The last device I own that doesn’t run an open source operating system is an iPad. I basically use it as a laptop most of the time with a keyboard case, but I do like being able to take just the screen to use as a drawing/note-taking tablet. I treat it more like a “convertible” device rather than a tablet alone.

I’m not in a rush to replace it, iPadOS is, eh, usable, but there are things that get on my nerves often. I definitely wouldn’t be upgrading to another iPad model if this one died. I’m curious on what kind of hardware is available out there with good Linux support that I can keep in mind for the future. My only requirements would be that it runs normal Linux distros (ideally Fedora) and has a pen/display that supports pressure sensitivity.

The Minisforum V3 looks pretty damn cool. There’s also the Microsoft Surface devices that ironically seem popular with Linux users. Anyone have any experience with these kinds of devices? What do you think? What’s your favorite device in this class?

  • Baron Von J
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    38 months ago

    I’ve run ChromeOS Flex on an old Surface Pro 3 and it was pretty good. However Flex doesn’t support the Linux containers or Android apps. I was tempted to try Fedora on it, but ended up trading it in as that battery wasn’t that reliable anymore. I think the Surface line is best option in the 2-in-1 space anymore. When I was looking at options last fall no other vendor really had anything under 13", which is just ridiculous to ever use as s tablet.