Question: Just got a Surface Go; want to install linux (use case details in post) (lemmy.world)

submitted 4 months ago by Adonnen@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Hello, all. I just got handed down a Surface Go (1st gen, 4gb ram), and I want to use it as a note taking machine, document reader, and secondary display for my primary laptop (Framework intel 12th gen running Fedora GNOME).

I have a pen but no keyboard, so any config will be done with a usb keyboard, but usage will be like a tablet.

I have heard I should install GNOME on a tablet. I am generally ok with the 'opinionated' design of GNOME, but does anyone know what performance to expect? Would I be better off with a lightweight distro and de?
What apps can be recommended for stylus notetaking? Would prefer svg output, and simple workflow to export them to my main machine, where I can embed in markdown notebooks
Finally, the secondary display usage. Is this feasible? I know GNOME has RDP support, but my uni's wifi makes that very difficult, and I'd prefer a wired connection if possible. I don't need the stylus to work.

BONUS: If anyone has experience with the proprietary Surface Connect port, can it be adapted to usb c on linux, so that I can transfer power and >= 5gpbs of data? I see usb c adapters online, but they don't mention data; only power delivery.

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[-] Yoddel_Hickory@lemmy.ca 4 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

I have a Surface Go 1 with 8 GB RAM running Aurora-DX, which includes the linux-surface kernel. It works great, and I find that modern KDE works quite well with touch, even though I mostly use it with the type cover attached. I only use the surface connect port for charging, but I do use the single usb-c port with a usb-c hib, and it works well. The Fedora atomic distros work great on little machines like that.

Edit: I'd add that Bluefin is the same with Gnome.

this post was submitted on 09 Jul 2024

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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