Hello all,
I’m in the market for buying a new laptop to install Linux on. I’m trying to stay with something relatively cheap (Around $300 and below). I’m getting ready to start a degree program in cyber security and did some research, and it seems Kali Linux would be the best distro for me to install.
I would install it on my current computer, but I only have a 2015 MacBook Pro, and I’ve read that a few people run into some issues installing on a Mac compared to a regular PC.
With the above in mind, do I need to increase my budget or does Linux run fine on low-end laptops?
Thanks!
whatever you get, don’t sleep on the ethernet port, very few cheap laptops come with it nowadays, and that ill greatly reduce your selection
Personally. I don’t need an Ethernet port. If I’m getting a cheap laptop I won’t be doing any gaming on it and don’t need low-latency or maximum bandwith internet. Just use WIFI
his interest toward cybersecurity means he probably is going to have to at least connect and reconnect to different networks, which will be a pain when not required to be wifi
Thanks for the information! I ended up going with a t480
Your best bet is probably to get a refurbished thinkpad. I’ve seen X1 Carbons (their ultra thin Macbook-like line of ultrabooks) for 250 bucks on backmarket. That’s the 2016 model (G5) and not in the best tier of refurbishment (So there might be some small scratches on the chassis) but the hardware should be more than enough for your usecase. Linux generally speaking does very well on low end hardware and thinkpads are especially well supported.
One thing though: DON’T INSTALL KALI ON YOUR DEVICE, IT’S NOT DESIGNED FOR THAT. Or rather it wasn’t. Originally Kali was meant to be run of a thumb drive only. By now enough people have attempted to install it that the devs have given up and provide a bare metal edition. That is just Debian with some stuff preinstalled though. There is very little secret source (like the “undercover mode”). You should go with debian and try to build your toolbox as you go. This way you will get a better insight into your Linux system because it forces you to set up everything yourself
Thinkpad for compatibility
Currently I think the most eco-friendly option is a Framework.
Another option would be to get a laptop which is verified to work with most or all of QubesOS security features.
I am running Fedora Asahi Linux on my M1 MBA and it performs fantastically.
I’d check local places like offerup. can get business laptops for cheap when places refresh. there are a few people around me selling 3-4 year old dells with i5/i7, nvme, etc. take a Linux USB and install it on site before you buy to test. they’re more than enough specwise for daily use or testing. often sub $300
Tuxedo is the linux brand of the german company “Schenker”.
Definitely the framework laptop, check it out, it’s completely modular, thin, light, performant, and insanely repairable, they even include qr codes on every part to help replace them and they will ship the device to you with no os for a discount and disassembled for a much bigger discount.
Cheap and well supported in Linux?
If you’re okay with the screen size and resolution… The Surface Laptop Go. (Not the Surface Go. The Surface Laptop Go.) It’s a 12.4" fixed keyboard laptop and not a tablet.
Everything works out of the box with Ubuntu 22.04 with the exception of the fingerprint reader. I never bothered setting it up.
Get the 16GB Ram model. First gen. SSD is replaceable. (2232 NVMe)
It’s usually available as an overstock closeout new or very cheap (relative to performance) used.
I took a chance on it after dealing with issues on a previously recommended good for linux machine (BMax Y11+) and have been thrilled. I prefer smaller, compact laptops and the Surface Laptop Go is a touch bigger than I like… But the keyboard, trackpad, cpu (the i5 is quadcore/8 threads) and ssd performance have all been excellent.
I don’t know how well supported the Laptop Go 2 is but the first gen model has been absolutely rock solid. It’s my most favorite laptop in a long time especially with how I was able to get xUbuntu running with zero config and effort.
Prices have gone up a bit since I got mine. Paid $419 for new in box. Deals pop up on eBay often. They range about $480 now for new. Used can be had for about $300.
Example of the correct item/model listing; https://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-Surface-Laptop-Go-12-4-Touchscreen-Laptop-i5-1035G1-16GB-RAM-256GB-SSD-/185809208184
Kali isn’t meant to be a desktop OS. Use it only in VM or in a spare rig. It is meant to be a toolbox. So dual boot it with your daily driver OS or use in a VM.
Your Mac can take Linux just well: https://djharper.dev/post/2020/06/07/running-linux-on-my-macbook/
For your 300 bucks budget look nothing else than Thinkpad T480 or HP Dev One. T480 will need replacement batteries if not replaced yet.
so tired of people recommending thinkpads when there are much better options. the fact the control and alt key were swapped for years is enough to never get ibm or Lenovo.
Just to reinforce what all the thread is saying: used Thinkpad in ebay. I would search for a x270/x280/t470/t480. This depends in screen size.
Why these models? They are the last ones that allow you ti upgrade your RAM, so when you have a bit more money you can upgrade. Also, these are old but not ancient, so they can still be relevant for some time.
On the other hand, if you have more budget, the best Linux laptops are the frame.work, but they’re expensive, although they’re reparable and upgradable, so I guess that depends on how you see it.
Finally, Kali is not a daily use distro. If you have time to waste (or invest) then you can go hardcore and straight to Arch Linux. If you want to have an easier journey you can start with PopOs!
Good luck on your journey!!
Interested in Linux? Getting a degree in Cyber Security?
A used ThinkPad. The older the better
