Clevo is a huge Chinese OEM computer manufacturer which exclusively produces cheap, low-quality laptop computers.

System76 selects Clevo configurations that are more-or-less compatible with Linux, puts a brand on them and sells them at a somewhat-inflated price.

Not really that inflated. I built a Clevo laptop about 4 years ago, and compared it to an identical System76 build, it was only $70 difference.

That thing was pretty poor quality though. Died fall of 15, replaced it with an XPS 13 which is still going strong.

I got a Clevo laptop a few years back from another company that works similarly. The spec was pretty good for the price, but I'll second the crappy build quality - they're very plasticy, and the heatsinks kept clogging up with dust destroying any cooling.

I'm surprised to see all the negative comments about the build quality and support. I got a Gazelle laptop over a year ago and I've been happy with it so far. For the price, the hardware was a bit better than Dell and others.

My computer shipped with a screw loose inside the case which shorted the motherboard a few times. It didn't cause any permanent damage but it was a little disappointing. I chalked it up to a freak shipping accident knocking something loose but idk. The case design and actual computer specs have been great though.

I'd still recommend their laptops if you need a good computer on a budget :)

"I'm surprised to see all the negative comments about the build quality and support." and "My computer shipped with a screw loose inside the case which shorted the motherboard a few times."

And you're still surprised? :D

Same type of experience. I had a Lemur 14" and a Sable Complete. The Lemur just stopped posting one day after less than two years of use. The Sable's screen turned off randomly and smoke came out of the USB ports.

After opening it I saw that various components had melted. That too, was less than two year. They were both babied and well cared for.

Same with my Gazelle which I purchased seven months ago. I definitely would not get another. The build quality of the case is horrible. The keyboard is horrible. The touchpad is horrible. The display is ok and that's about the best thing that can be said for the machine.

Similar experience. My electronics generally get passed on in similar condition to when I bought them. The System76 Galago, I had was completely broken when I finally replaced it. Battery would not accept a charge, had to replace the keyboard, the replacement board was horrible, the door on the cat5 jack broke off, screen had weird discoloration on the edges, finish wore off various places, etc. Our company bought a few and no one is considering purchasing again.

The only advantage it has over the deluge of low end laptop, is that it will with some version of Ubuntu. If you generally don't find installing Linux difficult, then it's not really any advantage.

I'm reasonably happy with Lenovo t560 I replaced it with.

I had the same issue with the Galago keyboard. They sent me a replacement board which was far, far worse than the original--it flexed dramatically with every key press. Replaced mine with a 2013 Macbook Pro, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.