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13" or smaller Linux laptop - best replacement for aging chromebook? (lemm.ee)
submitted 7 months ago by Nimrod@lemm.ee to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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I want to get my partner a replacement for an aging chromebook. I was thinking it would be easiest to just grab another super budget chromebook and call it a day. But the more I read about google and chrome, the less I want to do with them.

So my goal is to snag a cheap ($300ish?) laptop that I can slap Linux on (probably mint, but I’m open to suggestions).

The main caveat is the size- needs to be small. Current chromebook is 11.5” I think. I’d like to keep it under 13”. The main use (95% will be web browsing/streaming/email/bullshit) but I’d like it to have enough juice to play Minecraft on my local server.

I’ve looked around a bit, but my god there is a lot of options. I’d love it if there was just a recommendation that was proven to work. I’m busy enough tinkering with all the other tech, and I’d like to just set this one up and forget it.

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[-] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 9 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Here's a short list devices things I can think of:

  • a old Linux compatible Chromebook. You would need to wipe the firmware and install seabios and Linux
  • A Pinebook Pro. This device is very underpowered and would be slow. It is also arm so you can't install just any Distro.
  • a old surface device with Linux support
  • a old labtop that used to run Windows

There used to be a $400 device from starlabs but I no longer see it. There cheapest device is $700.

Honestly your best bet is a Chromebook or a used labtop

[-] scottmeme@sh.itjust.works 4 points 7 months ago

If OP does go the surface route should also provide them with the resources for it. https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface

[-] Nimrod@lemm.ee 1 points 7 months ago

Are there certain requirements, or pitfalls to avoid when digging through old Chromebooks?

I think that’s the direction I’m leaning.

[-] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 2 points 7 months ago

Honestly just make sure you do your research. If you are unsure you could go buy a used Chromebook on eBay for about $50 bucks. Once you get that device working you can always upgrade.

Keep in mind each Chromebook model is different and not all are compatible. Again, do your research

this post was submitted on 28 Nov 2023
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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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