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Small Laptops and Linux Distros

BPRoberts · 11 · 1903
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us Offline BPRoberts

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Small Laptops and Linux Distros
on: October 05, 2025, 03:03:33 AM
My Thinkpad is on its last legs, and I'm hoping to replace it in the near future (before it dies totally and data recovery becomes a pain in the butt for anything that I missed backing up.)

After carting a 13" around for however long, I think I'd like to drop back down to an 11" or 12", but Chromebooks seem to be awlmost the only game in town for those these days. I'm leaning towards going back to Linux as well. I'm not looking for a gaming laptop or anything super high spec. Mostly just looking stuff up while I'm on the couch watching TV, doing some writing and web browsing when I'm on a trip, that sort of thing.

I guess my thoughts at this point are:

1. Are there any reliable/affordable low spec 11"-12" laptops around that aren't Chromebooks that'll play nice w/ Linux? I understand it's easier than it was back in undergrad the last time M$ annoyed me enough to jump ship, but not looking to do a ton of fighting w/ weird drivers, etc.

2. How feasible is it to just nuke a Chromebook and put Linux on there? Again, any particular models that would be recommended?

Any help from the brain trust would be much appreciated.
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us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #1 on: October 05, 2025, 07:52:32 AM
I have no experience with Linux on Chromebooks but, I've read that Gallium OS is one of the better Linux Distros for Chromebooks but I believe it hasn't been updated since 2022.

Xubuntu and Elementary OS are two others you could look into.
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no Online Vidar

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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #2 on: October 05, 2025, 08:12:19 AM
MS Surface Go series (tablet with keyboard) are reported to work with Ubuntu, and they are about 10-11" or so. The MS Surface Pro or HP Elite x2 series are likely somewhat bigger and more expensive but maybe worth looking at too?

As Android is  based on the linux kernel one might be forgiven for thinking there might be some good tablet/ keyboard alternative for linux setups in that world too. (Samsung etc).

If a small laptop is the thing then Ali and similar have a big selection of inexpensive and happy options in small screen sizes. Possibly with some cut corners in the processer, screen, memory and keyboard departments.


« Last Edit: October 05, 2025, 08:56:45 AM by Vidar »
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us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #3 on: October 05, 2025, 04:09:35 PM
Just getting something cheap on Ali or similar had crossed my mind. I'm a little wary on getting crap components and no support. Even if it's cheap, I'd rather not have to chuck it regularly and I suspect I'll find little support online if I run into an issue.

It does seem like a lot of the Linux for Chromebooks projects shut down around that time. Not sure if the community just decided it wasn't worth the effort, or if there was some kind of serious hardware change that made it impossible.

We had Surfaces at work at my last job. They were, without a doubt, the most absolute piece of smurf I have ever handled, to the point I'd rather roll the dice on an Ali netbook. Did they get better?

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Still not sure where I'm going, but I'll look into some of the ideas you threw out.
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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #4 on: October 05, 2025, 05:05:34 PM
Quote from: BPRoberts on October 05, 2025, 04:09:35 PM
We had Surfaces at work at my last job. They were, without a doubt, the most absolute piece of smurf I have ever handled, to the point I'd rather roll the dice on an Ali netbook. Did they get better?

There are likely some review around for some of those Ali ones. The last computer I had in that size was a Fujitsu (great little machine, still works 20 years later) so I have no clue about the MS Surface apart from that the hardware seemed nice enough. While I haven't had any HP Elite x2 machines either I have had a few HP Elitebooks. They have been quite reliable, so maybe the Elite x2 is similar.
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us Offline ThisAlarm7

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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #5 on: October 05, 2025, 07:43:51 PM
I have an old Lenovo IdeaPad 110S that's my primary web machine, a paltry 2GB RAM an 32GB SSD. Works so well using Fedora LXDE. You could probably find a similar used or refurb machine for <$100 that will happily be a brisk web machine.
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us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #6 on: October 06, 2025, 05:37:39 AM
One on my counterparts in Tennessee was trying to setup some Surface Pros on the domain and get all the software setup.  He had nothing but very colorful expletives to say about it.
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Merit Badges Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Victorinox Cadet and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days.  Carry tools with single functions only. No multi-tools, no multi-layer Swiss Army Knives, no combo one-piece tools and post a photo for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of a fixed blade for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of at least 12 SAKs of different frame lengths and/or shapes in your collection. Eg 58mm, 74mm, 84mm regular, 84mm slim, 85mm etc Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a keychain tool with pliers, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days Take part in the christmas pool or a rak type giveaway. Those wanting to say thank you for a rak may also nominate for the santa. Start a new thread and post a photo of a traditional folder for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one green edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a SAK, duct tape, and paperclip, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. ? Build your own version of an MRE using off-the-shelf components, post a photo of the completed MRE and store at room temperature for 6 days or more. Consume the MRE after the storage period and post pictures and descriptions of the contents. Participate in a challenge by carrying  a Combo Edged knife or Multitool and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Find him! Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Buck knife or tool, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge and post a photo of a Utility Knife for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo daily of any SAK 74mm or smaller ( you can switch it up daily ) for thirty (30) consecutive days.  Post a pic for Halloween of your pumpkin (or turnip or gourd or whatever you traditionally carve for Halloween!) being carved by any SAK, multitool, pocket or woods knife you may own!  Only available once a year Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Delemont SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Complete a 30 day challenge for carrying a different Multi tool each day of the week based on one of the daily carry threads Participate in a Challenge and post a photo of a Traditional Scout Knife (No SAK's Allowed) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of any gear for thirty (30) consecutive days during the MTo anniversary month.

