Which laptop works best with my FP5, using linux (Ubuntu), Libre Office (and others application as per your advice)? Preferably European and absolutely US big tech free.
I mean, it depends more on the OS, than the hardware, I think? I’s suggest you to take a look on KDE Connect, it is a nice application.
Withouth knowing what you’d need to use your laptop I’d either recomend you a second hand Thinkpad, or if you’d like to support and European linux focused laptop brand, then you could go with Tuxedo.
I can also recommend Tuxedo computers. I have one and like it very much. I use it with the pre-installed Tuxedo OS, which is a variation on Kubuntu (or something like that).
Another option seems to be Framework
Hello !
I use refurbished computers.
I daily use a Lenovo Yoga with Zorin OS. There is Zorin Connect, works as KDE Connect. Touch screen is correctly working.
I like also Kubuntu on a minibook with KDE Connect.
I use them with FP3 and FP6 without any problem.
Hope it helps you.
I would go pcspecialist.co.uk They let you choose the specification you want. They will also sell you one without an operating system so you can install Ubuntu or other Linux distribution. While not he cheapest, they are cheaper than the big name brands that mostly, will only sell you a computer with Windows installed.
I have always one recommendation: Buy business class not consumer class laptops.
At the end of the day they are all manufactured in China with components from either Intel or AMD, which both are from the US.
Do not buy ARM based, this might become a pita since they are not as standardised aus good old x86 CPUs.
My main computer is an Asus tower running Linux Mint. I also have a Framework laptop running Windows 11, and an FP3 running FPOS.
To move a few files between a computer and my FP3 I use Warpinator on both systems. As Warpinator runs on FPOS, Linux and Windows I can transfer files between all of my devices.
If I want proper access to the FP3 I run Cx File Explorer on the FP3 and access the FP3 file system using the Linux Mint Nemo ‘Connect to Server…’ option. This method also allows me to use FreeFileSync to back up the FP3’s /device and /sdcard directories.
If I want to do something substantial with the FP3 and the laptop I run Linux Mint on the Framework using a LiveBoot USB stick. As Linux can read/write the native Windows filesystem without any problems I find it easier to do this than trying to get Windows to talk to Linux.
Oh, of course, letting the phone interact with the computer. For this I use KDEconnect, which is also available for Windows despite the name. With that I can share files, use thw phone as keyboard and mouse on the PC, share the clipboard or send links back and forth and much more.
The question is not whether the laptop will work well with your FP5 but whether it will work well with Linux. If it does you can use e.g. MTP file transfer via USB cable , KDEconnect or adb tools …
Before I bought mine (LG gram) I went to my favourite laptop shop with an USB stick containig Ventoy and several Linux ISO images. So I could boot several Linux distros to see if the laptop suits my needs and if it works well with Linux. E.g. new WLAN chips, webcams or touchpads might not work out of the box …
Tbh. Framework is the only one thst really stands out from the crowd.
Last summer I bought a Slimbook and I’m really happy with it. It’s a Spanish brand, repairable, and offers computers with Linux distributions, with Windows, or without an operating system installed. You can also choose the specifications for your device.
But, as others in this topic say, probably any computer will allow you to connect to your mobile with the right software. Both when I used Windows and now that I use Linux Mint, I use KDE Connect with very good results 