, this topic could be discussed over and over, but it’s clear there are mixed opinions.


Manjaro already recommends hardware; the hardware from partners selling laptops with Manjaro pre-installed, plus other offerings.

That initiative largely negates the need for research as the hardware is already cherry-picked for compatibility; or so one understands after reading the blurbs and viewing the pictures.

Of course, Manjaro (proper) profits from that; all good. Users who buy those machines profit also, as they start with an arguably fully compatible system; the majority of issues would then be solely OS (or user) related, one presumes.

These would be easily listed, though; and only take up one entry in a list – Windows Laptops (All) – Compatible (No). That would fix that! :wink:

That’s how I selected the components for my current computer. And it paid off.

I recall buying a mainboard (once) without performing enough research (I needed it very quickly so skipped a few finer points). And I paid for it (repeatedly) until I could replace it. :money_mouth_face:

One only makes this mistake ONCE.

I didn’t. I purchased my previous computers for Winbloze, but the current one specifically because I knew I was going to it only with Linux. To my wife’s dismay.

Eyes glaze over at the mere mention of Linux here.

My daughter barely grasps the concept of a computer without AURA/RGB capability. There’s a truck full of equipment in storage if a light show is that important. :smile:

1 Like

Based on recent issues reported to forum, 2024 laptops are unlikely to have compatibility issues with built-in digital microphones, but might have issues with smart amplifiers connected to built-in speakers.

Compatibility lists of USB devices to work around problems with onboard devices would not have any conflict of interest with Manjaro partners, but they generally work no problem

linux-hardware.org - Audio devices