Hello all,

I’m in the market for buying a new laptop to install Linux on. I’m trying to stay with something relatively cheap (Around $300 and below). I’m getting ready to start a degree program in cyber security and did some research, and it seems Kali Linux would be the best distro for me to install.

I would install it on my current computer, but I only have a 2015 MacBook Pro, and I’ve read that a few people run into some issues installing on a Mac compared to a regular PC.

With the above in mind, do I need to increase my budget or does Linux run fine on low-end laptops?

Thanks!

  • guacho@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Just to reinforce what all the thread is saying: used Thinkpad in ebay. I would search for a x270/x280/t470/t480. This depends in screen size.

    Why these models? They are the last ones that allow you ti upgrade your RAM, so when you have a bit more money you can upgrade. Also, these are old but not ancient, so they can still be relevant for some time.

    On the other hand, if you have more budget, the best Linux laptops are the frame.work, but they’re expensive, although they’re reparable and upgradable, so I guess that depends on how you see it.

    Finally, Kali is not a daily use distro. If you have time to waste (or invest) then you can go hardcore and straight to Arch Linux. If you want to have an easier journey you can start with PopOs!

    Good luck on your journey!!

    • KuroJ@lemmy.worldOP
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      1 year ago

      Thanks! I ended up going with a t480 and installed Pop! OS on it. Going to easy my way into Linux and go from there!