I’m looking for a portable, very compact linux laptop.
Screen size: 12 inch or smaller Weight: less than 1 kg (2.2 pounds) Full hd screen
I did some googling and i only found a CHUWI laptop that suffers from an overheating issue.
Just go with a Framework 13. Yes it’s 13 inch instead of 12 inch. But you will get the best possible Linux laptop out there. And it’s also fully repairable and upgradable. I have the latest Framework 13 AMD 7040, yes AMD. And… do not forget to select the new 2.8k display. Allowing for the first time to just select 200% DPI scaling that just works for Linux! So no scaling issues.! https://frame.work/nl/en/products/laptop-diy-13-gen-amd/configuration/new
And select “7640U - 2.8K Display”.
I need something super compact and below 1kg.
Framework laptop 13 is just a bit above 1kg. It’s 1.3kg… It is worth weighing this choice (you get the joke? hah, guhmm). If you really need something super compact and very light, maybe a old-school “netbook” will do.
Like the GPD WIN Mini (7 inch, that is super compact, right?)… But really get a Framework laptop hehe.
Lol. Did you see GPD’s 10 inch laptop?
Yes I know about GPD 10 inch laptop. If you what “super compact”, then go for 7 inch right :P
One day they will wake up & provide an OLED option with 100% DCI-P3
Keep dreaming :D
Your best bet is an Intel Macbook Air with 11.6" screen from a few years ago. They’re even lighter and smaller than the current macbook airs. I have one myself running Linux Mint 22. Just make sure it has 8 GB of RAM (it works with 4 GB too, but you can’t have too many tabs open). They sell for $200 refurbished.
Thanks. Which model/year do you have?
I have the mid-2011 model, but that one has only 4 GB RAM. For 8 GB RAM you need to get to 2014 model or so. As long as it’s Macbook Air with 8 GB RAM and 11.6 screen, you’re in business.
X1 Nano:
- narrower than the old 11.6 laptops and slightly taller.
- Higher than 1080 screen due to the taller ratio.
- IPS display
- 0.97kg without charger.
- Thinkpad keyboard and track point.
- strong Linux support
Here is the PSREF for the first generation. They are up to Gen 3 of this line now.
Old used surface pro 3 works great with linux ,hardware still fine and screen is awesome.i own one and run pop os on wayland.
Resolution of screen 2160x1440 12’ Intel Core i5-4300U
I want a proper laptop with keyboard.
The Surface Pro keyboard is actually quite good, with the added bonus that it’s also easily detachable.
The issue I find with the surface is that it just isn’t lapable. Using it on my lap is nearly impossible. Good on a desk though.
Yeah that was the big strike against it for me too. I found that you can sort of perch it over a crossed leg and it’s sort of serviceable that way, but yeah… no coding on the train with a Surface.
Then, some chuwi convertibles have a laptop-like keyboard, but I have never seen one in person.
I miss my eeePC
I just put DSL2024 on mine a few months ago, it works okay lol. Can’t do much more than use the terminal or edit text but it’s pretty fun to use the old hardware again. My only complaint is the zero key sticks.
If you can stretch to a 13 incher (no pun intended), LG gram might be your best bet. Around 965 gram weight, reasonably priced, can run Linux without any problem.
I still believe Framework laptop 13 is the best choice when going with 13 inch.
Framework is amazing (I have a 7840u 13in) but they’re expensive. 100% worth it to me as an enthusiast and IT professional but possibly not for someone less interested in the tech itself.
Agreed. It’s 100% worth to me as well as software engineer. But maybe not for everybody. Then again, it’s the best 13 inch laptop out there for running Linux. Especially considering the 2.8k display variant with 2x scaling works great under any distro.
Do your research, but if you can tolerate 13” diagonal screen, the retina intel macbook airs are cheap.
Do you have needs other than Linux compatibility, size and weight and screen resolution?
I need enough RAM since I open too many browser tabs. I also edit 1080p video occasionally.
You can get em with 16gb of ram. They were all 8th gen or tenth gen intel processors and the 8th gen and up igpus shred 1080 in my experience. I use a laptop with an 8th gen to stream several sources at once.
The only issue you’re gonna run into is storage, but I use external or networked storage for everything anyways.
I have a HP dragonfly g2, 11th gen Intel i5, 16gb of ram, 2.1 lbs, 13” and everything including tent mode works on fedora. I got it on eBay for $275.
Did yours overheat really badly? My 11th gen i5 pavilion did. Repaste, everything. Just ran super hot on battery. It’d kick on the fan and goodbye battery
I haven’t had that issue, and the battery life has been really good for me doing general things. Compiling hits it hard.
I’ve heard good things about the MNT pocket reform.
I was just about to comment this lol
I use a Samsung Tab 9. Then supplement with a server running VSCode-server and other things. I would prefer Linux, and sometimes use TermuxX11, but it was the best I could come up with.
So you do all your coding on your tablet?
Usually on my desktop connected to vscode-server, but when I’m remote, yes.
Or use a mi pad 5 with linux for coding on the device. The geekbench score is comparable to a thinkpad t480. (this)