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Ask HN: Cheap laptop for Linux without GUI (for writing)
markus_zhang 2 hours ago [-]
I agree with a couple of other commentators. Why not a notebook or a typewriter? Looks like you just want to write.
reliefcrew 1 hours 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.

Curiositry 10 hours 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.

reliefcrew 16 hours 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!

david927 18 hours 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.
14 hours ago [-]
mkbkn 2 hours ago [-]
Either a typewriter or a paper notebook
functionmouse 18 hours 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 16 hours 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`

grigio 8 hours ago [-]
used chromebooks like c720p, but usually older laptops do not have excellent battery life
brudgers 13 hours ago [-]
Manual typewriter?
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