Hello, all. I just got handed down a Surface Go (1st gen, 4gb ram), and I want to use it as a note taking machine, document reader, and secondary display for my primary laptop (Framework intel 12th gen running Fedora GNOME).

I have a pen but no keyboard, so any config will be done with a usb keyboard, but usage will be like a tablet.

  1. I have heard I should install GNOME on a tablet. I am generally ok with the ‘opinionated’ design of GNOME, but does anyone know what performance to expect? Would I be better off with a lightweight distro and de?

  2. What apps can be recommended for stylus notetaking? Would prefer svg output, and simple workflow to export them to my main machine, where I can embed in markdown notebooks

  3. Finally, the secondary display usage. Is this feasible? I know GNOME has RDP support, but my uni’s wifi makes that very difficult, and I’d prefer a wired connection if possible. I don’t need the stylus to work.

BONUS: If anyone has experience with the proprietary Surface Connect port, can it be adapted to usb c on linux, so that I can transfer power and >= 5gpbs of data? I see usb c adapters online, but they don’t mention data; only power delivery.

    • Fonzie!@ttrpg.network
      3·
      3 months ago

      @Adonnen@lemmy.world you don’t need this special kernel, as indicated by the other comments. Just Debian Gnome or something in that vein should do.

      • Adonnen@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        3·
        3 months ago

        Yup. I checked their webpage. Might help battery but I’ll try vanilla first. Unfortunately, no dice with the secondary display thing. With RDP, the hardware cursor won’t send, and I can find a way to use RDP over type c cable.

  • Dariusmiles2123@sh.itjust.works
    4·
    3 months ago

    I have a Surface Go 1 with 8gb running Fedora Workstation. It has a typecover and it spends most of its time linked to a monitor through the USB-C port. It charges this way and can also send data to the monitor which is used as an USB hub.

    As I’m never using it only as a tablet, I can’t give you more informations about the touchscreen functionalities.

  • Yoddel_Hickory@lemmy.ca
    4·
    3 months ago

    I have a Surface Go 1 with 8 GB RAM running Aurora-DX, which includes the linux-surface kernel. It works great, and I find that modern KDE works quite well with touch, even though I mostly use it with the type cover attached. I only use the surface connect port for charging, but I do use the single usb-c port with a usb-c hib, and it works well. The Fedora atomic distros work great on little machines like that.

    Edit: I’d add that Bluefin is the same with Gnome.

  • Julian@lemm.eeEnglish
    3·
    3 months ago

    I have a surface go 3 running Fedora, and use xournal++ for notetaking. Idk if it can export to svg but it works well and has plenty of features.