Dell extends its love for Linux to the Dell XPS 13 Plus. The developer edition of the laptop is Ubuntu 22.04 LTS-certified, Canonical announced today. That means the laptop will go on sale in August with the latest version of Ubuntu, and XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition owners can download Ubuntu 22.04 LTS today for guaranteed performance (even if they bought it with Windows 11).
The XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition is the first 22.04 LTS-certified laptop, which only includes some Raspberry Pi devices in the certification. However, Dell has been certifying some of its XPS laptops, as well as other machines, for Ubuntu for generations. HP and Lenovo also have Ubuntu-certified systems.
Of course, Ubuntu certification means all components will “work as expected,” according to Canonical’s announcement today. Further, Ubuntu LTS certification means that the device will be supported for at least 10 years. Ubuntu’s release cycle page states that LTS (Long Term Support) releases include 10 years of “base package” maintenance and security updates.
“Certified devices also include specific software or drivers that differ from the default distribution as needed. These are defined in meta-packages that automatically [install] the optimal configuration of packages, drivers, and kernels to provide the best experience on that device,” Canonical’s announcement said.
“These changes make the factory images used by partners like Dell but also upstream into the main Ubuntu distribution, so that certified devices receive the correct meta-packages, even if users install Ubuntu themselves.”
Ubuntu 22.04, announced in April, brings a new version of the Gnome 42 Linux desktop environment that “enhances desktop performance with triple-buffering, greater control over power management settings,” Canonical said. Other changes include a new workspace layout and more customization options like touchpad gestures and a cross-desktop dark style.
Since 2013, Dell’s Developer Edition laptops have been made for coders, and the XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition represents the 10th generation.
Dell’s XPS 13 Plus generally includes a visually redesigned machine, including a MacBook-like capacitive touch strip that replaces the function row and other tricks to enable the use of a 28 W, rather than 15 W, CPU. The XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition laptop goes up to an Intel Core i7-1280P with six performance cores (1.8-4.8 GHz), eight efficiency cores (1.3-3.6 GHz) and 20 threads.