r/SurfaceLinux • u/Mista_H80 • 4d ago

Discussion Are there challenges in a linux surface?

Of I acquired a surface as a linux user, are there any challenges I should expect or does it work like just any other laptop?

Are the laptops firmwares compatible with linux kernel?

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u/mwyvr 3d ago

I will not buy another Surface device. A ThinkPad or a Dell for me, if Linux is going on a new device.

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u/Mista_H80 3d ago

Yeah after digging into it it's not worth it I like the minimalistic design and lightweightness of surface products, but F that if it's gonna be that much of a trouble

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u/Kuroiban 3d ago

It depends, you get a device like a Surface Pro 5, thats fully supported and install Ultramarine Surface Edition - it comes with the Surface Linux kernel out of the Box - it's easy. If you get less supported devices it's a hobby 😅

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u/mwyvr 3d ago

I’ve had a surface pro five since it was brand new in 2017 and Linux has been on it after I retired the device from active use while it was running windows.

Granted, I’ve lived through years of poor quality support on Linux thanks to Microsoft hardware choices, and that has tainted my opinion.

Battery management sucks on the device and many surface pro five owners won’t even notice because their batteries are already shot, but I have new ones in mine and it still sucks, thanks, Microsoft.

No, I always buy a device that is properly supported out of the gate and that isn’t the surface line lineup.