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!

  • Vittelius@feddit.deEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    Your best bet is probably to get a refurbished thinkpad. I’ve seen X1 Carbons (their ultra thin Macbook-like line of ultrabooks) for 250 bucks on backmarket. That’s the 2016 model (G5) and not in the best tier of refurbishment (So there might be some small scratches on the chassis) but the hardware should be more than enough for your usecase. Linux generally speaking does very well on low end hardware and thinkpads are especially well supported.

    One thing though: DON’T INSTALL KALI ON YOUR DEVICE, IT’S NOT DESIGNED FOR THAT. Or rather it wasn’t. Originally Kali was meant to be run of a thumb drive only. By now enough people have attempted to install it that the devs have given up and provide a bare metal edition. That is just Debian with some stuff preinstalled though. There is very little secret source (like the “undercover mode”). You should go with debian and try to build your toolbox as you go. This way you will get a better insight into your Linux system because it forces you to set up everything yourself

    • jonwyattphillips@lemmy.mlEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Second this.

      I just got a refurbished thinkpad t490s for a little more than 300.

      There are some decent x13’s on the Lenovo outlet site for that price point too.