ZDNET’s comprehensive insights leave little doubt about the capability of this machine. The Kubuntu Focus NX Gen3, now available for purchase starting at approximately $1,230, represents a notable achievement in compact computing. This exceptionally capable PC operates seamlessly, effortlessly executing even resource‑intensive tasks such as running the gpt‑oss:20b large language model without exhibiting the slightest technical hesitation. Engineered with Kubuntu—a distinguished Linux distribution built upon Ubuntu and powered by the KDE Plasma desktop—it easily surpasses the performance level of most currently owned consumer PCs.
For readers who follow ZDNET closely, the publication encourages you to add it as a preferred news source via Google so that future technology reviews and analyses remain readily accessible. Any opportunity to evaluate a Linux‑based system is, for the reviewer, a genuine pleasure. Beyond personal enthusiasm, each evaluation highlights the expanding availability of third‑party manufacturers delivering quality Linux hardware, thereby broadening consumer access to open‑source computing experiences.
To fully appreciate this system, it helps to understand Kubuntu itself—a refined variation of Ubuntu that integrates the visually elegant and highly customizable KDE Plasma user interface. Kubuntu Focus, the company behind this product, dedicates itself to producing laptops, desktops, and workstations built exclusively to showcase Kubuntu’s strengths. Their attention to detail ensures that Linux enthusiasts, developers, and creative professionals receive hardware meticulously fine‑tuned for efficiency and stability.
After unboxing the compact yet elegantly designed Kubuntu Focus NX Gen3, the setup process proves remarkably swift. Within moments of pressing the power button, Kubuntu boots smoothly, presenting the user with an onboarding wizard that simplifies configuration. In contrast to the often prolonged initialization sequence typical of Windows installations, the entire process takes under two minutes, underscoring both the speed and elegance of this operating system.
From a personal standpoint, reviewing Linux‑powered PCs consistently offers unique satisfaction. Familiarity with the platform instills confidence: the environment is predictable, user‑oriented, and, in most cases, an unequivocally positive experience. The NX Gen3 continues this trend flawlessly. The tested configuration includes an Intel Ultra 7 255H processor paired with integrated Arc T140 8 Xe graphics, complemented by 32 gigabytes of RAM and Mesa Intel drivers—all for around $1,230. For users requiring greater capacity, the system can be customized up to 96 gigabytes of RAM and a 4‑terabyte drive, raising the total cost to about $2,075. Numerous ventilation openings ensure that even under heavy workloads, the system remains cool and quiet.
In typical KDE Plasma fashion, the desktop experience is stunning, refined, and highly adaptable. The system defaults to a dark theme, which the reviewer customized with ease. Software updates require only a few minutes to complete, after which the real testing begins—pushing the hardware to its operational limits. Nowadays, performance testing often involves AI inference workloads, so the reviewer installed Ollama, fetched the llama3.2 model, and ran a standard query. Ordinarily, responses on test machines lag substantially, but the NX Gen3 responded astonishingly fast. The short delay was followed by a rapid and accurate answer—faster than any small‑form‑factor computer previously observed during similar evaluations.
To further challenge the system, the substantially larger gpt‑oss:12b model—approximately 65 gigabytes in size—was downloaded and executed. Although the initial download duration reflected its vast size, the performance once loaded exceeded expectations. The same “What is Linux?” query produced an even faster reply than before. Remarkably, while the large model utilized extensive CPU resources, the user could continue multitasking without any measurable slowdown or processing contention. The NX Gen3 handled these intensive tasks with complete composure.
Beyond synthetic AI loads, the reviewer engaged in ordinary computing tasks: installing and launching applications, navigating multiple windows, performing upgrades, and browsing the web. Throughout these everyday processes, performance remained flawless. The machine demonstrated operational stability comparable to the reviewer’s high‑end System76 Thelio desktop—long considered their benchmark for excellence in Linux computing.
While the NX Gen3 is not intended for extreme scientific computation or advanced data‑center analytics, it delivers extraordinary performance for virtually all conventional workloads encountered by general users and professionals alike. Smooth multitasking, instantaneous application response, and consistent system stability collectively define the user experience. Even with graphically rich KDE Plasma effects such as Wobbly Windows enabled, there was zero lag, no visual distortions, and impeccable pixel rendering.
In short, no matter which applications or processes were executed, the overall impression remained unambiguously positive. Compact yet incredibly potent, the Kubuntu Focus NX Gen3 embodies the precision and performance that Linux enthusiasts seek. Furthermore, its desktop interface—KDE Plasma—remains approachable even for newcomers to the open‑source ecosystem. Whether the user is venturing into Linux for the first time or returning as a long‑time admirer, this device can effortlessly handle nearly any workload placed before it.
The reviewer deliberately opted not to conduct formal benchmark testing. Although benchmark figures provide quantitative validation, they rarely reflect the qualitative experience of real users. Instead, the assessment prioritizes genuine usability—how the machine behaves for those who rely on it daily.
In terms of purchasing guidance, the recommendation is unequivocal: if you are in the market for a new computer and wish to transition into the Linux world, the Kubuntu Focus NX Gen3 represents both an ideal entry point and a long‑term computing solution. Compact yet powerful, whisper‑quiet, simple to configure, and delightful to operate, this system stands out as one of the most thoughtfully engineered Linux PCs available.
Users approaching the end of Windows 10’s lifecycle and seeking a superior, privacy‑respecting, performance‑driven option would find exceptional value in this machine. Visit the official Kubuntu Focus website to explore specifications and ordering information—you are unlikely to regret the decision.
For reference, the baseline configuration includes an Intel Ultra 5 225H CPU coupled with an Arch T130 Xe GPU, 16 GB of RAM, and 500 GB of PCIe 4 storage. Optional disk encryption enhances security, while a one‑year limited warranty ensures peace of mind. Free ground shipping within three to six business days further enhances the overall value proposition. In sum, the Kubuntu Focus NX Gen3 harmoniously blends power, design, and usability into a single compact Linux powerhouse.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/ready-to-ditch-your-windows-pc-i-found-a-powerful-mini-pc-thats-optimized-for-linux/
