The Best Computing Set-Up Without Using Apple, Google and Windows

Is there a good working computing environment that doesn’t make use of the Apple ecosystem, Windows or Google?

There are good option available, but the key is knowing what you’re trading. For example, if you are an Apple user but you primarily use web-based tools, open-source software, and don’t depend heavily on Apple’s ecosystem features, the transition can be smooth. But if you’re deeply integrated into Apple’s world—especially with multiple Apple devices, professional creative apps, or specific workflows that depend on Continuity features—you’ll notice what’s missing.

Best Alternative

We believe the best alternative comes from System76 — a U.S. computer maker and open-source tech company based in Colorado.

It’s one of the few PC makers in the world that designs its own hardware, firmware, and Linux operating system all together.

System76 made Pop!_OS. It’s an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. It’s designed for performance and hardware compatibility. System76 also uses open firmware (Coreboot) and open hardware designs for its products.

System76 is now creating COSMIC. It’s a Rust-based desktop environment that will replace GNOME. COSMIC focuses on a modular and open desktop experience. COSMIC works with Pop!_OS. This gives System76 full control, from BIOS to GUI.

Here are System76 computers with this technology pre-installed:

Lemur Pro – Laptop with up to 8TB storage and 56GB RAM. Featuring a 12-core Intel Core Ultra CPU. Around $1600.
Oryx Pro – High-end laptop with up to 8TB storage and 96GB DDR5 RAM. Featuring a 12-core, 24-thread AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and NVIDIA RTX 5070 graphics.
Merkat Desktop – Up to 16TB storage and 96GB RAM. Featuring up to a 16-core Intel processor.

Here’s a review of the Lemur Pro: