Linux on Mac platform
Linux on Mac platform
Recommended ARM Linux distros as of November 23rd.
Top picks in order:
1. Arch Linux ARM
2. Debian ARM
3. Linux Mint Debian Edition
4. armbian
5. Void Linux
6. Manjaro ARM
7. openSUSE Leap
8. Fedora ARM
9. openSUSE Tumbleweed
10. Gentoo Linux
11. postmarketOS
12. Alpine Linux
13. Parrot GNU/Linux
14. SliTaz
15. Ubuntu Mate
For beginners, I’d choose #3 then #2. Linux offers many live boot options, letting you test before committing hardware.
I was thinking about purchasing a used laptop. My intention was to get a Mac because of its design. I appreciate the construction, though I don’t think it’s worth the investment in software.
What model of Mac do you own? If it's Intel-based, it functions similarly to running Linux on a standard PC (unless the T2 chip restricts it to a virtual environment). If it's ARM, the only distro you can install directly is Asahi Linux without needing a virtual machine.
Using laptops and Macs on Linux usually results in less efficient Wi-Fi drivers, requiring more power while offering shorter range. Battery performance tends to be lower compared to the original operating system that comes pre-installed. Please be informed of this.
Unless it's an old one you're getting for a great price, don't buy a Mac just to put Linux on it. I think macOS is excellent and a great OS, but Apple's ARM hardware isn't (currently) supported by any Linux distro for a bare metal install. If you want a nice Linux laptop get a ThinkPad. If you want to buy a Mac, run macOS on it.
Asahi Linux is still in progress for ARM Mac support, and it's already available.