I’m on the market to buy a new laptop, and Lemmy has successfully coaxed and goaded me to give Linux a serious try.

I’ve never used *nix as my personal OS.

Which hardware/laptop do you recommend? And which OS to pair it with for a Linux newbie?

I’m a software engineer, and quit my job to pursue an MSc in AI. So my uses will be:

  • programming
  • study
  • browsing lemmy
  • gaming
  • dave@hal9000@lemmy.world
    13·
    10 months ago

    I have been eyeing a framework laptop. Just curious how you use the modular ports in your case: do you have different ones you swap sometimes?

    • Marty
      9·
      10 months ago

      2 type c’s and 2 type A USB are in it 99% of the time. I have the HDMI, and display port modules but have rarely used them. I also keep the 2.5Gb Ethernet for when I break the WiFi to get back into the router, and a microsd for when I reflash my raspberry pi’s .

      • maxprime@lemmy.ml
        5·
        10 months ago

        Is there any advantage to having extra ports over a dongle with all of those at once?

        • GorgeousDumpsterFire@lemmy.world
          8·
          10 months ago

          IMO, modular ports is not the main selling point for Framework. I was sold on their commitment to a platform that is repairable/upgradable.

        • Marty
          5·
          10 months ago

          Other than they fit nicely into a pocket in my backpack…no. The main reason I love their product is the reparability aspect, allowing me to swap ports is just a neat feature.

      • dave@hal9000@lemmy.world
        3·
        10 months ago

        I guess that makes sense, I can still just put the dongle I already have for edge cases like plugging into a DisplayPort monitor, needing Ethernet, etc. Also I didn’t realize until someone else commented that they have extra storage ones, that would probably be one for me

    • GorgeousDumpsterFire@lemmy.world
      6·
      10 months ago

      I have a “typical” set of ports (2x USB-C, HDMI, USB-A) that’s on my laptop most of the time. I also have the 2.5GbE adapter that I use occasionally.

    • refreeze@lemmy.world
      5·
      10 months ago

      I keep a copy of Windows installed on a storage card, saves from having to mess about with partitioning for dual booting.