Linux @lemmy.ml Abdoanmes @lemmy.world 3mo ago

Finally coming around to using Linux. How's it on a tablet?

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

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I hate that this post caused a fight here. I appreciate feedback and learning.

If I'm taking something away from this exchange is that immutable distros are a thing I need to understand better. In a way you are both helping me see some other aspects I haven't considered. If I were to go immutable there are some limits on what I can do, though there are some benefits in terms of security and app containerization. Based on some quick research immutable distros have been around but honestly I didn't really know any details. On the other hand it sounds like Ubuntu pushes packages my way and I might want want to explore so other options.

Thanks for the insights and I plan to do a lot more research on how I might proceed. I may have it working on one device, but adopting what is right for my workflow and needs is going to take some more effort. Best.
- Hi. I'm not related to either of the two fighters. I do, however, admire your curiosity. Still, I feel a particular sentence made in this comment of yours has to be nuanced. If this endeavor of mine is not appreciated, then please feel free to notify me however you please.
  
  So, without further a due.
  
  If I were to go immutable there are some limits on what I can do
  
  Strictly speaking, yes.
  
  However, we can categorize these as follows:
  
  Absolutely impossible to accomplish on some 'immutable' distros
  
  Currently impossible to accomplish on some 'immutable' distros. However, it will be fixed eventually.
  
  Currently impossible to accomplish through conventional methods on some 'immutable' distros. However, some experimental features do allow these to be accomplished. But, you might have to learn how.
  
  Furthermore, depending on your needs, you may not even have to deal with anything that's either not or less supported.
  
  Finally, as the use of "some 'immutable' distros" suggests, not all immutable distros are created equally. Therefore, it's actually uninformed to lump all of them in the same category. True; they're referred to as 'immutable'. However, descriptions like atomic, reproducible and declarative are perhaps more useful when comparing one 'immutable' distro to the other.
  
  I'm personally a big fan of 'immutable' distros. However, please don't feel compelled to delve into it as long as you're satisfied with your system.
  
  My two cents. Enjoy!
  
  I have been on Lemmy for awhile and this post has been the one to gain the most traction. Thank you, this helps even further. I scratched the surface of immutable and this further dissects it into deeper "categories". My first thought is that, if I didn't know about immutable distros in the first place (aside from the meaning of the term), I probably wouldn't know what I'm missing or gaining.
  
  My uses for Linux will grow across 3 categories.
  
  Business and office work. Mainly spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and virtual meetings
  
  3D Design, 3D Printing, bitmap and vector graphics editing, coding, and retro video game development
  
  Streaming via OBS, ATEM, webcam, HDMI capture, and various USB inputs and devices.
  
  I have tried building machines on non-tablets and have got 80% of the way there with all 3. The tablet has me 100% with 1 & 2. This all gives me a greater understanding that helps me avoid and research more into the options based on needs.
  
  Thank you for your reply!
  
  Thank you, this helps even further.
  
  It has been my pleasure 😊!
  
  I scratched the surface of immutable and this further dissects it into deeper "categories".
  
  Yup. For your information, 'immutable' distros have only gained popularity relatively recently. In fact, for a long time, it was pretty obscure.
  
  In 2003 we had the initial release of our first 'immutable' distro; NixOS. Then, inspired by it, Guix System was released in 2012. After which, within a couple of years, the distros with connections to enterprise Linux got their first 'immutable' distros:
  
  Fedora in 2014 with Fedora Atomic Host (later CoreOS)
  
  Ubuntu in 2016 with Ubuntu Core
  
  openSUSE in 2017 with openSUSE MicroOS
  
  However, these three were primarily meant for server and/or IoT. Then, in 2018, Fedora released Fedora Atomic Workstation (which later changed its name to Fedora Silverblue). I'd argue we owe the current renaissance of 'immutable' distros to it. And then, inspired by Fedora Silverblue, we've had the release of dozens of 'immutable' distros in the last 2/3 years (including openSUSE MicroOS Desktop (later openSUSE Aeon) in 2021). Ubuntu has yet to release their Ubuntu Core Desktop. Though, it's in active development.
  
  However, even if we'd limit ourselves to the earlier mentioned 'immutable' distros (i.e. Fedora Atomic, Guix System, NixOS, openSUSE MicroOS and Ubuntu Core), we find that they're very different to one another. Heck, by comparison, e.g. Arch, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE and Ubuntu aren't actually that different to each other.
  
  Though, perhaps curiously, we find that at least 80% of the user base of 'immutable' distros are using either Fedora Atomic (and/)or NixOS.
  
  My first thought is that, if I didn't know about immutable distros in the first place (aside from the meaning of the term), I probably wouldn't know what I'm missing or gaining.
  
  Exactly.
  
  My uses for Linux will grow across 3 categories.
  
  Business and office work. Mainly spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and virtual meetings
  
  3D Design, 3D Printing, bitmap and vector graphics editing, coding, and retro video game development
  
  Streaming via OBS, ATEM, webcam, HDMI capture, and various USB inputs and devices.
  
  As far as I can tell, none of these should necessarily bring up problems or troubles on 'immutable' distros.
  
  To give an example of something that's not or less supported on 'immutable' distros: Unified Kernel Image with Secure Boot.
  
  AFAIK, openSUSE Aeon can do it currently. But IIRC, there's no documentation. NixOS can actually do it as well and there's plenty of documentation on it. Fedora Atomic can't yet, but there's active development surrounding it. However, I don't expect this feature on the smaller 'immutable' distros. Hence, for them, I'd regard this as absolutely impossible.
  
  I have tried building machines on non-tablets and have got 80% of the way there with all 3. The tablet has me 100% with 1 & 2.
  
  I'm glad to hear that!
  
  This all gives me a greater understanding that helps me avoid and research more into the options based on needs.
  
  Great! FWIW, if there's anything to take from this interaction, then it's definitely this.
  
  Thank you so much for your time. The amount of effort in your response is amazing and rich with details!
  
  That's the most wholesome reply I've had in some time. Thank you for making my day! I appreciate it 😊!

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