Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on choosing a laptop that plays nicely with Linux Mint. Right now, I'm considering the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition and the Z13 ThinkPad. I really like the idea of getting an older ThinkPad, but there aren't any local shops around to help upgrade parts. I'm new to Linux, but I'm tempted to switch from Windows to avoid bloatware and for better privacy. Any suggestions or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a lot!
2 Answers
Both the Yoga Slim 7i and the Z13 ThinkPad are generally well-supported for Linux Mint. You'll want to check the compatibility of the WiFi cards since some brands use niche models that might not work well. A good idea is to test them in a live USB environment—check everything from WiFi to video playback and touchpad gestures. Also, remember that the Yoga Slim 7i is marketed as Copilot+PC, which might come with specific requirements for AI features related to the CPU. If you care about those specs, make sure they align with your needs—sometimes, the branding can hike up the cost unnecessarily. For performance comparisons, reviewers like Just Josh do a great job! Good luck!
If you're leaning towards the older ThinkPad, just know that upgrading the RAM and hard drive is pretty simple. You can find specific maintenance manuals online which guide you through replacing parts for each model, so you could easily handle upgrades yourself if you decide to go that route. They are usually user-friendly for these modifications! Just make sure to check the exact model specs to confirm compatibility.
Thanks for the tips! I did find some info about issues with the Yoga Slim 7i's WiFi on Linux Mint, probably due to it being outdated. Should I just keep updating it if I go with that model? I've also heard mixed things about dual-booting—does that really risk damaging the laptop?