(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.
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.
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.
old netbook HP mini 210 it’s exactly 10’
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.
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.