Hello linix@lemmy, I got fixed on the idea of replacing my iPad with a 2in1 like the thibkpad X13 for uni since I use the keyboard with my iPad a lot. The only time I need to take handwritten notes is in chemistry, mathematics and to annotate PDFs. Does anyone here have experience with convertibles running Linux? What would be the best one for palm rejection and writing?

I was unable to find reviews on reasonably modern hardware. Until now I have my eyes set on an Thinkpad X13 since it is Ubuntu certified at least. Thanks :)

  • PropaGandalf@lemmy.world
    9·
    2 years ago

    I’m using a Dell Inspiron 2in1 and from the linux side everything runs great. In the three years I have this laptop I tried multiple distros and all worked fine. Besides that the biggest problem was to find a program to make handwritten notes. I really recommend Rnote as it has matured very well over this year and is the only option if you need an infinite canvas to draw on.

    I can’t recommend you the hardware tho as it is really aweful. The trackpad gets stuck sometimes and does not come back up with the keyboard showing the same symptoms now, the aluminum chassis gets greasy really fast and the hinges aren’t the best either. Also you must use the cheapest version of all Dell pens because the screen is only compatible with that one pen.

  • ShortN0te@lemmy.ml
    81·
    2 years ago

    The thinkpad yogas (at least the models i worked with) work just fine with Linux (Except maybe the fingerprint reader but i never bothered to get it working).

    When you need a software recommendation for handwriting/annotating then i strongly recommend xournal++. Imho the best there is and i prefer it over any windows application (onenote sucks balls). Have used it for 5-6 years now.

    • cdk@lemmy.mlBanned
      1·
      2 years ago

      I use a thinkpad x1 yoga 4th gen with Ubuntu 23.10. Works great. Palm rejection has given me a couple problems, but only sometimes… I have not had time to troubleshoot yet though. I tried xournal++ first but was very unhappy, then tried the snap version of onenote which was much worse and landed on Rnote. Rnote is great!

    • the_tab_key@lemmy.world
      1·
      2 years ago

      I second a Thinkpad yoga. I’ve been using the x11 version for about a year now and it’s fantastic. My fingerprint reader also works (kubuntu 23.04/10)

    • AlijahTheMediocre@lemmy.world
      1·
      2 years ago

      I have a 2-in-1 Lenovo Yoga 6 13" that I’ve installed Linux on. I’ve given up on the fingerprint reader working. The part manufacturer doesnt make drivers for Linux nor do they provide the necessary information for someone to make one themselves.

  • Prunebutt@feddit.de
    2·
    2 years ago

    There’s a quite active community of people running linux on surface devices back on reddit.

  • Fisch@lemmy.ml
    2·
    2 years ago

    I’m using the HP Envy x360 convertible 15-eu[some numbers I don’t remember]. It’s working pretty good. Only things that don’t work are the fingerprint reader and it doesn’t detect when you flip it over automatically but I just use a GNOME extension that allows me to manually toggle the onscreen keyboard.

  • glasgitarrewelt@feddit.de
    2·
    2 years ago

    I bought a Microsoft Surface Book 2 when I wasn’t converted yet. BUT: now it kind of rules. There is a custom Linux Kernel for Surface devices, everything except the camera works now. That means especially: attach and detach the screen from the Keyboard and use the pen with all it’s features.

    I wouldn’t buy a surface device now, because I don’t want to support Microsoft. But if you find a Book 2 for cheap, this would be a possible solution to your search.

  • KISSmyOS@lemmy.world
    1·
    2 years ago

    I have experience with a Fujitsu Lifebook U9310x.
    My general advice would be, if you’re going to use Linux on a convertible, install Fedora. It has the best and newest implementation of Gnome, and Gnome has the best support for convertible, touchscreen and on-screen keyboard support.
    On Fedora, the experience was almost as good as on Windows, whereas I had issues with Debian not correctly switching modes when I fold the keyboard back, not popping up the onscreen keyboard and not correctly rotating the screen.

    Disclaimer: I haven’t tested Ubuntu because I personally dislike it. But if it’s certified for your hardware, that would be the first thing I’d try.

    Hardware advice: Don’t get a Fujitsu Lifebook U for writing. The keyboard sucks badly, to the point where about every 50th keystroke simply doesn’t register. There’s a Lifebook E convertible now which is more budget-friendly and has a better keyboard, but it’s too thick and heavy for use as a tablet.
    Thinkpads consistently have the best Linux support, so that’s what I’d have bought if I hadn’t got a 60% discount on the Fujitsu from work.

  • steal_your_face@lemmy.mlEnglish
    1·
    2 years ago

    Back in the day I used a surface pro 3 dual booting windows and linux. Linux didn’t have the drivers to support the pen back then so I used windows and one note for note taking.

  • Macros@feddit.de
    1·
    2 years ago

    I had good experiences with the Zenbook-Flip Series from Asus. Linux support is great, build quality too. It even survived a big drop with only the screen falling out, but still working. I just inserted it again. Battery life is also great which is perfect for university.

    Palm rejection did not work reliable however. I just got used to disable the touchpad with a keycombo whenever I started typing longer passages of text.

  • Daeraxa@lemmy.ml
    1·
    2 years ago

    I have a thinkpad yoga x380 and although I dont use the stylus or tablet mode very often, it works really well when I do. Running fedora 38.