I second the idea of getting a business class laptop since those usually have good linux support. Often times the sales site for brands like Thinkpad will not mention linux support, but the support documentation will provide links or information related to driver packages.
Even the newer model thinkpads work well even though they aren't necessarily on par quality-wise with the classic models. If you can find an A or E class thinkpad (used or new) it should work out of the box with mainstream linux distros. The T- or Z- model thinkpads are more expensive. I have a Lenovo E485 from 2018 and it still holds up well. The only problem is that the kernel has difficulty booting but the workaround is easy. Since the target lifespan for these models is usually >5 years and the build quality is somewhat higher you can usually find them used in decent condition for a large discount. I don't know if Free Geek still runs their thrift store but back in the day they had LOTS of older business laptops for $100-$200 that worked really well. -Ben On Saturday, August 17th, 2024 at 5:27 PM, Courtney Rosenthal <[email protected]> wrote: > I'd be inclined to pick a brand you like (Lenovo, Dell, whatever) and go > look at the models they sold 3-5 years ago IN THE BUSINESS LINE. (For > Dell that would be Latitude.) > > Then go buy one on E-Bay to buy one of those. There's a good chance that > a business computer of that age is likely coming off lease. My > experience is they tend to be quality machines at a good price. > > On 8/17/24 14:58, David Fleck wrote: > > > My wife's old ThinkPad is on its last legs, and she doesn't want a System > > 76 machine (my current Linux solution), so does anyone have thoughts on a > > good low-end machine suitable for Linux? It will be used for browsing, > > household finances (kMyMoney), and YouTube streaming. > > > > Thanks in advance- > > > > -- > > - David Fleck > > > -- > Courtney Rosenthal / [email protected] / www.crosenthal.com
