System 76 Pangolin Pro review: A 16-inch Linux powerhouse
The new laptop features an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor, a high-refresh-rate display, and improved battery life, positioning it as a top-tier option for large-screen Linux users.
System 76 has released the Pangolin Pro, a 16-inch laptop designed to serve as a high-performance machine for the Linux market. The device features an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor and runs on System 76’s proprietary Pop!_OS operating system. According to a review published by WIRED, the new model offers improved battery life and performance compared to its predecessor, making it a strong contender for users seeking a large-screen Linux computer.
The Pangolin Pro is equipped with a 16-inch 2K matte LTPS display, offering a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels and a 165-Hz refresh rate. This represents a significant upgrade from the previous model, which featured a 1080p screen. The laptop’s chassis measures 14 inches by just under 10 inches and weighs 3.6 pounds, providing a balance between portability and screen real estate.
Connectivity is a key feature of the device, which includes two USB-C ports, three USB-A ports, a microSD card reader, an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, and an OCuLink port for docking or external graphics. Memory configurations start at 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and can be expanded up to 96 GB, while storage options allow for a total of 16 TB across two SSD slots.
In terms of power efficiency, the Pangolin Pro packs an 80-watt battery, an increase from the 65-watt battery in the older Pangolin. Reviewers noted that the device can handle a full day of work, although actual battery life depends on usage. The laptop also features a large keyboard with a number pad and a spacious glass trackpad, though some users may find the trackpad buttons prone to accidental clicks.
The device is built on a white-label chassis with components selected by System 76 and custom firmware. It is designed for easy maintenance, with nine screws on the bottom of the chassis providing access to the SSD slots, RAM, and WiFi card. While the laptop does not use open firmware due to Coreboot’s current lack of support for AMD Ryzen chips, it offers a stable and user-friendly experience through Pop!_OS.
The Pangolin Pro is positioned as a powerful option for users engaged in intensive tasks such as building local AI models, training custom agents, or compiling software. While it may be overkill for general use, it offers good value for those requiring a portable, large-screen Linux machine with extensive port options and reliable performance.
