I wonder how these laptops behave with Linux. I checked the prices for used ones, they’re quite good in my area. I don’t know about their repairability, but the rest look quite good.
this post was submitted on 06 Feb 2026
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Not sure if you've seen but there is a custom kernel for surfaces that you can install which should get most stuff working: https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface?tab=readme-ov-file
They have a feature matrix so you can see which features should work depending on the model. However I haven't tried installing it yet because the surface go is so old everything except the camera seems to work with the standard kernel.
Thanks! I’ve heard of the kernel, yet never had any chance at testing. It’s great to know the old devices are upstreamed, as I might want price over everything else. I’m looking for a laptop that I’d be able to do some tasks, but not everything. I have no idea whether it’s a good idea to get Surface, but it looks quite good.
Yeah Linux is great at resurrecting obsolete devices! This one was in the trash pile because it can't run Windows 11. I can't really comment on whether it's a good idea to buy one though since I got this one free and I've not done much with it yet. It's missing the keyboard cover and pen as well so I'm using it as more of an iPad/Android tablet alternative than a laptop.
Glad you got it working!