For Linux I´d either go with ThinkPad or maybe, I am not sure yet, something like Tuxedo Computers or a similar Linux laptop retailer, there is at least an international one as well. I am not yet sure whether how they are with a built quality that matches my expectations, especially regarding the keyboard. But the model policy and expandability of ThinkPads kinda sucks.
So far I never worked on any laptop with a better keyboard than a ThinkPad tough. I even have an external ThinkPad USB compact keyboard meanwhile, although its a bit stiffer than the internal one from my ThinkPad T520. With Intel Sandybridge graphics it is still fast enough *for me* to play PlaneShift with above medium, but not highest quality graphics setting in Full HD resolution (1920x1080). Note its between 15 to 50 fps, so if you are into PvP… this won´t cut your needs. I didn´t test Crystal Hunt yet, but I am pretty sure that anything recent like Skylake or even Kabylake will be able to just play PlaneShift easily, even on Unreal. Its about 3-4 generations or more after Sandybridge and for some generational switches they managed to double the speed in most areas. Actually even a *used* ThinkPad like T540 and above, i.e. Haswell, may be good enough.
*However* regarding freedom from Intel Advanced Management Technology (AMT) remote access crap… I am still also looking for AMD based laptops. With a nice APU they may provide better GFX performance than integrated Intel graphics. Yet if you want a laptop that has a slim and elegant thing instead of a heavy brick as a power supply and a long battery life, I strongly advise against any laptop with external GPU. On Linux I advice against NVidia anyway. Just search "NVidia fuck you" on youtube or probably other video sites for a nice summary from Linus for the reason for that recommendation.
