I want to get my partner a replacement for an aging chromebook. I was thinking it would be easiest to just grab another super budget chromebook and call it a day. But the more I read about google and chrome, the less I want to do with them.
So my goal is to snag a cheap ($300ish?) laptop that I can slap Linux on (probably mint, but I’m open to suggestions).
The main caveat is the size- needs to be small. Current chromebook is 11.5” I think. I’d like to keep it under 13”. The main use (95% will be web browsing/streaming/email/bullshit) but I’d like it to have enough juice to play Minecraft on my local server.
I’ve looked around a bit, but my god there is a lot of options. I’d love it if there was just a recommendation that was proven to work. I’m busy enough tinkering with all the other tech, and I’d like to just set this one up and forget it.
The current 13 inch AMD framework is a very neat machine.
That does look pretty slick. However, I don’t plan on dropping $800 for my partner to watch Hulu with. Are there used versions I could hunt down?
Sorry I overlooked the budget requirement. Also, it’s not 16:9 though so if it’s primarily for media consumption maybe not so suited.
Oooh, I didn’t even think about the aspect… thanks!
Silly question but have you considered a Android tablet?
If you don’t want google you should find a device compatible with Lineage os. https://lineageosdevices.com/
From a guy who processes thousands of devices in e-waate recycling, legit any refurb lenovo thinkpad/dell precision/hp elitebook laptop. People will stop using tech way before they should be stopped being practically used.
Imo i think thinkpads are better value(due to sheer volume in market) and they tend to have several options (normal laptop vs 2 in 1 vs slim laptop vs big screen vs one with a gpu in it)
I think this is the way forward.
I’d love it if I could find something with a decent GPU so it could run some Minecraft action.
Is eBay my best bet?
Here’s a short list devices things I can think of:
- a old Linux compatible Chromebook. You would need to wipe the firmware and install seabios and Linux
- A Pinebook Pro. This device is very underpowered and would be slow. It is also arm so you can’t install just any Distro.
- a old surface device with Linux support
- a old labtop that used to run Windows
There used to be a $400 device from starlabs but I no longer see it. There cheapest device is $700.
Honestly your best bet is a Chromebook or a used labtop
Are there certain requirements, or pitfalls to avoid when digging through old Chromebooks?
I think that’s the direction I’m leaning.
Honestly just make sure you do your research. If you are unsure you could go buy a used Chromebook on eBay for about $50 bucks. Once you get that device working you can always upgrade.
Keep in mind each Chromebook model is different and not all are compatible. Again, do your research
How about a used Thinkpad? Like the X280. 12.5". Touch. Depending on your region you can get a pretty good deal if you are OK with some scratches or other faults
You can also buy them refurbished, which is what I did with my school laptop(yoga x380)
Unfortunately, the new FOSS linux laptop scene is basically the pine book pro for less then $250 or Framework/System76/Tuxedo for greater than $900 with nothing in-between.
That is not true at all. There are plenty of options
Yeah, I should be more clear. I’m talking about laptops that the manufacture openly supports or ships a linux distro with it. I just assume OP already knows he can do a bit of research and get a decent $300 laptop from like lenovo/acer/hp/dell/etc… and install linux on it.
I’m comfortable doing the Linux swap on an old dell, but I guess what I’m looking for is a recommendation of a device that is known to work well for that purpose.
Are there any “gotchas” that I should be looking out for in the hunt?
If you’re hunting down older eqipment (5, 6 years old), no, not really… everything just works with Linux and older stuff. The newer stuff is always the problem with any OS that is not Windows (though that is changing for the better in the last few years, especially for Linux).
It’s hard to recommend because sometimes with cheaper laptops they have weird wifi chip sets, audio chip sets, and stuff for controlling the lcd back light, f-keys, etc… Also sometimes they have weird way to boot into the boot menu that may not be well documented. I don’t really know what brand or models should be avoided though.
Never heard of the pinebook pro. Looks pretty neat. I wish it came with a smaller size, it would be perfect.
Keep in mind that the CPU is ancient by today’s standards. It will be slow
Oooh, don’t do the Pinebook Pro. I think anything Pine64 isn’t unsuitable for a non-tinkerer to be using. Also, if there’s DRM content involved (unsure on Hulu), you’ll probably want to stick with an x86 CPU.
Yeah… the more I read into the pine stuff, the less fitting it is. I might enjoy one to mess with, but it won’t make a great gift!
How about Pinetab 2?
Though it’s important to note that you’re buying the hardware and the community is actively working on the software. For example, the wifi driver is only partially functional and it’s currently recommended that only developers should install it. Otherwise, they’re recommending using an external adapter or phone for wifi until it gets fixed.
Chromebooks are honestly the best option for budget linux laptops, you can easily install linux onto many chromebooks.
Framework laptop is pretty good.
No way you’re getting that
underat $300
used steam deck + bluetooth keyboard
I would love to do something like this, except it’s way too goofy with the attached controllers.
Steamdeck in a tablet form factor would be perfect.
I’m running OpenSUSE Tumbleweed on a Dell XPS 9360 with an 8th gen i7 and it works very well. Something similar should be within your budget.
I just did something similar last week. My criteria were 1) small form factor like a Chromebook, 2) not actually a Chromebook, 3) could swap out or install an m.2 SSD.
I ended up getting a harddrive-less old Latitude 3190 for 30$ off eBay, put a 256gb SSD in (had it lying around + that’s the max capacity supported I think), and ended up installing fedora KDE. It’s not perfect but for the price it’s amazing
Dang, that’s a nice deal. I think I want something with a bit more juice, as I would like to play Minecraft from time to time. I’m leaning towards used thinkpad
