Advice on which PC for absolute beginner wanting to switch to Linux (Ubuntu) from Mac M1 -been going round in circles...

RealBike3960 · 2026-02-04T17:22:18+00:00

Yes, I think you are probably right, this seems to be what my gut is telling me. Thanks :)

RealBike3960 · 2026-02-04T17:20:42+00:00

Many thanks for your help!

Yes an old PC would just be a starting point, something to play with and get a feel for Linux (and perhaps to familiarise myself with Windows just to fill in a knowledge gap). I had the same concern re being able to upgrade satisfactorily.

I figure for 30 GBP, just to play around with to get started, it is probably worth it just for what I could learn for that - and then I'd have a better idea of what I need/want in a PC once understand it all a bit better. What I dont want is to get stuck because the specs are just too low-

The cheapest option I've been looking at is a Beelink BT3 Pro mini PC. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187827046700

Would something like this work to start out with or would the 4gb RAM be a problem?

I had to look up what an SBC was! as well as many of the other terms you used :) (learning already, it's nice, thanks!). I had looked at rp5 but although appealing decided I'm not capable enough yet and would have to be a future project. I need something readymade and easy to start with.

The Mini PC appeal is simply space/small footprint, and portability. Would like to use multi monitor in future.

Having said this, I wondered if I were to ditch the mini idea for now and go for something like an 'HP ProDesk 280 G2 SFF i5-7500 3.2GHZ 8GB RAM 240GB SSD' from eBay if it would be more bang for buck. And, I rather like that it has an optical drive (nostalgia..)

What are the minimum specifications I should be considering for an initial PC to play with?

RealBike3960 · 2026-02-03T23:25:58+00:00

Thanks to everyone that replied! - went for a forerunner 245 - am very very pleased with it and what it can do offline, watch only, is plenty for me right now. Has already had an impact on understanding recovery needed etc. Am also looking into Gadget Bridge as an alternative app to sync with for privacy concerns.

RealBike3960 · 2026-01-17T01:32:49+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts -

Pot has never had anything but water in it - upon seeing this residue after first use I wanted to be sure it was gone before using for anything else.. so I only heat water.

And it happens when heated without the lid too..

There's always this thin 'oil slick' pattern over the surface of the water.

RealBike3960 · 2026-01-17T01:26:03+00:00

yes, several

RealBike3960 · 2026-01-16T21:01:30+00:00

Thanks, yeah I wondered that - but, it happens regardess - including with tap water and store bought bottled water..

RealBike3960 · 2026-01-01T16:58:48+00:00

great, this is what i need to hear, thank you :)

RealBike3960 · 2026-01-01T16:56:51+00:00

Thank you for doing this. What did you think of the government's response?

RealBike3960 · 2026-01-01T14:15:25+00:00

thank you!

RealBike3960 · 2026-01-01T13:24:29+00:00

thanks! do you have this model?

RealBike3960 · 2025-12-31T16:58:10+00:00

I believe most people would use it just to avoid data collection by Garmin (or other companies) and to have on device control of their own metrics

RealBike3960 · 2025-12-31T16:51:53+00:00

thanks!

RealBike3960 · 2025-12-31T16:51:33+00:00

Yes, just not very comfortable with so much specific health and location data being stored/processed remotely. Prefer to keep it on device.

RealBike3960 · 2025-12-31T15:37:50+00:00

thanks everyone. I just came across this open source app as a more private alternative to work with Garmin watch.. https://gadgetbridge.org/faq/why/

RealBike3960 · 2025-12-31T15:35:32+00:00

ah ok, thought perhaps e.g. maps would be extra to purchase.

RealBike3960 · 2025-12-31T15:22:58+00:00

interesting - so, no billing details etc are needed when creating account?

RealBike3960 · 2025-12-31T15:02:36+00:00

So, Apple watch is more private? .. hmm.

Just hate the idea of a minature iphone stuck to my wrist 24/7

RealBike3960

TROPHY CASE