(Solved) I would like a small laptop to use to log medical data (Weight, Blood Pressure, etc) as I gather it. I need it to be small like 10'. it can be low power because I will probably use it only CLI, no GUI, but I need it to be inexpensive. ARM-based is ok, as long as I can SSH into my desktop machine.
In that case, if it's just CLI, you don't need a new computer. Use your phone or tablet to ssh inside your main Linux computer.
Use Termux, you need:
- Android Tablet/Smartphone.
- Bluetooth keyboard.
- Cheap stand 4 device.
That's my setup to play tabletop rpg (DND5E) for a couple of years, all CLI using any text editor you like with markdown. I use: tmux, vis.
In your case: SC-IM, visidata, any text editor.
With Termux you can use packages from repo or from other distros with
proot-distro, like: Alpine, Avoid, Debian, Arch, Fedora, Ubuntu.In this case, you should prioritize those laptops with an Intel network card. You don’t want to deal with strange driver issues if using SSH is important.
I wonder if the steam deck will work for you. Its sacrifice of physical keyboard for portability will probably be the deal breaking issue if I were to guess, but not sure. I've seen plenty of people use them as computers for various field projects not game related. It's cheapest is 350 if you don't need a lot storage on the device and the storage is upgradeable. It's compatible with normal USB c hubs for if you do need a physical keyboard or w/e. There are definitely some hangups that may make it undesirable and from what you described some of them are definitely possible, ie if you want to pull it out in the field and do a lot of typing without setting up a dock and whatnot, it won't work for your needs. But if the fieldwork with it is mostly just start a program and connect a USB data source, and most typing will be somewhere with a desk (home office or w/e) then it may work.
I was personally looking for a Linux compatible laptop a while back (admittedly I asked the wrong community), and eventually came to the conclusion that my wife's steam deck was actually a great solution for my needs, the main times I needed a keyboard I could just setup a simple dock and plug one it (though if you get a USBC or Bluetooth keyboard the only use for the dock is for holding it upright or additional peripherals), and most of my on the go use of it doesn't need a lot of typing.
If you buy a used one, you can probably get it a good but cheaper as well
If you are doing this in any kind of clinical environment it would be better to look first at the ability for the device to be cleaned or disinfected effectively and regulations around that in your area.
Favor fanless devices with as few ports as possible. I don’t know if there’s anything out there in a tablet form factor that only does wireless charging and has no usb/headphone/whatever, but that’s what you want.
Those are good points. I am collecting my own data in a home environment. Did I say that it is important to be able to move the data to my production computer to send to the doctor?
Check prices on eBay... quite reasonable for used/refurbished Dell laptops...
I've had excellent service/performance running linux for 8+ years on several Dell E6500s, 8GB, core 2 duo, 15.6". Price on eBay today $75, $12.72 shipping.
Also run linux with excellent service/performance on an E6420 with 8GB, 14", E6530 & E6540, both with16GB, 4 core, 15.6".
An 8GB, 14", E6420 can be bought, including shipping, for less than $50
Excluding the E6420, all the systems I'm using have DVD R/W drives and backlit keyboards.
Haven't had any driver or other problems with any of the systems running linux.
You know what everyone - What if I just move my testing into the home office where the computers are? I just thought of that. Then I would not need a separate machine.
A Raspberry Pi with a touchscreen should be enough, I can't think of a cheaper alternative
I think there's also similar devices to a Raspberry Pi that are cheaper
See if you can find a (used) GPD Win (Max).
Otherwise maybe a used (~2016) 12" MacBook.
Other than that maybe some DIY solutions.
It'll be cheaper if the device can be a little bigger, plenty of dirt cheap used 13" laptops out there.
