Hey everyone! I've recently been diving into the world of Linux and I'm seriously considering making the switch from my decade-old Windows 10 PC. However, since I rely heavily on playing games like League of Legends that lack proper Linux support, I can't just install Linux on my main setup yet. I'm looking for an affordable hardware solution to experiment with Linux, try different distributions, and potentially explore some light video editing and programming. I've thought about a Raspberry Pi 5, but I feel like I might need something more powerful. I've heard good things about the Thinkpad T480, but spending over €200 for a used laptop from 2018 feels steep—especially since a better configuration goes for about €500. Are there better alternatives out there? I'm also open to the idea of a mini PC but don't have much experience with those. My budget is around €200 to €400. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
5 Answers
You might want to look at something like the Thinkpad T495 or the T14 (both AMD versions). Corporate machines are often designed to be Linux-friendly, so they can be a solid choice! You usually get good compatibility with Linux since many companies use Red Hat in their setups.
If you're interested in trying out different Linux distros, consider doing it on virtual machines first. It's a lot easier and faster than messing with actual hardware. Plus, you can always dual-boot on your main PC if you're feeling bold!
I found some good deals on pre-owned hardware online; the BeeLink SER models are solid mini PCs that fit within your budget—definitely worth checking out!
Don't underestimate used laptops! Brands like Thinkpads and old Sony Vaios are still great options. You can also check out new Linux laptops from companies like Tuxedo or Starlabs for a more modern build.
Honestly, you don't need high-end hardware to run Linux. I have a Beelink Mini S 12 Pro with an N100 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, and I got it for under $250! Just keep an eye out for Linux compatibility, especially for WiFi, as many mini PCs use non-Intel WiFi chips.
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