Hey everyone! I've been using Windows for a long time, but I'm seriously considering making the switch to Linux, particularly **Pop!_OS**. I've heard it's beginner-friendly, great for developers, and has solid hardware support. Before I jump in, I want to know if it's a smart choice for my laptop's specs:
- **Processor:** 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U (10 cores – 2 Performance + 8 Efficiency, 12 threads)
- **RAM:** 12 GB DDR4
- **Graphics:** Intel Iris Xe
- **Storage:** 477 GB SSD (about 217 GB used)
- **WiFi Card:** Mediatek MT7902
- **Touchscreen:** Not needed
I plan to use Linux mainly for programming (Java, Web Dev, maybe Python later), learning the Linux basics and terminal, watching anime and YouTube, and occasional light gaming (mostly emulators).
I'm concerned about a few things:
1. Is **Pop!_OS** suitable for my setup, or should I consider lighter options like Linux Mint or Fedora?
2. I've seen mixed reviews about **Mediatek WiFi cards** on Linux, should I expect issues?
3. How does **battery performance** on Linux stack up against Windows for laptops like mine?
4. Is dual-booting a safe option or should I just wipe Windows and go all-in?
I'd love to hear from anyone who runs Pop!_OS or something similar on a laptop like mine. Any suggestions, tips, or warnings before I take the plunge?
1 Answer
Switching to Linux is generally a great idea! Picking the right distro is subjective, though. Pop!_OS is user-friendly, just like Mint and Fedora. I recommend trying them out to see which one feels right for you. As for your WiFi card, I haven't tried the Mediatek MT7902 specifically, but Linux usually has good hardware support. Personally, I find Linux to offer better performance compared to Windows, even for gaming. When it comes to dual-booting, just ensure you back up your important files. If you're not heavily reliant on Microsoft products, you might find you won’t miss Windows at all! You can always set up a Virtual Machine later if necessary.
I’m thinking of trying Fedora too! Should I test both Pop!_OS and Fedora in a VM first or go straight to installing one? How's the WiFi situation on Fedora? Do most users stick to Ethernet, or do you use WiFi?