Best Linux Distros for an Old Tablet?

Absolutely! You can always boot from a live USB stick and test some distros. You’ll want something lightweight due to your hardware limitations. Consider options like LMDE, Slax, Devuan, or AntiX. Just be aware that the storage configuration on tablets can sometimes cause issues when trying to install Linux.

You’ll want to check if your CPU is indeed 32-bit or 64-bit. I’ve tested Devuan and MXLinux and have liked them both. Q4OS is another great option I discovered recently. I installed MiniOS on a VM and it used only 700MB of RAM post-install, which leaves plenty of lightweight alternatives to explore.

The Intel Atom Z3735F is actually a 64-bit processor, even though it came with a 32-bit version of Windows. If you’re thinking about switching, just keep in mind that 2GB of RAM can be pretty tough on performance with modern applications. Lightweight distros like Batocera are worth looking into since they support touchscreen, but compatibility can vary. If you don't have a specific use case, it might not be worth the hassle, especially since it's more suitable for older games or emulators.

Running a 32-bit device will definitely limit you. There are still a few distros that support 32-bit, like MXLinux and Debian, but options are declining. Just don’t expect Linux to be a miraculous speed boost on this hardware.

I’d recommend trying MX or AntiX. There are also Raspberry Pi distros that can work on x86 systems, but I haven’t personally tried those yet.