Tablet / ChromeBook / laptop for tech hobby?

Hi all,

I’m thinking of getting a new tablet so that I’m not tied to my desk for hobby type projects.
I have a Mac as my main computer that I can use when I really need power and screen size, but for hobby things I’d rather work from the couch or table or art studio so I can be around my SuperArtGirl more.

I’m thinking an Android tablet gives the most choice and might be more compatible with external hardware.

I don’t know much about ChromeOS, but am curious what it can do.

We’re pretty much locked into Apple for everything else, so it might make sense to just go iPad in that it integrates with everything else.

Maybe upgrading my iPhone 8 Plus to something with a bigger screen might work? But then it would still have to be very portable, like pocket sized!

Mostly I’m wondering if a tablet allows me to work directly with Arduino and things like the Pi Pico, and tools like usb capable oscilloscopes and microscopes. Maybe the occasional 3D slicing and transfer to SD card for the printer, or run the CNC.

Maybe some functions can be sent to a Raspberry pi for final handling.

I feel like a laptop might be too big for general around the house browsing use.

What do you recommend?

Thanks!

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dramoz over 3 years ago

I have a Surface 3 running Linux Mint, and it works like a charm. I just saw this: https://www.slashgear.com/782265/surface-go-with-linux-review-almost-the-perfect-open-source-notepad/
BTW I got mine second-hand, and it works pretty well. The battery is ~3hr, but for my needs is OK.

I think for what you need a Surface Go running Ubuntu will be OK. Depending on where you are, take a look at used tablets. Sometimes you get lucky.
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dramoz over 3 years ago

I have a Surface 3 running Linux Mint, and it works like a charm. I just saw this: https://www.slashgear.com/782265/surface-go-with-linux-review-almost-the-perfect-open-source-notepad/
BTW I got mine second-hand, and it works pretty well. The battery is ~3hr, but for my needs is OK.

I think for what you need a Surface Go running Ubuntu will be OK. Depending on where you are, take a look at used tablets. Sometimes you get lucky.
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ntewinkel over 3 years ago in reply to dramoz

I'd forgotten about the Microsoft hardware... interesting option, and a lot of tech software is still Windows based. Price point seems ok actually, appears to be like half of the big brands. I haven't really seen much second hand here sadly, living in a relatively low-tech area. I'm a little hesitant to go Linux still, it just seems to require too much extra effort still.
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