Ask HN: Cheap laptop for Linux without GUI (for writing)

15 points | by locusofself 3 days ago

14 comments

  • reliefcrew 3 days ago
    Old thinkpads are usually pretty good.

    If you're looking at a chromebook I suggest doing research on the specific model first. Esp. by looking here... https://docs.mrchromebox.tech/docs/supported-devices.html

    Old MS Surface tablets are also decent options IMHO... https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/wiki/Supporte...

    I'm presently writing on a Surface 3 w/ x7-Z8700 atom that's running Ubuntu Noble and vanilla 6.8 kernel. They're about $50. Everything works rather well (including gfx/audio/sleep/hibernate), except the camera, which I haven't bothered with. I'm quite happy w/ it tbh.

    One thing to note w/ this model is you'll need the OEM keyboard to install linux since there's only one usb port; which will be required by the install media. Once you've installed though you can use any bluetooth or usb keyboard you want. Another thing is any micro-usb charger should work but I wouldn't rely on just 1amp, go w/ a 3amp.

    Anyway, happy hunting!

    • nicoloren 2 days ago
      I am using CudaText [0] with the Distraction Free mode [1] to have a full screen editor "always on" the weekend when I write (on Windows 11, but it should work on Linux).

      There is also a full screen mode plugin on GVim [2] but I haven't tested it.

      [0] https://cudatext.github.io/ [1] https://wiki.freepascal.org/CudaText#Full-screen_mode [2] https://github.com/lambdalisue/vim-fullscreen

      • Curiositry 3 days ago
        I haven’t actually tried step three yet, but:

        1. Kobo ereaders are dirt cheap at thrift stores (and run Linux)

        2. KOreader is simple to install (I have done this)

        3. KOReader has a text editor + terminal built in, and has a setting to switch to USB-OTG mode, which should allow you to plug in a USB-C hub, and a mechanical keyboard.

        Boom! Internet connected e-ink writing tablet with excellent battery life, and the best keyboard you have, for ~$5-100.

        • apothegm 1 day ago
          Depending on what you consider to be a good keyboard, an older MacBook Pro or air? One of the pre-butterfly models or a last-gen intel machine.
          • functionmouse 3 days ago
            Used n4120 hp stream 11 maybe, should be sub-$100 and more than 8 hours battery. I don't know how sleep/wake works from a text mode TTY machine if that's what you mean.
            • reliefcrew 3 days ago
              > I don't know how sleep/wake works from a text mode TTY machine if that's what you mean.

              Usually, I expect, by just issuing a command... e.g. `systemctl suspend`

            • david927 3 days ago
              An older ThinkPad is a great choice. Sometimes when a company goes out of business or upgrade, they dump a bunch of laptops and you can get used ThinkPads on the cheap.
              • achairapart 2 days ago
                Without Linux, just for writing: https://valentine.getfreewrite.com/
                • markus_zhang 3 days ago
                  I agree with a couple of other commentators. Why not a notebook or a typewriter? Looks like you just want to write.
                  • reliefcrew 3 days ago
                    Obviously I can't speak for op, but... spellcheck and copy/paste alone make paper more difficult to work with.

                    Basically, writing involves a lot of re-writing and revision. Electronic documents make that easier.

                    • markus_zhang 2 days ago
                      That's a fair point, although I'd just cross them out and write a clean version afterwards. Writing with pen is faster and easier than anything else, I have found that out. I can easily draw schemes and charts at any place, any page. It's just a lot easier than using a computer -- unless I'm using a pad and write on it.
                      • reliefcrew 2 days ago
                        It certainly depends on the kind of writing too. Very technical writing should benefit from a computer. Poetry... probably not as much.
                  • gnatman 2 days ago
                    i highly recommend looking at an alphasmart neo or neo2. it’s a “can’t live without” tool in my daily life.
                    • mkbkn 3 days ago
                      Either a typewriter or a paper notebook
                      • grigio 3 days ago
                        used chromebooks like c720p, but usually older laptops do not have excellent battery life
                        • brudgers 3 days ago
                          Manual typewriter?