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

  • just_another_person@lemmy.world
    12·
    6 months ago

    Friend, you’re so up your own ass, you didn’t even read OP’s post. He wasn’t asking for your ill informed recommendation for a distro…

    Why don’t you read it again?

    • capital@lemmy.world
      21·
      6 months ago

      Buddy, I did read it. Allow me to quote in case the OP is too long for you:

      I missing any key steps or tips to make the experience even better on a Surface? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

      Dude is distro hopping and wants general input. Please removed off.

      • just_another_person@lemmy.world
        22·
        6 months ago

        He says he has Ubuntu installed and is loving it, and just asking if there’s any other things to round out a tablet experience.

        You: ☝️ “why don’t you completely change the thing that is working for you, and even though you didn’t ask, do what I’m suggesting you do because I like it, and it works for my mommy who just uses the web browser. Also, if anyone disagrees with me for evangelizing and giving unsolicited advice, I’m going to call them a prick and argue with them because I’m just special” ☝️ 😤

        • capital@lemmy.world
          21·
          6 months ago

          I hate how OP is gonna have to do whatever we say :(

          That really sucks. I super wish they could just go on using whatever they want :(

          • just_another_person@lemmy.world
            12·
            6 months ago

            I’m sure they wish that too, instead they have people like you just throwing your own BS around a thread where they’re trying to ask for honest suggestions. Sucks.

            • capital@lemmy.world
              12·
              6 months ago

              Ok I don’t actually know if you’re just joking or neurodivergent so as not to not pick up on the sarcasm.

              OP can do whatever the removed they want on their device. The worst thing that can happen if they don’t like the suggestion is to close the single extra tab they opened on their browser to read about it.

              But thank Christ you were here to save him from that catastrophe.

              • Abdoanmes@lemmy.worldOP
                21·
                6 months ago

                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.

                • poki@discuss.online
                  3·
                  6 months ago

                  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!

                  • Abdoanmes@lemmy.worldOP
                    2·
                    6 months ago

                    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.

                    1. Business and office work. Mainly spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and virtual meetings

                    2. 3D Design, 3D Printing, bitmap and vector graphics editing, coding, and retro video game development

                    3. 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.