(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.
An old Chromebook sounds perfect.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Chromebook+10+inch
Looks like most of those are 11.6". Double check before buying that it can be wiped and you can put Linux on it.
I own old Chromebook.
Chromebook software updates are not forever.
It is my understanding that some Chromebooks might be locked in such a way that installation of Linux might NOT be an option or the might be a high chance of bricking the device.
At least that was the case with my Chromebook.
So, once OS updates are unavailable, the machine might become a weak link from security standpoint or stop running some software.
Chromebook is still a great option, but be careful with very old ones.
It’s always worth checking if MrChromebox supports your specific Chromebook. I got Debian running on an old Chromebook a few months back for fun, but I had to compile a custom kernel to get audio working because AMD Stoney Ridge is weird.
That’s why I specified:
I got a $50 EOL Chromebook that I loaded CinnaMint (it’s right there… Why say "Mint Cinnamon "…) on.
I use it as my sketchy torrent getting machine, Because if something goes wrong, oh well.
What is sketchy about downloading a torrent that it could save you from? Wouldn’t it be executing whatever you downloaded on another machine that would be the risky part?
Or at least be able to ssh into a linux environment.