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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.

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If you have installed Linux on a Microsoft Surface Pro, what was your experience? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm looking for a cheap and portable tablet that I can use for writing. Microsoft Surface Pro tablets, at least around the gen 4 models, are rather cheap to buy used, and they seem decently well made. Naturally, were I to buy one, I would have to install Linux onto it.

I've been peripherally aware of the Linux Surface project for some time now. I looked at it recently, after having not for some time, and it seems that they have really made good progress compared to what I remember, and it's making me much more interested in trying to install Linux on a Surface Pro.

Having never owned a Surface Pro, I'm not sure which models are the most reliable and sturdy. I'm not looking for something that's the flashiest; I want something that works well. I want something pragmatic — something akin to the idea of an older era of Thinkpad (eg T460). I want a pen with low input delay and good accuracy, reliable and responsive touch controls, and a decent display. I was thinking the Surface Pro 4 might be a good choice, but it's hard to know as there aren't many videos out there of people installing Linux on them, so I'm wondering what your experience has been with Microsoft Surface Pro's and installing Linux on one.

Cross-posts:

https://sh.itjust.works/post/23997573

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

Fedora on Surface Go 1 with Surface kernel:

I never uses it only as a tablet except on holidays if I watch a movie on a hotel bed. It spends most of its time linked to a big screen, but I’m really happy with it except for how slow it is to pick up my mouse Bluetooth signal or the fact that the battery is often depleted for no reason when I turn the Surface on.

It is my only PC and is powerful enough to do everything I need it for, which is admin, web browsing and old strategy games.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Of course, I was running Debian Testing with XFCE4, so it may be something odd in that combination.