In the market for a new PC to replace that Windows 10 computer but want to try a different OS? Linux-first PC and laptop manufacturer System76 has refreshed its mini PC it calls "Meerkat" with better CPU options, including a more affordable configuration.
System76 Meerkat Mini PC
This configurable mini PC starts at $599 and comes with either Pop!_OS or Ubuntu LTS Linux distributions preinstalled. Get up to 10TB of internal storage and 96GB of DDR5 5600Mhz RAM for maximum resources.
The other, more powerful CPU options have also been refreshed. You can go all the way up to an Intel Ultra 7 255H, which gets you better performance with the same efficiency the previous option of an Ultra 7 155H had. It has 16 threads and for graphics offers an Intel Arc 140T iGPU.
Going beyond the processor, your RAM options range from 16GB DDR5 all the way up to 96GB. You can also go up to 8TB of storage on the boot SSD, plus you get the option of an up-to-2TB M.2 expansion drive, bringing the total possible storage to 10TB. On the higher end of these specs you may forget how small the Meerkat is.
When you choose your base storage, System76 lets you select either PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 versions of some capacities. However, they note that PCIe 5.0 drives are compatible only with Ultra 5 and 7 configurations. So, if you want to live on the cutting edge of computer storage with the Meerkat. you're going to have to choose one of the pricier configurations.
Port-wise on the front of the Meerkat you get a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, plus two USB-A ports that are 3.2 Gen2. On the back, you'll find two HDMI 2.1 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and another 3.2 Gen2 USB-A,1 along with a 2.0 USB-A port for basic peripherals and the like. Complementing its Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, there's also a 2.5Gbps LAN port, and, interestingly, System76 will install a second one for an additional $49 bucks.
System76 has been busy with multiple hardware refreshes this year, including its new version of the Serval WS workstation laptop. There's also been further development of its "COSMIC" desktop environment it's been building from the ground up to replace GNOME in Pop!_OS. Last we checked in on COSMIC, it was at alpha version 3, and System76 released alpha version 7 in April, inching ever-closer to a beta release.
One more thing: if you're reading this before July 8, 2025, System76 is offering free t-shirts with PC purchases. The shirt, which will normally cost you $30 bucks, features a phoenix-like bird design with System76's logo and the slogan "Liberate the computer." You just have to use the code "LIBERATE" at checkout.
Source: System76
