No access to Windows 10? No problem! Huawei starts using Deepin Linux for its MateBook laptops in China, and they're cheaper, too.
I’ve been working at PCMag since November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.
Huawei created its own operating system called HarmonyOS to potentially replace Android on smarpthones, but for laptops, the Chinese company is opting for Linux.
As TechRepublic reports(Opens in a new window), Huawei continues to face trade restrictions with the US, meaning it needs to rethink the software shipping on its devices. For phones, that means HarmonyOS instead of Android if necessary. Now that same thinking is being applied to laptops because Windows 10 is developed by Microsoft, a US company.
Huawei’s Windows-alternative is a rather obvious one and it looks to be already using it. Three listings have appeared in China for the MateBook 13(Opens in a new window), MateBook 14(Opens in a new window), and MateBook X Pro(Opens in a new window), all of which run Deepin Linux. And as there’s no Windows license to pay, the laptops are priced between $42-$84 cheaper depending on which model is chosen.
Deepin was formerly called Linux Deepin and Hiweed Linux. It’s based on Debian, uses its own desktop environment called Deepin DE, and is developed by Chinese company Wuhan Deeping Technology Co.
According to The Linux Foundation, the open source operating system is a “must try(Opens in a new window)” thanks to how efficient, user friendly, and beautiful the desktop environment looks. As it runs on top of Debian it’s also going to be highly reliable.
For now, Huawei laptops running Linux look to be restricted to China. However, the fact that they exist at all is a positive for Linux users. Huawei will have had to ensure Linux drivers existed for the hardware used in its laptops, which will benefit the wider community. There’s also a chance these Windows-free laptops could launch outside of China, although the chosen Linux distribution would likely change to a more well-known name such as Ubuntu.
Dell XPS 15 (7590, OLED) Review
Sign up for What’s New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Advertisement
I’ve been working at PCMag since November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.
I hold two degrees: a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.
Read Matthew’s full bio
Advertisement
PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
© 1996-2022 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. All Rights Reserved.
PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.