On Sat, Aug 16, 2025 at 06:41:41AM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > I currently have Debian 12.8 on a Dell Latitude [4GB RAM, 150GB disk] which > I purchased as a refurbished machine years ago. > > The local Staples has a sale on of overstocked laptops. There is a selection > of Lenovo [used the brand before] and HP [used their instrumentation in the > 70's] machines. All have at least 8GB of RAM and suitably large disk > capacity. >
I use lots of Lenovo - but mostly Thinkpad. Do watch out for something with small amounts of memory / inbuilt disk that is not upgradeable. [You *can* run Trixie on 4G of memory and 128G of disk - typical of older Chromebook-like machines where the disk is a fixed size flash disk and not upgradeable but it's not pleasant.) > All are capable of running Trixie. > For the best experience what options should I favor? > "Laptop" is the only form factor of interest. > Screen size is not an issues as I primarily use an external 18" display > driven by arandr. > > At least one machine offers a very large SSD. Potential problem(s)? > Define "very large" - for perspective, this machine has a 2TB NVME. > For perspective, I rarely use more than 2/3 of my 2GB monthly data cap. > > After the new machine is operational I will address partitioning issues of > my current machine and do a "from scratch" install of Trixie. > > Comments? > Any questions I haven't thought to ask? > TIA > Take the model numbers and go look up reviews on line / check *exactly* what WiFi adapter, memory options are available? Ask if you can take a Debian Live image on USB and try it, maybe - unlikely but you won't know unless you ask. Putting Linux on will almost certainly void warranties / care plan - what's their best price for a laptop without included care plan? Are they prepared to bargain prices? All best, Andy
