Hi, I've been searching for a Linux tablet/convertible to use at school and university for quite a while and would like to hear your recommendations, if you have any.
I have a pretty strict set of requirements, those are:
- 6GB RAM
- 4 core CPU
- stylus support
- magnetic keyboard with German layout
- somewhat reasonable battery life (6h of note taking would be great)
I will mostly use the device for coding, taking notes, web browsing, document editing and watching stuff online. I am not afraid to do some work to get my device to be usable (e.g. port an Android driver if really necessary), but would prefer to be able to use the device as fast as possible (as one can probably imagine). I do not expect a perfectly usable out-of-the-box experience, as I know that's not to be expected with mobile Linux. My maximum budget is 700€, but that does not mean I necessarily want to spend that much.
Some devices I've found specifically made to run Linux: PineTab 2: No stylus support, not for me. FydeTab Duo: No German layout, not being shipped yet (and kind of unclear when it will) Starlite Mk 5: Really cool device imo, but there are no reviews as it hasn't been shipped yet
I've also been exploring the PostmarketOS devices page a bit, but only found the Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro which looks good so far, but I might have to reach out to the device maintainer to find out more about the bluetooth status.
Edit: You’ve all recommended x86 devices/convertibles (which kind of makes sense) and I also found some of them:
- Surface devices: seem to work pretty well, although I would prefer not to support Microsoft
- IdeaPad Flex and Duet: Both seem like good deals, the Duet 5i looks especially interesting to me as it’s more of a "true tablet"
Are some of you daily driving Linux tablets? Do you recommend doing this at all? Do you have device recommendations? Thank you all a lot for your time and effort!
I think most folks touched on the main ones as well as what you posted. The Librem 11 could potentially be something else to look at, but not sure about the German layout and price is above budget. Theoretically you could also look at doing a Steam Deck with a bluetooth keyboard, although the screen may be a bit on the small side, but would be well within budget even with buying a separate keyboard.
Personally I haven’t had much experience with Linux based tablets. I would say the guy who mentioned converting the surface 3 to a Linux tablet would probably be the best bet for the set of requirements you’re looking at
I'd be very sceptical about the Librem 11 just because it's created by the same company as the "Liberty Phone" which is a complete scam