As Linux becomes more popular, many major tech channels spend only a minute or two testing it on new laptops. The same problems often come up—webcams, speakers, and other hardware may not work—and reviewers usually add that the experience could change after a proper installation and system updates.
It makes sense that reviewers may not want to replace the operating system on a loaner laptop. But couldn't they install Linux on an external SSD and boot from it instead? Would that provide a more realistic experience than a live USB session, or would they still encounter essentially the same hardware and driver issues?
4 Answers
Yes, they could install Linux on an external SSD and boot from it. A normal installation would preserve settings, allow updates, and provide writable storage, so it would be more representative than a typical live session. The main downside is that it takes more time and effort, especially when the laptop is only temporarily available.
A live USB is often used because it is quick and repeatable. Reviewers can boot the same image on every machine without changing the internal drive, then move on to the next device. If hardware does not work in the live environment, that is still useful information, although a full installation and updated kernel or firmware could sometimes resolve it.
Moving an installed Linux drive between different laptops usually works because the kernel detects the hardware at boot, though Wi-Fi connections, graphics settings, boot entries, and proprietary drivers may need adjustment. A live image also detects hardware, but it may use temporary settings and an immutable filesystem, so it is not exactly the same as an installed system.
Booting from an external SSD generally works fine, but the connection matters. A Thunderbolt or fast USB-C NVMe enclosure can feel close to an internal drive, while a cheap flash drive or slower USB connection may make the system seem much less responsive. The external drive itself does not eliminate hardware compatibility issues; it mainly gives Linux a persistent installed environment.
That matches my experience too. I have moved an installed Linux NVMe drive between laptops and it generally booted normally; the main things I had to redo were network connections and occasional hardware-specific settings.