Beachcomber
New Member
My old HP Pavilion 2015 (Windows 10) laptop is on its last legs, and I'm worried it's going to break soon and leave me stuck. For a while now I've been thinking of getting Linux as my next OS, as I hate Windows with a passion and I don't want Windows 11. I've avoided the idea of getting a new laptop for a while because (aside from the fact I'm on an Extreme budget) there are certain things I don't like about new laptops. First and foremost, I use an ethernet cable, and new laptops don't seem to have the socket anymore. I also want a CD drive. And I just generally don't like all the bells and whistles AI smart crap that new tech seems to be loaded up with now. Basically, I'm a luddite, and I just want a basic machine that allows me to do what I need to do as simply as possible.
So that said, I'm sitting here looking at refurbished laptops, with the thought of running it with Linux Mint (because it looks the easiest - correct me if I'm wrong!). But I have No Idea what I'm looking at. I understand I need at least 4GB, but beyond that I don't know what I need. I currently use my laptop for managing my small Folsky shop, organising stock photos, for word processing and spreadsheets, and generally getting online. I don't do gaming or anything like that.
I'm seeing laptops with Mint and Ubuntu pre-installed - is that better than getting one with a different OS and installing Linux myself?
There are so many to choose from - can anyone recommend a specific brand or model? Also, there are a lot of sites selling refurbished laptops - can anyone recommend a trustworthy seller? I'm in the UK.
Any and all pointers appreciated!
So that said, I'm sitting here looking at refurbished laptops, with the thought of running it with Linux Mint (because it looks the easiest - correct me if I'm wrong!). But I have No Idea what I'm looking at. I understand I need at least 4GB, but beyond that I don't know what I need. I currently use my laptop for managing my small Folsky shop, organising stock photos, for word processing and spreadsheets, and generally getting online. I don't do gaming or anything like that.
I'm seeing laptops with Mint and Ubuntu pre-installed - is that better than getting one with a different OS and installing Linux myself?
There are so many to choose from - can anyone recommend a specific brand or model? Also, there are a lot of sites selling refurbished laptops - can anyone recommend a trustworthy seller? I'm in the UK.
Any and all pointers appreciated!