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?

  • Dariusmiles2123
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    fedilink
    58 months ago

    I have a Surface Go 1 with a 128gb SSD and 8gb of RAM.

    I’m almost never using it as a tablet, but it runs Fedora perfectly.

    I’ve installed the surface kernel on it and I only have two small problems on it:

    -my Bluetooth mouse takes some time to be recognized on startup or after watching a 15 minutes video

    -sometimes, without reason, the battery is depleted on startup when it was 100% as I turned the computer off correctly a day before

    I wouldn’t want to give my money to Microsoft anymore, but for around 450$ in 2019 it was a great investment.