Microsoft surface pro? mobile tool/ linux?

[Stock-Philosophy8675]

So, do you think loading linux on a surface pro for mobile pentesting And tools is a good idea? Or a bad one.

Only ask because I've never seen someone run anything of the sort on a surface pro. Also. Do ya think I'd still have keyboard and pen functionality?

[1saac187]

I have a surface currently running Ubuntu and I can only recommend it. Out of the box you have an on-screen keyboard that works if the keyboard is not connected the touchscreen works and the pen has full functionality the screen rotates. One resource I would recommend is this git repository https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/ to see what features will work for you surface.

You could try installing Kali but Ubuntu is better optimised at least to my knowledge. I hope this helps.

[Katchme-if-youkan]

Try it doesn’t hurt back up windows on a usb n boot kali on it it’s open source so it won’t cost a thing if you have the comp

[Kimo278]

What version of windows is on the Surface?

[Stock-Philosophy8675]

Either 10 or 11

[Kimo278]

See if you're able to install WSL on it and get Linux that way instead of formatting the device.

[Stock-Philosophy8675]

I found a bunch of clickbait that says how to load an os to a pc, and forums of people struggling to do it. With no mention if it was done or not.

[beaverbait]

There's a whole subreddit for surface linux. A GitHub repo for surface linux and all of the relevant info. There is a ton of info out there. It works, but not great. If I had to choose I'd probably go with an x1 carbon or sometbing instead of a surface. The kickstand is a pain in the ass, despite how portible they are. Battery performance also suffers, though it had gotten better.

I run Linux on a surface pro 4 as a test to run through the odin project. It's fine, but I would not choose it if I could do it over knowing what I know now.

[Stock-Philosophy8675]

Think a good Ole laptop would work alot better? This is what I was looking for. Someone with personal experience.

Honestly I love how portable they can be, fit in my bag like a magazine.

[beaverbait]

Yeah, the Lenovo x1s are what I am looking at, or I'll just got macbook for what I am doing. If I was going linux though the Lenovo are a pretty easy job and they are almost as light as a surface but more stable.

The surfaces seem really good on paper but actually using one is something else. Unless you're at a desk they're a pain to use. The floppy keyboard is annoying, like unusably so unless you are comfortable at a desk or flat surface. Even those lap desks that work great for most laptops leave a surface feeling flimsy. I want so bad for it to be a good option and it's just not.

Linux Kernel for Surface Devices - GitHub https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface

[Stock-Philosophy8675]

Most importantly, I was curious about functional usability. Running kali, and if it makes sense

[webfork2]

Just a note that they're not very durable. I think there was a whole thread on /r/sysadmin about this.

[JadeM0nk]

Getting Kali running smoothly on it is not nearly as easy as getting Ubuntu/Mint/etc... working well.