I’m 43 and not really starting using Linux. I’ve dabbled with distros on and off over the years, but I never made the full switch because work always had some program or policy that just wouldn’t play nice with Linux. With all the crappy Microsoft decisions, bloatware, and ads I decided to try and use Linux exclusively on a personal device, and I’m absolutely loving it!

I’ve been working with Ubuntu as my main distro, and I’ve also been playing around with distros on a Raspberry Pi. To really challenge myself, I installed Linux on an old Surface Pro 3, and guess what? It just works! I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the setup was and how well it performs.

I missing any key steps or tips to make the experience even better on a Surface? Any insights would be greatly appreciated. I was planning to buy a new tablet that runs Linux but this is working better than expected. I’m really enjoying the flexibility and control Linux offers and want to keep this momentum going.

I have read up and tried plenty, just looking for some perspectives out there specific to your tablet experiences.

EDIT Thank you for all the suggestions and insights! I’m going to continue using the Ubuntu build for the next few months. Still lots more to learn, but I’m excited to see how this goes. I have everything setup I need to function as a Linux only tablet experience. <sigh of relief> no more dependency on Windoze.

EDIT 2 I have been using Ubuntu for a few weeks and it generally works. The touch has been great but I do notice it is a bit buggy at times and the virtual keyboard leaves a lot to be desired. I did read this article today that talks about their experience more on a Surface Pro 4. https://www.binwang.me/2024-07-12-A-Review-of-Linux-on-Surface-Pro-4.html

  • The Picard Maneuver@lemmy.world
    13·
    6 months ago

    Whoa, I don’t know why I’ve never considered Linux on a tablet. I have a couple that are gathering dust in a closet, and if this is doable, it sounds like a fun project!

    • Abdoanmes@lemmy.worldOP
      17·
      6 months ago

      On this Surface Pro, touch, rotation, and even the pen is working! I didn’t expect it to just work and it is.

            • just_another_person@lemmy.world
              5·
              6 months ago

              Well all the Linux distros you see being discussed in this thread for PCs. There’s a much wider array of driver support in the kernel for x86 related hardware. ARM tablets, especially Samsung devices, have speciality hardware. Honestly, you’ll be lucky if you can get past any bootloader issues on a Samsung.

              • Fonzie!@ttrpg.network
                2·
                6 months ago

                Honestly, you’ll be lucky if you can get past any bootloader issues on a Samsung.

                It was honestly trivial to wipe Samsung’s and install LineageOS on a Galaxy Note 10+ and a Galaxy Tab 7. The bootloader isn’t much of an issue.

                Now, getting a random Linux system to install, rather than an Android system designed for these, sounds live a huge challenge.

            • KrapKake@lemmy.world
              5·
              6 months ago

              Probably, android devices and especially Samsung can be locked down. I don’t know your model though I feel like there are 4,327 variants of “galaxy note”.

      • I'm Hiding 🇦🇺@aussie.zone
        4·
        6 months ago

        I’ve been daily driving a Lenovo X230 tablet for the last four years. I use Xournal++ to take notes with the pen in classes and at work. Works great!

        • Abdoanmes@lemmy.worldOP
          3·
          6 months ago

          Xournal++ is amazing! It’s really the reason a Linux tablet will work for me. I also appreciate using GB Studio and Aseprite with the pen. Makes retro game developing a lot more fun!