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submitted 3 months ago by mfat to c/linux@lemmy.ml

I'm looking for a portable, very compact linux laptop.

Screen size: 12 inch or smaller Weight: less than 1 kg (2.2 pounds) Full hd screen

I did some googling and i only found a CHUWI laptop that suffers from an overheating issue.

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[-] melroy@kbin.melroy.org 38 points 3 months ago

Just go with a Framework 13. Yes it's 13 inch instead of 12 inch. But you will get the best possible Linux laptop out there. And it's also fully repairable and upgradable. I have the latest Framework 13 AMD 7040, yes AMD. And... do not forget to select the new 2.8k display. Allowing for the first time to just select 200% DPI scaling that just works for Linux! So no scaling issues.! https://frame.work/nl/en/products/laptop-diy-13-gen-amd/configuration/new

And select "7640U - 2.8K Display".

[-] mfat 6 points 3 months ago

I need something super compact and below 1kg.

[-] melroy@kbin.melroy.org 13 points 3 months ago

Framework laptop 13 is just a bit above 1kg. It's 1.3kg... It is worth weighing this choice (you get the joke? hah, guhmm). If you really need something super compact and very light, maybe a old-school "netbook" will do.

Like the GPD WIN Mini (7 inch, that is super compact, right?).. But really get a Framework laptop hehe.

[-] mfat 3 points 3 months ago
[-] melroy@kbin.melroy.org 8 points 3 months ago

Yes I know about GPD 10 inch laptop. If you what "super compact", then go for 7 inch right :P

[-] toastal@lemmy.ml 5 points 3 months ago

One day they will wake up & provide an OLED option with 100% DCI-P3

[-] melroy@kbin.melroy.org 3 points 3 months ago

Keep dreaming :D

[-] eugenia@lemmy.ml 21 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Your best bet is an Intel Macbook Air with 11.6" screen from a few years ago. They're even lighter and smaller than the current macbook airs. I have one myself running Linux Mint 22. Just make sure it has 8 GB of RAM (it works with 4 GB too, but you can't have too many tabs open). They sell for $200 refurbished.

[-] mfat 3 points 3 months ago

Thanks. Which model/year do you have?

[-] eugenia@lemmy.ml 7 points 3 months ago

I have the mid-2011 model, but that one has only 4 GB RAM. For 8 GB RAM you need to get to 2014 model or so. As long as it's Macbook Air with 8 GB RAM and 11.6 screen, you're in business.

[-] noughtnaut@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

Hey, that sounds very interesting. It's there anything not working as it should work that hw/sw combo?

[-] eugenia@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 months ago

It usually all works except the wifi in some models. The driver exists, and it's an available download in the official repos (just not in live cds, due to licensing), as long as you have a usb-to-ethernet adapter to install it. However, with Mint 22 I noticed that the wifi driver was finally included in the kernel and livecd by default.

[-] themachine@lemmy.world 19 points 3 months ago

You're probably better off looking for hardware to meet your spec requirements and then looking into its Linux support.

[-] Bluefruit@lemmy.world 7 points 3 months ago

Older thinkpads would come to mind, usually a good option. Generally affordable, repairable, and can be good for Linux.

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[-] wildbus8979@sh.itjust.works 10 points 3 months ago
[-] mfat 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

The 10 inch one looks interesting. Thanks! Are these compatible with Linux?

[-] wildbus8979@sh.itjust.works 6 points 3 months ago

Considering you can buy it with SteamOS preinstalled, I'd say probably so yeah.

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[-] SeikoAlpinist@slrpnk.net 8 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

X1 Nano:

  • narrower than the old 11.6 laptops and slightly taller.
  • Higher than 1080 screen due to the taller ratio.
  • IPS display
  • 0.97kg without charger.
  • Thinkpad keyboard and track point.
  • strong Linux support

Here is the PSREF for the first generation. They are up to Gen 3 of this line now.

