I'm looking to switch from Windows to Linux after my last two laptops broke down. I'm considering buying a 2017 MacBook Air with an i7, 8GB RAM, and 500GB SSD for a good price. I mainly need it for writing, browsing, and some GameBoy ROM development - nothing too intensive. Although I'm not a fan of Apple or its operating systems, I appreciate the build quality of their devices. I'm a bit worried about Linux compatibility and whether I'd be stuck with macOS. For someone who's comfortable with Windows tools but new to Linux, how tough is it to set up drivers, especially for Wi-Fi? I plan to start with ZorinOS and eventually switch to Debian if all goes well. Any advice?
3 Answers
MacBooks can be a mixed bag for Linux users. Newer models are particularly tough to repair and have some serious issues that can make them frustrating. If you're looking at an older model that isn't too recent, you might still have a decent experience, but tread carefully!
Just a tip - if you're grabbing a MacBook, make sure to check which Wi-Fi chip it has. Older models tend to have Broadcom adapters that don't play well with Linux.
If I were you, I'd go for a Dell XPS instead of a MacBook. The hardware might not be as flashy, but it generally works better with Linux and is more user-friendly overall.
You might want to check out some migration resources available online! I've seen users find success with guides and community tips. Just remember to be cautious about using root only when necessary and avoid third-party repositories unless you absolutely trust them.
Thanks for the heads up! I'm only looking at models older than 2017 or so, so I hope that helps minimize issues.