Choose Windows 11 or an Ubuntu/Pop-OS setup for entry-level laptops.
Choose Windows 11 or an Ubuntu/Pop-OS setup for entry-level laptops.
You're evaluating performance improvements by switching from Windows 11 to Ubuntu or PopOS. Your i3-1005G1 struggles with Windows, so these alternatives might offer a noticeable boost.
It varies based on the flavor you select. Gnome and KDE both require a reasonably solid system because they use many compositing effects (though neither is as demanding as Windows), but options like Cinnamon or Mate offer visual appeal with less resource usage. For even better performance, XFCE can run smoothly on minimal hardware, or you might opt for a tiling window manager if you're willing to sacrifice some ease of use until you understand it.
it's an unusual combination. I recently installed Linux on a very basic desktop that worked fine with Windows 10, but it required significant system resources, limiting my capabilities. I then tried Xubuntu, and it clearly uses fewer resources, allowing me to stream in 1080p without issues. On the other hand, the interface feels less refined compared to Windows—navigating folders, using the start menu, adjusting settings all seem slower. Boot times aren’t great either. Regarding Windows 11, my work laptop is the only one I have, and I plan to keep it that way until it becomes stable. It shouldn’t be surprising if crashes are routine, sleep functions behave unpredictably, or basic apps like Notepad freeze unexpectedly.
Before purchasing a basic computer, verify online if it faces common issues with Linux compatibility. Remember to keep your main system intact—opt for dual booting or using an external storage device. Edited April 23, 2022 by FUIT1985
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm considering moving to Linux because my current laptop has a 256GB NVMe SSD, 8GB DDR4 3200Mhz RAM, and the i3-1005G1 processor. The Windows system is slowing me down, especially with Antimalware and the Windows Manager causing performance issues. It also feels like RAM usage spikes even when I don’t do much, and Sysmain is disabled to prevent preloading programs. These problems are similar to what others experienced with more powerful laptops, though they’re more obvious on entry-level machines. Rolling back to Windows 10 isn’t an option because the laptop came with Windows 11.
Manjaro would likely feel similar to PopOS and Ubuntu in terms of learning curve, as it builds on Arch Linux foundations.
Manjaro is straightforward, and the package manager performs well. There’s plenty of useful documentation available if you need assistance, particularly on the Arch Wiki. For additional apps, you can install the Snap Store or KDE Discover.