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.

  • Dudewitbow@lemmy.zip
    ·
    11 months ago

    From a guy who processes thousands of devices in e-waate recycling, legit any refurb lenovo thinkpad/dell precision/hp elitebook laptop. People will stop using tech way before they should be stopped being practically used.

    Imo i think thinkpads are better value(due to sheer volume in market) and they tend to have several options (normal laptop vs 2 in 1 vs slim laptop vs big screen vs one with a gpu in it)

    • Nimrod@lemm.ee
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      11 months ago

      I think this is the way forward.

      I’d love it if I could find something with a decent GPU so it could run some Minecraft action.

      Is eBay my best bet?

  • Euphoma@lemmy.ml
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    11 months ago

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

  • retrieval4558@mander.xyz
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    11 months ago

    I just did something similar last week. My criteria were 1) small form factor like a Chromebook, 2) not actually a Chromebook, 3) could swap out or install an m.2 SSD.

    I ended up getting a harddrive-less old Latitude 3190 for 30$ off eBay, put a 256gb SSD in (had it lying around + that's the max capacity supported I think), and ended up installing fedora KDE. It's not perfect but for the price it's amazing

    • Nimrod@lemm.ee
      ·
      11 months ago

      Dang, that’s a nice deal. I think I want something with a bit more juice, as I would like to play Minecraft from time to time. I’m leaning towards used thinkpad