Hey all. I’ve recently swapped to Linux and I’ve been really enjoying it so far. I’m still pretty new to basically every aspect of it, though, so I’m not super sure what things I should be wary of with regard to hardware, in particular with Mint.

I was looking at buying a newer laptop to keep up with my main game, but it occurred to me that newer hardware may come with either a host of issues or be less supported than older hardware.

Any advice for laptops in this regard?

  • utopiah@lemmy.ml
    4·
    10 hours ago

    I’m using a 10 years old Razer Blade Stealth 13 on Debian and so far no only minor problems with it.

    Consequently my advice is :

    • do you actually “need” a new one or do you just “want” one? if the later then could be 2nd hand
    • if you do then share either what your “main game” is or what its requirements are, because e.g Slay the Spire runs on nearly anything
    • do not buy something brand new unless you are ready to tinker, consider something a year old
    • whatever you do, check online review specifically on Linux installations, that will let you know if something somehow (typically inconsequential, e.g. LED tweaking) requires proprietary software
    • consider buying directly from a Linux pre-installed vendor, this way you are 100% sure it will work (but it’s typically not cheap)
    • MissesAutumnRains@lemmy.blahaj.zoneOP
      2·
      7 hours ago

      My go-to is FFXIV, but I run it with a pretty large number of mods, which is what is hard to keep up with on my current laptop. Between that and just not being able to play any modern game, (in particular, I wanted to be able to play the new Silent Hill F), it’s definitely more of a want, but it’s a pretty strong want. 😅

      My current laptop is about 6 years old, and it’s getting to the point where my frame rate during raids is dipping below 60 frames quite frequently, even with the minimum settings, which is what got me looking at upgrading.

      I’ll look at Linux pre-installed vendors, though, I hadn’t thought about that. And the year old tech is a super good tip also, thanks!