I want to get my partner a replacement for an aging chromebook. I was thinking it would be easiest to just grab another super budget chromebook and call it a day. But the more I read about google and chrome, the less I want to do with them.

So my goal is to snag a cheap ($300ish?) laptop that I can slap Linux on (probably mint, but I’m open to suggestions).

The main caveat is the size- needs to be small. Current chromebook is 11.5” I think. I’d like to keep it under 13”. The main use (95% will be web browsing/streaming/email/bullshit) but I’d like it to have enough juice to play Minecraft on my local server.

I’ve looked around a bit, but my god there is a lot of options. I’d love it if there was just a recommendation that was proven to work. I’m busy enough tinkering with all the other tech, and I’d like to just set this one up and forget it.

  • Euphoma@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    11 months ago

    Chromebooks are honestly the best option for budget linux laptops, you can easily install linux onto many chromebooks.

    • AlfredEinstein@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      6
      ·
      11 months ago

      Ten years ago, when those ubiquitous Acer chromebooks were cheap as dirt, I would have agreed with you . I had a couple.

      But my last three laptops have been Mint running on refurbished ThinkPads from ebay. I’ve not had any problems.

      • PorkSoda@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        11 months ago

        Agreed. Grab a T490S off eBay with an i5, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD for $225 and you’re all set.