Re: Atypical migration to Trixie
On 8/16/25 10:30 AM, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote:
On Sat, Aug 16, 2025 at 06:41:41AM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
I currently have Debian 12.8 on a Dell Latitude [4GB RAM, 150GB disk] which
I purchased as a refurbished machine years ago.
The local Staples has a sale on of overstocked laptops. There is a selection
of Lenovo [used the brand before] and HP [used their instrumentation in the
70's] machines. All have at least 8GB of RAM and suitably large disk
capacity.
I use lots of Lenovo - but mostly Thinkpad. Do watch out for something with
small amounts of memory / inbuilt disk that is not upgradeable.
[You *can* run Trixie on 4G of memory and 128G of disk - typical of older
Chromebook-like machines where the disk is a fixed size flash disk
and not upgradeable but it's not pleasant.)
That says Trixie is likely the last OS for my current machine.
Very useful info. Thank you.
As I'm over 80 and I bought my last "brand new" computer in daze of
WinXP, being upgradeable is not a priority. I'll want something that
eventually may have Debian 14 or 15.
https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch03s04.en.html etc is not
very useful. "Table 3.2. Recommended Minimum System Requirements" states
that a 10GB is sufficient for a system with Desktop.
I'm looking for an idea of what size disk would be pleasant/comfortable.
All are capable of running Trixie.
For the best experience what options should I favor?
"Laptop" is the only form factor of interest.
Screen size is not an issues as I primarily use an external 18" display
driven by arandr.
At least one machine offers a very large SSD. Potential problem(s)?
Define "very large" - for perspective, this machine has a 2TB NVME.
For perspective, I rarely use more than 2/3 of my 2GB monthly data cap.
For the record my first desktops were a PET and later a Kaypro-10 *GRIN*
Easily impressed by any "TB" ;}
After the new machine is operational I will address partitioning issues of
my current machine and do a "from scratch" install of Trixie.
Comments?
Any questions I haven't thought to ask?
TIA
Take the model numbers and go look up reviews on line / check *exactly*
what WiFi adapter, memory options are available?
I avoid WiFi. Though my internet connection device is sold by T-Mobile
as a WiFi Hotspot, I keep its WiFi function disabled. But your comment
does remind me to check that the machine's USB port(s) are compatible
with my peripherals.
Ask if you can take a Debian Live image on USB and try it, maybe - unlikely
but you won't know unless you ask.
Putting Linux on will almost certainly void warranties / care plan -
what's their best price for a laptop without included care plan? Are
they prepared to bargain prices?
The prices seem to be near what I would expect to pay for a refurbished
machine.
All best,
Andy
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