Hey everyone, I've recently been diving into the Linux world and I'm really excited about it! I've been using my Windows 10 PC for the past 9 years, but I've actually missed the vibe of Windows 7. Since I play a lot of games like League of Legends that don't have great Linux support, I'm not ready to install Linux on my main PC just yet. I'm looking for a budget-friendly hardware option to experiment with Linux, maybe try out a few distributions and do some light video editing or programming. I'm considering a Raspberry Pi 5, but I'm hoping for something a bit more powerful. I heard the Thinkpad T480 is decent, but is it really worth over 200€ for a laptop from 2018 in just okay condition? Shouldn't there be better alternatives now? I'm also open to mini PCs, but I haven't explored that area much. My budget is around 200-400€. Any suggestions?
5 Answers
You don't need a powerful machine to run Linux. I've been testing various distributions on a Beelink Mini S 12 Pro, and the whole setup was under $250. Just be cautious about WiFi compatibility because many mini PCs don’t use Intel WiFi, which is important for Linux.
You can find some solid deals on pre-owned laptops, especially Thinkpads or old Sony Vaios. Also consider newer Linux-focused brands like Tuxedo or Starlabs if you're looking to buy new!
If you're looking to try out different distributions, I'd recommend setting them up on virtual machines. It’s much easier and faster than using real hardware! You can also dual-boot your system if you're feeling adventurous. Just a heads up—some folks say VMs and dual-booting can skim on certain features, but it’s a great way to test the waters before making a full switch!
I've heard the same thing about VMs and dual-booting. Not sure if it's just gatekeeping or if there's some truth to it!
You might want to check out some models like the Thinkpad T495 or T14 Gen 1-3. Corporate laptops are usually built with Linux compatibility in mind, and they often come with decent specs. The EliteBook 845 G8 is another option, but it can be quite pricier where I live!
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll definitely look into the T495. But yeah, the Elitebook is a bit out of my budget right now.
Definitely check out Beelink SER mini PCs; they have some excellent options within your budget! They’re compact and perform well for light tasks, plus you’d get that Linux experience without breaking the bank.
Thanks for the detailed response! I’m a bit of a novice with PCs, but I’m eager to learn. I’ll definitely check out the rig you mentioned!