[-] anon5621@lemmy.ml 7 points 3 months ago

Old used surface pro 3 works great with linux ,hardware still fine and screen is awesome.i own one and run pop os on wayland.

Resolution of screen 2160x1440 12' Intel Core i5-4300U

[-] mfat 5 points 3 months ago

I want a proper laptop with keyboard.

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[-] delirious_owl@discuss.online 7 points 3 months ago
[-] f__@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

They were nice little machines, but I don't miss the keyboard.

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[-] thegreekgeek@midwest.social 2 points 3 months ago

I just put DSL2024 on mine a few months ago, it works okay lol. Can't do much more than use the terminal or edit text but it's pretty fun to use the old hardware again. My only complaint is the zero key sticks.

[-] Landless2029@lemmy.world 6 points 3 months ago

Thinkpad X280?

LENOVO ThinkPad X280 12.5 LCD Ultrabook - Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) i5-8250U Quad-core (4 Core) 1.60 GHz - 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM - 256 GB SSD - Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (English) - (Renewed) Title https://a.co/d/4ylP22d

[-] mfat 5 points 3 months ago

Yeah I just saw some people on Reddit recommended this one. Checks all the boxes except for weight, but a very good option anyway. Thanks.

[-] radau@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 3 months ago

Fwiw I used to daily an x210 and then an x230 in IT and pretty frequently typed with one hand while carrying with another without the weight bugging me but your mileage may vary.

You can definitely send them flying and not damage them my coworker launched theirs across the office and the bezel just snapped back together.

I have a T480 now since I do more dev work and needed a slightly bigger keyboard/screen and it's phenomenal with Qubes and 48gb of memory on the quad core i5. Love the ease to repair I just swapped a motherboard on it in around 30 minutes and was back up and running

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[-] cmgvd3lw@discuss.tchncs.de 5 points 3 months ago

If you can stretch to a 13 incher (no pun intended), LG gram might be your best bet. Around 965 gram weight, reasonably priced, can run Linux without any problem.

[-] melroy@kbin.melroy.org 7 points 3 months ago

I still believe Framework laptop 13 is the best choice when going with 13 inch.

Framework is amazing (I have a 7840u 13in) but they're expensive. 100% worth it to me as an enthusiast and IT professional but possibly not for someone less interested in the tech itself.

[-] melroy@kbin.melroy.org 3 points 3 months ago

Agreed. It's 100% worth to me as well as software engineer. But maybe not for everybody. Then again, it's the best 13 inch laptop out there for running Linux. Especially considering the 2.8k display variant with 2x scaling works great under any distro.

[-] fmstrat@lemmy.nowsci.com 4 points 3 months ago

I use a Samsung Tab 9. Then supplement with a server running VSCode-server and other things. I would prefer Linux, and sometimes use TermuxX11, but it was the best I could come up with.

[-] mfat 2 points 3 months ago

So you do all your coding on your tablet?

[-] fmstrat@lemmy.nowsci.com 3 points 3 months ago

Usually on my desktop connected to vscode-server, but when I'm remote, yes.

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[-] Deckweiss@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Minisforum V3 is 12” and less than 1kg.

But it is not quite a laptop, expensive and very powerful - not sure if that suits you.

Linux wise, most of the stuff works (sleep, power profiles, volume buttons, fingerprint reader, face recognition, pen, touchscreen). Things that don't work are automatic rotate/accelerometer.

I'm super happy with it, running arch, doing development and using VMs.

[-] mfat 3 points 3 months ago

Thanks. I've tried tablets and still prefer laptop form factor.

[-] bloodfart@lemmy.ml 3 points 3 months ago

Do your research, but if you can tolerate 13” diagonal screen, the retina intel macbook airs are cheap.

Do you have needs other than Linux compatibility, size and weight and screen resolution?

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[-] thegreekgeek@midwest.social 2 points 3 months ago

I've heard good things about the MNT pocket reform.

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this post was submitted on 11 Sep 2024
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