Hello all,

I’m in the market for buying a new laptop to install Linux on. I’m trying to stay with something relatively cheap (Around $300 and below). I’m getting ready to start a degree program in cyber security and did some research, and it seems Kali Linux would be the best distro for me to install.

I would install it on my current computer, but I only have a 2015 MacBook Pro, and I’ve read that a few people run into some issues installing on a Mac compared to a regular PC.

With the above in mind, do I need to increase my budget or does Linux run fine on low-end laptops?

Thanks!

  • BigTrout75@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    3 years ago

    I have a cheap Acer laptop with AMD and it works great. I’m dual booting with Windows. I do remember having to struggle with the install though. I had to turn off secure boot and can’t remember what else. Good luck.

  • Communist@lemmy.mlEnglish
    1·
    2 years ago

    Definitely the framework laptop, check it out, it’s completely modular, thin, light, performant, and insanely repairable, they even include qr codes on every part to help replace them and they will ship the device to you with no os for a discount and disassembled for a much bigger discount.

  • Thermal_shocked@lemmy.world
    1·
    2 years ago

    I’d check local places like offerup. can get business laptops for cheap when places refresh. there are a few people around me selling 3-4 year old dells with i5/i7, nvme, etc. take a Linux USB and install it on site before you buy to test. they’re more than enough specwise for daily use or testing. often sub $300

  • sebnil@infosec.pubEnglish
    0·
    3 years ago

    Purchase an extra memory stick for your existing laptop and run your tools on a virtual machine. Very few utilities require an physical machine.

    Edit: MBP 2015 is not memory upgradable. But I believe my statement is still your best option.

  • guacho@lemmy.worldEnglish
    11·
    3 years ago

    Just to reinforce what all the thread is saying: used Thinkpad in ebay. I would search for a x270/x280/t470/t480. This depends in screen size.

    Why these models? They are the last ones that allow you ti upgrade your RAM, so when you have a bit more money you can upgrade. Also, these are old but not ancient, so they can still be relevant for some time.

    On the other hand, if you have more budget, the best Linux laptops are the frame.work, but they’re expensive, although they’re reparable and upgradable, so I guess that depends on how you see it.

    Finally, Kali is not a daily use distro. If you have time to waste (or invest) then you can go hardcore and straight to Arch Linux. If you want to have an easier journey you can start with PopOs!

    Good luck on your journey!!

  • holgersson@lemm.eeEnglish
    01·
    3 years ago

    Interested in Linux? Getting a degree in Cyber Security?

    A used ThinkPad. The older the better