Does Dell still sell the XPS and Precision range with Ubuntu installed ?

Just curious, but why not just install it yourself, or are you looking for linux support from them or something like that?

Dell XPS 13. US store here, story here. The Dell NZ XPS store doesn't even list Linux as an available OS - story here.

Might be best just to install Linux on your favorite hardware, but the Dell is probably reasonable compatible given they do it in the US. 

sidefx:

 

Just curious, but why not just install it yourself, or are you looking for linux support from them or something like that?

 

Linux support on some ultra-portables is terrible. If it comes pre-installed then you're guaranteed proper Linux support.

I really like the look of this laptop: https://www.crowdsupply.com/purism/librem-15

We use T Series Lenovo or X1 Carbon models with generic Intel HW for good Linux support.

Avoiding NVidia integrated mobile graphics is always a good start, especially these hybrid graphics modes as they appear to cause constant pain for laptop users. Also be careful with Wifi chipsets, you can have both excellent and poor experiences with Broadcom chips.

You'll find at a lot of Linux/OpenSource conferences that Lenovo is one of the most widely used units, but Dell and HP are often well represented as well.

michaelmurfy: Linux support on some ultra-portables is terrible. If it comes pre-installed then you're guaranteed proper Linux support.

^^ This. I bought a cheap HP Atom/convertible thinking it would be the perfect platform to learn more about Linux without scr3wing around with my main notebook. Turns out that Debian/Ubuntu support for UEFI rather than BIOS was patchy at best and my "learning experience" pretty much ended with failing to install the OS in the first place. This was a year or so ago though so things may have changed.

openmedia:

 

We use T Series Lenovo or X1 Carbon models with generic Intel HW for good Linux support.

 

Avoiding NVidia integrated mobile graphics is always a good start, especially these hybrid graphics modes as they appear to cause constant pain for laptop users. Also be careful with Wifi chipsets, you can have both excellent and poor experiences with Broadcom chips.

 

You'll find at a lot of Linux/OpenSource conferences that Lenovo is one of the most widely used units, but Dell and HP are often well represented as well.

Agreed. Never had any issues with Lenovo. Had tonnes of issues with my Ultrabook which has dual graphics (Intel / Nvidia) + Bumblebee.

sidefx:

 

Just curious, but why not just install it yourself, or are you looking for linux support from them or something like that?

 

Well... I still like it to be elegant looking - who said Linux laptop can't be slick? Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition is what I was looking at but unfortunately, it doesn't get sold in NZ... I did look at Librem-15 and it is a nice looking device...

So really at this stage, it's a survey of what options available. If the price of a Linux ultrabook coming close to a (new Oct 2016) MacBook Pro when it is out, I may opt for the MBP instead.

Cheers for the input though.

What if we do not limit ourselves with ultrabooks? Are there more options for any laptop ultrabook or nor?

The System 76 machines have been around and they do ship to NZ.

https://system76.com/