What do you think the obvious use case of the device ia then? It runs Linux, has pogo-ecpansion and is obviously niché as is. I would argue that it’s a device developed by Linux users/developers for Linux users/developers. In this case an Ethernet post is on brand as you said yourself. No matter if you think it’s “out of touch” or not, whatever you mean by that.

How can this possibly present a problem? People with specific needs developing new hardware - seems like a great idea to me. I can definetly see a use for this sort of device for network people. It could function as a travel router when needed. Another more obacure use could be penetration testing. Just because you can’t imagine a use case doesn’t mean it’s useless.

No problem. It probably won’t be the one you end up with if you stick to Linux for a couple of years but as I said don’t distro-hop. The big jump is the one to Linux. The difference between distributions isn’t that important. Good luck!

I’d say don’t over think it. Just pick a distribution and try to stick with it. The vast choices is also a curse for newcomers. It definitely delayed my journey by years going back to Windows.

Start with something well supported, I’d pick Mint.

Get games or whatever you use the computer for the most to work OK. Nvidia don’t like Linux, pick AMD.

Be prepared to give up some old habits instead of forcing windows software on Linux. For example I had to give up Lightroom and as a photography hobbyist it was hard at first. Now I use Darktable and the switch back to Lightroom today seems equally hard.

So in short. Install a beginner friendly distro and get the most important stuff working and begin using the computer as much as possible.

I’d say popos. It’s very polished and they are both developers as well as hardware people. It works very well. For servers I’d go with Ubuntu, but not for desktops.