Kubuntu Focus has officially launched the Zr GEN 1, an 18-inch powerhouse designed for Linux users who demand top-tier performance. Replacing the previous 17.3-inch M2 GEN 5 model, this new workstation brings upgraded components, increased storage capacity, and a brighter display, now available for shipping across the US and Canada.
Running Kubuntu 24.04 LTS, the Zr GEN 1 is tailored for developers, machine learning researchers, content creators, and other performance-hungry professionals. Buyers can choose between Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 graphics cards — both boasting roughly 20% faster performance than the last generation. The RTX 5080 packs 16GB of video memory, while the RTX 5090 takes it further with 24GB.
Under the hood, the laptop features Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX processor with 24 cores, offering up to 15% faster speeds and 40% better power efficiency compared to its predecessor. Cooling has been fine-tuned to reduce fan noise even during intense workloads.
The 18.0-inch WQXGA LCD delivers a resolution of 2560×1600, a 16:10 aspect ratio, G-Sync support, and an impressive 525 nits brightness. The taller display improves usability for both creative and technical tasks.
Storage performance is a highlight, with a PCIe 5.0 NVMe slot capable of speeds up to 14,800MB/s, alongside three PCIe 4.0 slots offering 7,450MB/s each. Users can configure up to 16TB of storage and 192GB of dual-channel RAM, though the base model ships with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Connectivity options include dual USB-C 3.2 ports with Thunderbolt 5, HDMI 2.1b, dual USB-A 3.2 ports, dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a microSD card reader, and more. Power comes from a 330W adapter, and security features include a pre-configured Yubikey option and free full-disk encryption.
Kubuntu Focus emphasizes Linux-first engineering, working directly with KDE, Kubuntu, and Ubuntu to propose upstream changes rather than modifying the OS. This ensures greater compatibility, better long-term support, and enhanced reliability. The Zr GEN 1 comes with at least three years of support after the final sale.
Launched in 2019, Kubuntu Focus aims to provide a high-performance Linux-based alternative to proprietary systems, combining the privacy and flexibility of Linux with the hardware performance professionals expect.
The Kubuntu Focus Zr GEN 1 is available now starting at $4,095.
