[TynesideLUG] Things to ponder before buying a laptop to install Linux on.

[Findlay, Benjamin]

Ian,

That's a really helpful list, many thanks for sharing.

One other thing I also do/recommend in this situation is checking any intended-for-purchase model on the ArchWiki (https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Category:Laptops) to see what has been documented for it. I've found this to be an invaluable resource for getting Linux working properly on a wide variety of different makes/models, but especially Apple devices. Case in point, it recently helped me solve the sleep/resume issue on an old Macbook that I had switched over to Linux as Apple had force-obsoleted it, but was otherwise still more than fit for purpose.

Cheers,

Ben

-----Original Message-----
From: Tyneside <tyneside-bounces at mailman.lug.org.uk> On Behalf Of Ian Bruntlett
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2024 2:12 PM
To: Tyneside LUG <tyneside at mailman.lug.org.uk>
Subject: [TynesideLUG] Things to ponder before buying a laptop to install Linux on.

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Hi,

I posted this on a Linux Facebook conversation and thought it might be of interest to others...

Many laptops these days are compatible with Linux. However, here are some comments...
1) Before you buy it, Google the manufacturer's name and the model type.
2) Before you buy it, ask here about people's experiences with it.
3) Ask the vendor how compatible it is with Linux.
4) Find out how upgradable it is. For instance - is the RAM soldered onto the main circuit board? If so, this would prevent future RAM upgrades.
5) Does it have a hard drive or a solid state drive? What capacity?
6) Have a good think about how much data you want to store on your laptop's drive and make sure you get a laptop with more than enough space for you.
7) Do you want to run Windows as well as Linux? (I only know about running
Linux)
8. I use Ubuntu Linux on an old lenovo ThinkPad. Prior to that I have used Linux on old Samsung and Dell laptops OK.

HTH,


Ian

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