us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #7 on: October 06, 2025, 04:44:19 PM
Chromebook-wise, I'm currently leaning towards the Acer 312, which is very similar to one I used in the past. Lots of companies doing deals to compete w/ Prime Day and go with the Windows 11 upgrade though, so I may wind up with a more conventional laptop if the price is right.
Merit Badges Participate in a challenge thread and post a photo of a Victorinox 91mm XAVT/XL/XLT, 111mm Workchamp XL, Wenger/Delemont S54/Tool Chest Plus or Wenger Giant for thirty (30) consecutive days Participate and contribute in Challenge thread and post a photo of either an Axe, MT/Folding knife or Fixed blade (picked at the beginning of challenge) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with a photo of custom or non standard SAK scales in your collection Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a SAK, duct tape, and paperclip, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Find him! Take part in the christmas pool or a rak type giveaway. Those wanting to say thank you for a rak may also nominate for the santa. Participate in a Challenge and post a photo of a Traditional Scout Knife (No SAK's Allowed) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Must post a step by step pictorial of a knife or multitool modification (scale swap not included) Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of  a Opinel  knife  for 30 days  Post a pic for Halloween of your pumpkin (or turnip or gourd or whatever you traditionally carve for Halloween!) being carved by any SAK, multitool, pocket or woods knife you may own!  Only available once a year Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a tool made in a specific country for thirty (30) consecutive days. Test,please ignore Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of  a Case knife  for 30 days Must start a thread with a photo of your birth year SAK Participate and post a pic of your vintage SAK (1986 or earlier) everyday for 30 days. Using EDC items randomly selected with a poker hand, post a photo of your EDC or a component of the EDC that got used during the course of the day for 4 weeks (or 30 consecutive days) Start a new thread and post a photo of an Executive or Director for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a picture of fire making kit or fire with a multitool Start a new thread with a photo showing the Hook in use Start a new thread and post a photo of a different SAK each day for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread or Post in a Challenge Thread and post a photo of a Spartan  for 30 days

pl Offline rodia77

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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #8 on: October 06, 2025, 06:39:11 PM
@OP: My info is surely outdated, but when I was getting a 'tablet replacement' (I really hated iPad) a good few years ago (2017-18), I settled for a cheapie ($200-300) Lenovo N22. Now something else seems to have that designation, but if I was to look for something again, I would first check out Lenovo again. I can see there is a Windows-based 100e available here and there. If memory serves, Chromebooks weren't very Linux-friendly when I was buying it (something with tight HW/SW integration?) -- now, I don't know.
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fr Offline Whoey

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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #9 on: October 07, 2025, 07:40:00 PM
If you're going linux I also concur on the refurbished comment. There's some good Thinkpads out there that with the ram topped up and a new SSD will keep going for ages, aim for one with a replaceable battery (most of our fleet is lenovo, and only the ones that are 5+ years have removable batteries)

We also have some Surfaces at work, imho they are expensive for no apparent reason. over priced and under powered.

I would lean towards a tablet for sofa surfing, it's working fine for me, maybe something with a bluetooth/detachable keyboard as an option, much like the surface or ipad options...
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us Offline cody6268

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Re: Small Laptops and Linux Distros
Reply #10 on: October 20, 2025, 02:52:31 AM
I'm running Mint on a 5290. 12" and a 2-in-1. Wanted something that would replace a tablet I got in a deal from T-Mobile (and rarely used--AND hated) and give me a small, easily carried laptop for intensive use.

I have the version with 16GB of RAM and an 8th gen i7. I think I paid $100 all-in (shipping and fees) from GovDeals.

I really don't use it as much as I planned--as I'm using a full-on desktop I replaced earlier this year down in the basement. That's getting Linux too in its planned list of upgrades.  I just don't know what I run on this PC that will run in Linux.
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