Hello. I have never used Linux before in my life, but this post isn’t really about the software. I know there are many guides and threads out there explaining how to set up Linux for beginners.

My question is more about what computers you guys suggest for Linux. I don’t have any old computers lying around at home, I only have a computer assigned by my school that I’ll turn in next year. To my understanding, Linux should be able to work on almost all computers, so I haven’t thought about a specific brand.

My top priorities are (in order):

  • good/great battery life
  • quiet
  • compact and lightweight

Preferably a 13" or 15" screen, though I prefer the former. Just a small machine with a great battery life that also doesn’t make much noise when several apps are open at once. I have looked at Asus before, but I’m not sure what the general consensus is of this brand, so I was hoping to get some suggestions. I’ve also looked at Framework computers, but honestly it’s a bit expensive for me. My budget is ~1000$ (10 000 SEK).

Might be unnecessary information, but: I will be using this computer mainly to write documents, make the occasional presentations, browse the web, and watch videos and movies. So no photo- or video editing nor gaming at all. Like everybody, I hope to buy a computer that will last many years and survive many student theses. Cheers and thanks!

  • @GustavoMEnglish
    -2•1 month ago

    I will be using this computer mainly to write documents, make the occasional presentations, browse the web, and watch videos and movies. So no photo- or video editing nor gaming at all.

    Then go for a Raspberry pi 3. (No, not rpi 4 or the rpi 5 one). It’s cheap, with a power draw low enough to leave it running 24/7 (it will not increase your energy bills by the slightest). Downside is that you’ll have to learn some Linux “tricks” that will (definitely) “grind your gears”, but eh… it’ll be a fun ride if you are willing to lose some sanity for the sake of enjoying a “It’s like nothing is happening to my power bills at all!” power of the convenience it’ll bring to your life and your lifestyle as well.

    • @[email protected]
      5•1 month ago

      I think its reasonable to assume that they’ll want to easily be able to take it and use it in different rooms

      • @GustavoMEnglish
        1•1 month ago

        Rpis can be as mobile as (or even more than) a laptop.

    • Possibly linuxEnglish
      3•1 month ago

      That’s not a laptop and even if it was the raspberry pi won’t work with stock Linux. You need a custom kernel.

      • @GustavoMEnglish
        1•1 month ago

        That’s not a laptop

        OP mentioned a computer, not a laptop.

        You need a custom kernel.

        That is completely wrong – there are a couple distros out there that work “out of the box” without the need of a custom kernel. Not just for the rpi, but for many other “obscure” pcs, including a thermostat.