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!

  • roadkill@lemmy.mlEnglish
    11·
    1 year ago

    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