System76 is likely going to fab their own laptops (instead of using Clevo as an ODM) within the next 2-3 years (just a hunch I have based on how long it took for them to go from talking about fabricating desktops to doing it).
They've started asking people to share what they want here: https://github.com/system76/laptop-suggestions/issues
If you really want a great Linux-first laptop, copy/paste all of your complaints/desires for hardware from here into that repository.
Top of the list for me:
- High powered laptop (e.g. 47W TDP CPU) without a graphics card.
- Centered keyboard without a numpad.
- 14" 1080p option for high-end laptops.
Edit - Formatting + I used to work there, but this is NOT based on anything from when I did - just speculation. It was an AWESOME place to work as a Linux nerd though. :)