Me running Linux Mint on Macbook airs from 2011 (bookworm) and 2020 (mint). Runs perfect. Only the webcam doesn't work on the newer Mac, which is an advantage anyway.
Never MacOS again.
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Would you buy a MacBook just to put Linux on it? Is the hardware worth it?
I was considering it before, but went with a Dell instead.
I'll agree MacBooks are nice hardware. I still use a 2014 MBA running MX Linux for light tasks. It's on its 3rd battery replacement and it's running great. Intel variants are well supported by Linux. Install mbpfan daemon and you're good to go.
I think the whole command vs control thing would mess with me but not too badly. I wish I could justify getting one just to try it out. But I don't really need another laptop 😬
Maybe a smol one 🤔
That's why I like the air. Small, fairly rugged with the all aluminum chassis. Good for throwing in a backpack if I need something on site for quick browsing or terminal access 👍
On Linux command is just the super key. Ctrl is in a weird location, so I remap capslock to ctrl and it works out 👍
Would you recommend a newer air or maybe a refurbished air from a few years ago? I'm completely unfamiliar with apple's lineup.
I do the same actually. So it wouldn't really be a problem at all.
Any Intel based Air should work fine. You can even get ssd adapters to use regular nvme drives. I did that and got a 4x read, 2x write io boost.
Newer models are all arm based and Linux options are not as good on those AFAIK
Thanks 🙏
Thats wild. Like you replace the SSD inside with nvme?
Yes, exactly.
Something like these. It's just a mechanical adapter that makes the pinouts compatible. Apple had their own special drive connector because they are a garbage company, and wanted to overcharge for storage. China to the rescue.
Amazon.com: Macbook Ssd Adapter
Amazon.com: macbook ssd adapter