this post was submitted on 13 Jun 2024
29 points (93.9% liked)

Linux

7806 readers
158 users here now

Welcome to c/linux!

Welcome to our thriving Linux community! Whether you're a seasoned Linux enthusiast or just starting your journey, we're excited to have you here. Explore, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for open-source software and the endless possibilities it offers. Together, let's dive into the world of Linux and embrace the power of freedom, customization, and innovation. Enjoy your stay and feel free to join the vibrant discussions that await you!

Rules:

  1. Stay on topic: Posts and discussions should be related to Linux, open source software, and related technologies.

  2. Be respectful: Treat fellow community members with respect and courtesy.

  3. Quality over quantity: Share informative and thought-provoking content.

  4. No spam or self-promotion: Avoid excessive self-promotion or spamming.

  5. No NSFW adult content

  6. Follow general lemmy guidelines.

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

I have a couple of Surface tablets that I'd like to put Linux on if possible. The one I want to try first is a 5th gen Surface Pro. If all goes well I would then try it on a Surface Go 2 and hopefully could keep the cellular access.

What resources are available for doing this? The little I've read so far makes me think that it is a buggy process and maybe not worth the effort involved.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago (5 children)

I have an OG surface 1. I recently installed Ubuntu on it and it's fucking awesome. I had to make a few tweaks to get a better on screen keyboard but that's it. Everything worked out of the box.

And the Gnome desktop works perfectly for a tablet.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (4 children)

This is good to hear! Do you have the surface keyboard and pen? I'm guessing the keyboard is probably straightforward, and there probably aren't many uses for the pen other than precision touching the screen, which is fine.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (3 children)

I do not have the keyboard, but I do have the pen.

The pen doesn't work like it does in Windows. It's effectively a mouse. When you click the side button it immediately does a right click without even touching the screen.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Does the pen work probably in drawing or journal software (like Krita and Xournal++)?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Well, like I said, it works like a mouse. I haven't tried it in these applications, but I would assume there wouldn't be any pressure sensitive drawing.

It's possible I need to install the proper module for it. I haven't explored that yet because it's not really what I need.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

@chrisgestapo @cyborganism I have a Thinkpad Yoga where the touchscreen is a wacom tablet, and the included pen works with variable pressure for brush strokes like it should.

And indeed Gnome, with its big fat rounded buttons/toggles works very well.