this post was submitted on 03 Jul 2023
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submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by KuroJ@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml
 

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!

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[–] Thermal_shocked@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

I'd check local places like offerup. can get business laptops for cheap when places refresh. there are a few people around me selling 3-4 year old dells with i5/i7, nvme, etc. take a Linux USB and install it on site before you buy to test. they're more than enough specwise for daily use or testing. often sub $300

[–] mrshy@lemmy.ml 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Currently I think the most eco-friendly option is a Framework.

[–] chepycou@rcsocial.net 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

@mrshy @KuroJ Agreed, you also have the @slimbook and the @tuxedocomputers #computer which are well suited for running #linux since they ship with it out of the box !

[–] mrshy@lemmy.ml 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

Another option would be to get a laptop which is verified to work with most or all of QubesOS security features.

[–] Nuuskis@sopuli.xyz 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Kali isn't meant to be a desktop OS. Use it only in VM or in a spare rig. It is meant to be a toolbox. So dual boot it with your daily driver OS or use in a VM.

Your Mac can take Linux just well: https://djharper.dev/post/2020/06/07/running-linux-on-my-macbook/

For your 300 bucks budget look nothing else than Thinkpad T480 or HP Dev One. T480 will need replacement batteries if not replaced yet.

[–] Thermal_shocked@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

so tired of people recommending thinkpads when there are much better options. the fact the control and alt key were swapped for years is enough to never get ibm or Lenovo.

[–] holgersson@lemm.ee -1 points 1 year ago

Interested in Linux? Getting a degree in Cyber Security?

A used ThinkPad. The older the better