I’m 43 and not really starting using Linux. I’ve dabbled with distros on and off over the years, but I never made the full switch because work always had some program or policy that just wouldn’t play nice with Linux. With all the crappy Microsoft decisions, bloatware, and ads I decided to try and use Linux exclusively on a personal device, and I’m absolutely loving it!

I’ve been working with Ubuntu as my main distro, and I’ve also been playing around with distros on a Raspberry Pi. To really challenge myself, I installed Linux on an old Surface Pro 3, and guess what? It just works! I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the setup was and how well it performs.

I missing any key steps or tips to make the experience even better on a Surface? Any insights would be greatly appreciated. I was planning to buy a new tablet that runs Linux but this is working better than expected. I’m really enjoying the flexibility and control Linux offers and want to keep this momentum going.

I have read up and tried plenty, just looking for some perspectives out there specific to your tablet experiences.

EDIT Thank you for all the suggestions and insights! I’m going to continue using the Ubuntu build for the next few months. Still lots more to learn, but I’m excited to see how this goes. I have everything setup I need to function as a Linux only tablet experience. <sigh of relief> no more dependency on Windoze.

EDIT 2 I have been using Ubuntu for a few weeks and it generally works. The touch has been great but I do notice it is a bit buggy at times and the virtual keyboard leaves a lot to be desired. I did read this article today that talks about their experience more on a Surface Pro 4. https://www.binwang.me/2024-07-12-A-Review-of-Linux-on-Surface-Pro-4.html

    • capital@lemmy.world
      2·
      6 months ago

      It was on topic and made perfect sense. What’s funny is that it was in response to you saying”AXSHHALLY you guys shouldn’t suggest immutable distros” because those don’t count as Windows alternatives for reasons?

      If you’re gonna be a prick, at least be correct.

      • just_another_person@lemmy.world
        1·
        6 months ago

        Friend, you’re so up your own ass, you didn’t even read OP’s post. He wasn’t asking for your ill informed recommendation for a distro…

        Why don’t you read it again?

        • capital@lemmy.world
          2·
          6 months ago

          Buddy, I did read it. Allow me to quote in case the OP is too long for you:

          I missing any key steps or tips to make the experience even better on a Surface? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

          Dude is distro hopping and wants general input. Please fuck off.

          • just_another_person@lemmy.world
            2·
            6 months ago

            He says he has Ubuntu installed and is loving it, and just asking if there’s any other things to round out a tablet experience.

            You: ☝️ “why don’t you completely change the thing that is working for you, and even though you didn’t ask, do what I’m suggesting you do because I like it, and it works for my mommy who just uses the web browser. Also, if anyone disagrees with me for evangelizing and giving unsolicited advice, I’m going to call them a prick and argue with them because I’m just special” ☝️ 😤

            • capital@lemmy.world
              2·
              6 months ago

              I hate how OP is gonna have to do whatever we say :(

              That really sucks. I super wish they could just go on using whatever they want :(

              • just_another_person@lemmy.world
                1·
                6 months ago

                I’m sure they wish that too, instead they have people like you just throwing your own BS around a thread where they’re trying to ask for honest suggestions. Sucks.

                • capital@lemmy.world
                  1·
                  6 months ago

                  Ok I don’t actually know if you’re just joking or neurodivergent so as not to not pick up on the sarcasm.

                  OP can do whatever the fuck they want on their device. The worst thing that can happen if they don’t like the suggestion is to close the single extra tab they opened on their browser to read about it.

                  But thank Christ you were here to save him from that catastrophe.

                  • Abdoanmes@lemmy.worldOP
                    2·
                    6 months ago

                    I hate that this post caused a fight here. I appreciate feedback and learning.

                    If I’m taking something away from this exchange is that immutable distros are a thing I need to understand better. In a way you are both helping me see some other aspects I haven’t considered. If I were to go immutable there are some limits on what I can do, though there are some benefits in terms of security and app containerization. Based on some quick research immutable distros have been around but honestly I didn’t really know any details. On the other hand it sounds like Ubuntu pushes packages my way and I might want want to explore so other options.

                    Thanks for the insights and I plan to do a lot more research on how I might proceed. I may have it working on one device, but adopting what is right for my workflow and needs is going to take some more effort. Best.