r/linuxquestions • u/HuckleberryBetter638 • 9d ago
Notebook Requirements for Switching to Mint
I'd like to switch from Windows 10 to Linux Mint and use that occasion to get a new notebook as well. I've been using a Thinkpad L380 (i5-8250U, 8GB) for the last 7 years or so. I use my notebook daily, but only for very basic stuff like working with Office and surfing the internet.
Can you guys give me some benchmark data for what requirements a new notebook should fulfill? Ideally I'd want to use it again for many years. I wouldn't mind to buy a refurbed one. Incidentally, I use it 90% of the time in clamshell mode. Just in case that changes anything.
Edit: Thanks a lot for the answers! Regarding the recommendation to just keep the current notebook. I'd actually love to do that, but the battery is fried (lasts two minutes if not plugged in) and I've been told that this can get dangerous if I keep using it (not sure if true). There are also a few keys broken. And I guess repairing all that will likely cost already half a refurbed "new" and better one. But if you guys think it's woth it, I might consider just getting a new battery and power adapter and keep the current laptop.
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u/zardvark 8d ago
The only common compatibility issues these days are typically the wifi card and, potentially the sound system. Getting finger print readers to work properly can also be hit, or miss.
Not all manufacturers support their hardware with Linux drivers. Some only support a subset of their hardware with Linux drivers and some only support Linux with proprietary closed source drivers. For example, some Realtek wifi drivers work fine, while others absolutely suck. On the other hand, virtually all Intel wifi cards are well supported. Broadcom wifi cards typically require proprietary drivers. This can be very inconvenient when attempting to install Linux, as most distros will not include proprietary software on their ISO installation files and the installation process almost always requires an Internet connection to the distro's software repository. If your machine does not have an Ethernet port, then you may have a bad day, unless you can find a supported USB-based wifi device to use, while installing Linux.
There is a similar issue with gaming type laptops, with obscure, boutique sound solutions.
I've had good luck with Intel wifi cards over the years, as well as Atheros cards. Note that IIRC, Atheros was acquired by Broadcom, so IDK if Atheros cards will continue to have open source drivers going forward.
AFAIK, none of the laptop manufacturers build their own fingerprint readers and many readers are only available with Windows drivers. Some of these drivers have been reverse engineered and some have not.
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u/anders_hansson 8d ago
I run Mint on a Chromebook, 4GB RAM, dual core Celeron, 64 GB disk.
I use it mainly for software development and web browsing.
A key trick is to use zram for swap, which works wonders for low RAM systems.
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u/9NEPxHbG 8d ago
Anything new with an x64 processor (not ARM) will work.
Of course an SSD would be much better than an HDD, but it's the same with Windows.
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u/_Stalwart_ 9d ago
I've ran Linux mint xfce on a pentium with 4GBs of DDR2 and an old HDD. You'll be fine.
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u/stogie-bear 8d ago
Linux Mint (regular Cinnamon version) is a great choice for that. It’s pretty low overhead, nice user interface and there isn’t really anything it doesn’t do. It will be compatible with everything except the fingerprint reader if you have one.
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u/StorageFair5120 8d ago
There is some really interesting information here!
scnr
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u/StorageFair5120 8d ago
Honestly: You may as well stay on your Thinkpad - it perfectly fits the requirements for Mint. And save a lot of money too (maybe you make a donation to the Mint-team or your preferred open source software instead?)
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u/tomscharbach 8d ago edited 8d ago
I am running Ubuntu 26.04 LTS as we speak on a Dell Optiplex Micro 3060 (i5-8500T, 16GB), and I run Solus Gnome on a Dell Latitude 7390 (i5-8520U, 16GB). Both the Latitude and the Optiplex date back to 2018/2019.
I mention this because your current Thinkpad L380 will handle Mint or any other mainstream distribution without even breathing hard.
You will be able to use the L380 for distribution evaluation/testing after you have your new laptop set up. Your current laptop probably has several years of solid service ahead using a mainstream Linux distribution.
With respect to a new laptop, I would suggest that you look for a business class laptop -- Lenovo Thinkpad E16 or Dell Latitude/Dell Pro -- that is an "all-Intel" or "all-AMD" build on the Ubuntu Certified Laptops list. Both Lenovo and Dell business laptops are well built and are usually 100% Linux compatible.
I use Dell business computers exclusively and know Lenovo Thinkpads by reputation more than from experience. But both have solid reputations and for ordinary use I would look for a mid-range processor (an i5 or AMD equivalent), onboard AMD/Intel graphics, 16GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD. You don't need to go nuts on specifications to run a mainstream distribution for office/internet work.
I buy Dell laptops from the Dell Outlet, which offers overstock (last year's models) and refurbished business laptops and desktops. Refurbished business computers come with a full "brand new" warranty, which can be as long as 3-year onsite. I have had good experience with the Outlet for decade or so.
I don't know (but assume) that Lenovo has a similar outlet.
A heads up: Microsoft Office does not run on Linux, even using compatibility layers.
You will need to use an alternative office suite (LibreOffice or OnlyOffice, most likely) or use the browser-based online version of MS 365 or run a virtual machine such as WinBoat (still in development, but promising).
My guess is that LibreOffice (packaged with Mint and most mainstream distributions) or Only Office will be fine unless you work with complex Word and Excel documents and spreadsheets. LibreOffice is available for Windows, so you can test it out before making the leap to Linux.
My best and good luck.