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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Any suggestions for cheap but decent laptops for coding? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm currently learning how to code (currently Python, then maybe JavaScript), but I'm not always around my desktop, and learning on my phone is not always an option (also, it can be quite cumbersome at times). Therefore, I'm looking into purchasing a laptop just for learning how to code and stuff.

I don't want to get a Chromebook because I want to be able to wipe the drive and install Linux on it (probably Linux Mint). Maybe it's changed since 2013, but the last time I had a Chromebook, it was a pain in the ass to install even bog-standard Ubuntu on it.

Problem is, I'm also heavily limited by space & budget: no more than 11 in (280 mm) total laptop width and 330 USD base price.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Please forgive me if this is not the right space for this kind of question. Lemme know if it is and I'll delete it. :)

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago (2 children)

That's a good idea! Do I need to know any coding or soldering to set up a Raspberry Pi?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 months ago (1 children)

No. Just have to burn the OS image to an SD card and plug everything up.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

Ooh, nice. That seems like a great initial step for just being in the learning phase. I'm gonna look into this! Thank you! :)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

No, just download Raspbian (Debian for RaPi) or any other popular distribution on your main computer and copy it to your RaPi's SD card. Oh and if your mouse "lags" - you can increase your mouse refresh rate in settings.

Also while the setup obviously works and does its job (and is really fun to use) it's probably not better than a laptop. It's more of a thing you use because you can...

...anyway, if you already have some of the parts it's the cheapest you can get, and it is just as practical as a laptop. I already had a pi4 with case, a keyboard and a mouse, so only was missing a portable monitor and a powerbank (but buying a powerbank never is a bad idea anyway).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

Thanks for the tip! Sounds promising!