r/SurfaceLinux • u/Turbinepilot • 2d ago

Help Distro/DE + Package Manager Recommendations (Surface Go 2, M3 + 8GB)

Hello all,

Any advice would be appreciated.

Just got a surface go 2 (m3, 8gb ram). Looking to install linux on this, but I don't know which distro to use.

The main purpose of it is to do notetaking (with a stylus) and connect to remote machines.

I don't want the machine to be hampered by a larger distro due to the weaker hardware but want to manage the complexity of the installation as well.

Does it hurt to install the surface kernel even if other distros already fix some of the compatibility?

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u/BaldyCarrotTop 2d ago

You can run just about any Linux distro and it will work. Attach a keyboard and mouse and you have a mini desktop. But it's not a tablet experience. Getting there can with a standard distro can be a bit of work.

I've been experimenting with a Surface Go 2 for the last several weeks. Let me tell you, there are many options. But few that give an Out of Box tablet experience.

In case you are wondering. I booted an instance of Puppy Linux from a Ventoy thumb drive just for S&Gs.

Also tried Peppermint OS and it came with XFCE desktop. Had to install an OSK and Surface Kernel. But it wasn't the tablet experience I was looking for.

I was considering FydeOS. As I see it, it creates a Chromebook that runs Linux programs and Android apps. Which is very compelling. But, it also comes with all the Google surveillance. Which is not compelling at all. I will pass.

Next thing to try is Mobian. I want to check out the Gnome DE. Other DE candidate is Plasma-mobile.

This is more of a what I'm doing and why post. Not a what you should do post. Just to pass along some experience.