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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Buying a new computer to run Linux on - suggestions? (midwest.social)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hello. I have never used Linux before in my life, but this post isn't really about the software. I know there are many guides and threads out there explaining how to set up Linux for beginners.

My question is more about what computers you guys suggest for Linux. I don't have any old computers lying around at home, I only have a computer assigned by my school that I'll turn in next year. To my understanding, Linux should be able to work on almost all computers, so I haven't thought about a specific brand.

My top priorities are (in order):

good/great battery life
quiet
compact and lightweight

Preferably a 13" or 15" screen, though I prefer the former. Just a small machine with a great battery life that also doesn't make much noise when several apps are open at once. I have looked at Asus before, but I'm not sure what the general consensus is of this brand, so I was hoping to get some suggestions. I've also looked at Framework computers, but honestly it's a bit expensive for me. My budget is ~1000$ (10 000 SEK).

Might be unnecessary information, but: I will be using this computer mainly to write documents, make the occasional presentations, browse the web, and watch videos and movies. So no photo- or video editing nor gaming at all. Like everybody, I hope to buy a computer that will last many years and survive many student theses. Cheers and thanks!

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[–] [email protected] 51 points 3 months ago (6 children)

I will say that a second-hand ThinkPad is a great option. They can be real cheap, but you can also get a pretty decent new one for your budget.

You can likely find great T480-T495 that fits your needs really well.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I HIGHLY recommend against the T495. That thing has a great keyboard, fingerprint sensor, okay camera and mics, okay ports. But it is underpowered af, and Thinkpads always have the Thinkpad price.

It has a great chassis, but my coreboot Clevo NV41 has double the performance and kinda same battery life.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I disagree with it being underpowered for regular office use and media consumption. If you can get your hands on a 16 GB RAM one, it should be able to handle just about anything other than gaming.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

The RAM doesnt matter, it has 8GB builtin (or is there a 4GB model??) and one slot flexible.

Yes the CPU is okay for regular office stuff. But the AMD linux support was suboptimal, I had regular suspend-resume issues where the lockscreen would freeze and I needed to hard shutdown.

And... for some reason that thing doesnt even boot anymore. Removed the battery, using official charger. Doesnt boot into the BIOS anymore, no idea what I could do honestly.

Maybw the mobo is damaged...

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

I'm farting around on a T480 for school and light retro gaming. Works great! Super easy to upgrade too

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

Another vote for the T480. I have a T480s running Mint and it's been lovely. No driver issues and for office/light media creation/consumption it seems to work without a hitch.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Agreed, I love mine.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

A T460 is good as well.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

I would vote against getting something like a T490 as it has one memory slot soldered onto the motherboard and it has the same processor as the T480 anyways iirc.