this post was submitted on 13 Jul 2025
78 points (92.4% liked)

Linux

56416 readers
583 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

Rules

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS
 
  • I'll buy used, so don't want latest and greatest. It won't be my main laptop.
  • to run linux obviously.
  • good battery life, light, not too small to use, but large enough to type on (obviously can do without numeric keypad). not too fragile!
  • I'll be doing some light python work, perhaps some c/c++ but I'm not after a workhorse, just something for quickly fixing bugs, or making notes on
  • sub 200 GBP / 250USD I guess

I'd be interested in hearing recommendations, and also what to avoid!

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] just_another_person@lemmy.world 26 points 3 days ago (10 children)

Instead of just throwing random preferences out there, I'll help clarify the field of comments:

  1. Thinkpads USED to be a safe choice, but Lenovo has been tainting that model line for a few years. Search and find specific models, and don't just buy because it has the Thinkpad brand.
  2. Framework is 100% ready to go. They have a Refurb store where everything is cheap, but if you find one cheaper, get it.
  3. Dell had a ton of Linux ready laptops under the XPS brand not long ago. Search and find out which to make sure, but they shipped with Linux installed.
  4. I hate to say it, but HP Probooks were solid and shipped with Linux also. Terrible company, but they make decent enterprise products. They'll sell for cheap on eBay.
[–] slackness@lemmy.ml 8 points 2 days ago (1 children)

There are <250USD used frameworks?

[–] Nils@piefed.ca 10 points 2 days ago

No, I don't think I ever seem one for under 700 USD, despite some "news" saying you could find at 500 USD.

Every time people ask for cheap computers, there is always people sharing their preferences without any regard for OP's listed needs.

load more comments (8 replies)