Gear review: System76 Pangolin 12

After more than a year with the System76 Pangolin 12, I can confidently say it's a solid choice for those seeking a lightweight Linux laptop. It strikes a commendable balance between portability, performance, battery life, and exemplary Linux support.

The Bad

Let's address the drawbacks first. While the list is short and the positives outweigh the negatives, these are worth noting:

• Loose Screws: Over time, I've noticed some exterior screws loosening. Applying a bit of blue Loctite has effectively prevented this issue.
• Single-Cable Docking Limitations: A significant disappointment has been the USB-C port's inability to handle data, power, and video simultaneously. Despite attempts with various docks and monitors, I've yet to find a setup that works seamlessly. System76 offers a compatible monitor, but I had hoped for more universal compatibility.
• Hardware Encoder Support: The absence of hardware encoder support for video editing means intensive tasks are relegated to my desktop. While I seldom edit videos on the go, this could be a limitation for those who do.
• Durability Concerns: Although not marketed as a rugged device, the Pangolin 12 has endured my daily use admirably. However, its screen isn't optimized for daylight visibility, and it lacks water resistance. Transitioning from a fully rugged laptop, I do miss these features.
• Touchpad Sensitivity: The generously sized touchpad occasionally leads to accidental middle-clicks, resulting in unintended closures.

The Good

Now, onto the highlights:

• Lightweight Design: Gone are the days of feeling burdened during commutes. The Pangolin 12's lightweight build is a welcome change from heftier, rugged laptops.
• Seamless Linux Integration: System76 ensures that Linux runs flawlessly out of the box. Long gone are the days of wrestling with Wi-Fi drivers and hardware compatibility issues.
• Comprehensive Port Selection: Equipped with SD, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone jack, I've never found myself lacking necessary connections. The hardware disconnect switch for the webcam adds an extra layer of privacy.
• Battery Life: While I haven't conducted formal tests, the battery performance meets my daily needs, lasting significantly longer than my previous rugged laptop.

Gaming on the Pangolin 12

For casual gaming while traveling, the Pangolin 12 delivers excellent performance. Thanks to Steam and Proton, most of the games I play run great on Linux. Titles like War Thunder, Cities: Skylines, Factorio, Stellaris, and more perform smoothly on this laptop. While it may not replace a dedicated gaming rig, it's more than capable of handling a variety of games on the go.

Technical Specifications of the System76 Pangolin 12

The System76 Pangolin 12 is a Linux-optimized laptop designed to balance performance and portability. Below is a summary of its technical specifications:

• Processor (CPU): Supports AMD Ryzen (Rembrandt) Mobile CPUs, specifically the Ryzen 7 6800U.
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Integrated AMD Radeon 680M.
• Display:
  • Internal: 15.6-inch LCD with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 144Hz. The panel used is the Innolux N156HRA-EA1 or an equivalent model.
  • External Video Output:
    • One HDMI 2.0 port.
    • One DisplayPort 1.4 over USB-C.
• Firmware:
  • BIOS: Equipped with a Winbond W25R256JW flash chip in a WSON-8 form factor, programmed with System76 firmware (proprietary).
  • Embedded Controller (EC): Utilizes the ITE IT5571, also programmed with proprietary firmware.
• Memory (RAM): Supports DDR4 SO-DIMM modules running at 3200MHz, with a maximum capacity of up to 64GB (2x32GB).
• Storage: Accommodates M.2 NVMe SSDs for fast storage solutions.
• Networking:
  • Wireless: Supports M.2 PCIe/CNVi Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules, specifically the Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210/AX211, which includes Bluetooth 5.3 support.
  • Wired: Includes an Ethernet port for wired network connections.
• Ports and Connectivity:
  • SD card reader.
  • USB Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 support.
  • Multiple USB Type-A ports.
  • HDMI 2.0 port.
  • Ethernet port.
  • 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Hardware disconnect switch for the webcam, enhancing privacy.
• Power: Operates with a 19V, 3.42A (65W) DC-in port.
• Materials:
  • LCD Back Cover (Lid): Aluminum.
  • LCD Front Cover (Bezel): Plastic.
  • Top Case (Palm Rests/Port Covers): Plastic.
  • Bottom Panel: Aluminum.

For more detailed information and updates, please refer to the official System76 technical documentation. System76 Pangolin 12 Technical Docs.

Conclusion

The System76 Pangolin 12 stands out as a reliable, Linux-friendly laptop that adeptly balances portability and performance. Despite minor shortcomings, its strengths make it a commendable choice for Linux enthusiasts seeking a dependable, lightweight machine.