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submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by away2thestars@programming.dev to c/foss@beehaw.org

Looking to draw with a pen straight on the screen, and being able to run kubuntu for example so that I can install aseprite for instance

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[-] harasho@beehaw.org 26 points 2 years ago

You could get a surface and install your favorite flavor yourself: https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface

[-] away2thestars@programming.dev 6 points 2 years ago

Is it easy enough? Like installing in a normal pc?

[-] harasho@beehaw.org 11 points 2 years ago

Disclaimer I've never done it myself but I've looked into it in the past. It doesn't seem like its too overly complicated. Just be sure to check out their features per device when deciding which surface to go with: https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/wiki/Supported-Devices-and-Features#feature-matrix

[-] ScruffyDux@kbin.social 10 points 2 years ago

I've done it on a Surface Go and while the install can be a bit more of a pain, once it's done it's a great little Linux unit.

Two PITA points are it doesn't have a normal BIOS so sometimes it won't boot from USB normally and you have to go into Windows and use it's Advanced Startup process to make it work. That then means you might have to keep Windows on dual boot.

The other PITA this can cause is you might also need to install a boot manager like rEFInd to get it to boot into your distro properly. I found I needed this with Kubuntu but not Manjaro, for whatever reason.

Both issues are a pain, but not difficult, just annoying. And once it's done you don't have to think about it again.

[-] fraydabson@kbin.social 5 points 2 years ago

Don’t get a surface book! I know it’s a laptop not a tablet but using Linux on it has been a nighthmare.

[-] Altomes@lemm.ee 4 points 2 years ago

I’ve done it across a handful of surface products I’d say that if you’re comfortable using Linux it’ll be just fine

[-] kamin@lemmy.kghorvath.com 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Yes, the only difference really is installing their custom kernel afterwards to enable missing features like touchscreen support.

It works pretty well, the only big thing still missing is camera support which will probably get solved soon.

[-] WastedJobe@feddit.de 2 points 2 years ago

You install Linux normally first and then install the surface kernel after. Until then you can't use the pen and touch is limited. You'll probably need at least 2 free usb slots on the surface though, one for the isntallation medium and one for an external keyboard. If you don't have a usb c dock, you'll need to figure out how to get a linux iso on a usb that includes the surface kernel, which is possible but fairly compicated compared to the usual installation.

this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2023
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