Best Laptop for Linux?

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!

circuitfarmer,
@circuitfarmer@lemmy.sdf.org avatar

I’ve always stuck to Thinkpads for Linux – especially the T series is incredibly solid. That said, you really shouldn’t have an issue with a 2015 MacBook.

Marvin42,

If you’re trying to optimize your cost, you might get away for free by installing a virtual machine on your existing MacBook :)

Communist,
@Communist@lemmy.ml avatar

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.

Titou,
@Titou@feddit.de avatar

Thinkpad for compatibility

alpine,

I am running Fedora Asahi Linux on my M1 MBA and it performs fantastically.

Aninjanameddaryll,
@Aninjanameddaryll@outpost.zeuslink.net avatar

My t480 came in right at that price, and is doing very well for word processing and media consumption.

But Linux is almost always going to do well on low end stuff compared to Windows.

KuroJ,

I ended up going with the t480 and I recently installed Pop! OS on it!

Aninjanameddaryll,
@Aninjanameddaryll@outpost.zeuslink.net avatar

Sweet :)

Tealk,
@Tealk@lemmy.rollenspiel.monster avatar

I think my next one will be a frame.workThere is also an overview of supported systems: frame.work/en/en/linux

backhdlp,
@backhdlp@lemmy.blahaj.zone avatar

does Linux run fine on low-end laptops?

Linux runs fine on a potato lol

guacho,

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!!

gideonstar,
@gideonstar@feddit.de avatar

Tuxedo is the linux brand of the german company "Schenker".

Vittelius,

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

KuroJ,

Thanks for the advice! First time hearing of Debian, I’ll check it out!

BigTrout75,

I have a cheap Acer laptop with AMD and it works great. I’m dual booting with Windows. I do remember having to struggle with the install though. I had to turn off secure boot and can’t remember what else. Good luck.

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