Privacy and ownership

Gotcha. Yeah that sucks

If they want you to use something specific on your own device then you should be able to request a new device from them

This is a much appreciated overhaul

I’ve been in a similar situation looking for a NAS setup that would work for me, and with my current limited knowledge. I settled on the HomePiNAS. It’s a custom PCB they make that mounts a CM5, up to 6 drives, 2.5G NIC, and x2 m.2 slots all in a 3D printable case they can ship for you too. Put on Open Media Vault or whatever else you want and it’s good to go. I was interested because it’s not a complicated setup, allows for AI chips to be added or whatever else you want to use, has a 2.5G nic, and is low power.

I did a similar thing and did put them with Kinoite. My dad has had only a handful of concerns, most of which are related to the transition and learning. His system has worked great with no real issues. I think once an update failed but after a reboot it proceeded just fine.

Plasma is so modern, Fedora is so smooth, atomic is great for this purpose, fingerprint scanner works, touchscreen works, the boot splash screen looks pretty, the list goes on

I just needed a tablet for work so I got a Pixel Tab and put GrapheneOS on it. I installed the app (assuming that’s what normal people/workers do) and then they told me they use the web interface as it works better.

Keep swapping the OS (or have different memory cards) and play around with whatever software you come across that peaks your interest.

Atkinson Hyperlegible Next from the Braille Institute

https://www.bee-link.com/products/beelink-me-mini-n150

I have no experience with this. Just sharing so you have more ideas to think about

He was able to install Linux and Windows but couldn’t figure out how to pair a Bluetooth device…

Be aware that Mint disables you from finding non-verified flatpak applications by default. You can enable it in the GUI somewhere

LibreElec (Kodi pirating box)

How did you get Peacock to work? I’ve never had it work on Linux in the browser and read online that it’s because of Linux specifically.

I got sick of my devices spying on me

Use Ethernet on the Mint install to get internet and update the kernel to the latest 6.14. Maybe it’ll then be supported

This is really awesome! I’m 100% going to build a little system for this.

Maybe the Volla tablet

Have you considered changing distros?

Yeah. I also have GrapheneOS on my work tablet