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?
Probably the Minisforum V3 I reckon. From what I hear, everything works out-of-the-box, plus it’s a Zen 4 Ryzen, so you get excellent graphics performance and overall compatibility with Linux.
I’m a Zen 4 user myself (Minisforum UM780 XTX with a Ryzen 7840HS - pretty much the same APU as the V3, minus the AI stuff) and I’m really happy with my Linux experience on it so far.
Also, AMD have just submitted some new Core Performance Boost (CBP) patches, so you can expect even better performance/battery with the upcoming kernel releases. This is a very exciting space to be in!
That seems to be the best there is in this category right now. Just pretty expensive.