Hi all, I'm dipping my toes into Linux again after almost 30 years, and I'm looking specifically for any distros that will run on a mid-2010 Macbook (Intel Penryn-3M Core 2 Duo with 4GB of RAM and a 1T HDD). Video is integrated Nvidia GeForce 320M.
I've already tried Linux Mint 21.2 Cinnamon booting off USB (but not installing) and it runs well, even wifi and video, no hitches at all. And going forward I'd be fine with Mint from what I've seen so far.
But before settling in on one distro, I'd like to try as many as will run on this ancient Macbook, because my endpoint is to eventually convert my much newer Windows machines to Linux, so I'm not just deciding for the Macbook. I am, however, limited to that as my test machine for the moment.
I'm not at all new to tech, but consider me a noob to Linux, esp Linux GUIs: last time I ran it in the early 90s it was text only. I don't even remember what flavor it was, lol. So yeah, I'm starting from scratch here but can pick it up quickly if I'm pointed in the right directions.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
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Many thanks to everyone who gave me their time and made suggestions. I was looking for myself as well, so now I have many distros to try, lol. I have checked the system requirements and install directions for each of the following, and here is the list I have so far of distros that will work on this old MacBook (not in any particular order):
Will definitely try
Linux Mint 21.2
OpenSUSE Leap 15.5
AntiX 23
Debian 12 "Bookworm" with Xfce
Peppermint OS
Linux Lite 6.4
MX Linux 23 (after RAM upgrade)
Pop! OS 22.04 (after RAM upgrade)
Might also try, but might not (various reasons):
Zorin OS 16.3 Core and Lite
Solus 4.4 "Harmony" with Budgie (after RAM upgrade)
Fedora with Xfce
Thanks again!
SSD: Best Buy (US electronics store) still had some SATA SSDs in stock, so I didn't need an adapter. This is what I got: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/pny-cs900-500gb-internal-ssd-sata/6385542.p?skuId=6385542
Take advantage of the fact that you can make Live USBs of the distros as you decide what you're looking for.
For me, I found AntiX a little too barebones for me. But your mileage will vary.
I will have to give Mint another go sometime!
Sweet, the BestBuy near me has this in 1T for $35 and one still physically in stock. This is fantastic. Thank you!
Also, as I've been reading about different distros and checking system reqs, an inability to sleep or hibernate correctly pops up as being associated with inadequate swap space. I don't know that this has been your issue, and the old rule of 2x your physical RAM is only still recommended if you're at 4GB or less (you're at 9GB so 1x is probably fine) but I thought I'd throw it out there because it seems like an easy fix if that's what's causing the problem.
Again, much appreciated. Your info has been invaluable twice now, lol. Thank you!
By the way, I also picked up the RAM from Best Buy: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/pny-8gb-1600-mhz-ddr3-sodimm-laptop-memory-green/4680400.p?skuId=4680400&ref=E10C18R004_OrderConfirmation&loc=BODY&CampaignID=NES_OrderConfirmation&eut=3450571981
You can probably find an equivalent for cheaper if you go through another reseller.