Gemini II on Linux

L

louisreynolds02

New member
Hi,
Never used Linux before however I would like to use it on the new Gemini II due to the low RAM, low onboard storage and slow CPU. I want to be able to use google docs and watch youtube, netflix and plex on it.
My questions are:
What version of Linux would I use?
Could I use something such as Chrome OS?
Where would I find the drivers for the specification of the Gemini II?
Cheers!
 
Stephen M

Stephen M

Author Level
If you are new to Linux I would suggest one of the more mainstream versions, such as Ubuntu, Mint or Debian, although Zorin is designed for people migrating from Windows but is only free in its basic version. You can check out a shed load of distros here: https://distrowatch.com/

My main distro is Ubuntu and have used it on five PCS laptops and one desk top, it usually installs OK but there can be the odd issue, although nothing major and I would hope there would be enough help here if it was needed.

Google docs, youtube and netflix should be fine with any distro, the plex server edition is listed as being 'nix compatible but not so sure about Plex player and i have not used either. The plex site mentions using Kodi and that is available for most distros.

Chrome OS should work although my personal choice would be one of the better known 'nix distros.

Your PCS machine will come with all the drivers to work with Windows and most, possibly all of these will be fine, if not there are driver repositories where you can get what is needed and installing is not difficult. There is a learning curve but nothing nasty.

If you have not ordered yet you can experiment with Linux on any computer without installing. If you make an installation USB and boot into that you will get an option to "Try Ubuntu (or whatever)" and this will run the OS from the USB - it will be slower than normal but will give you a chance to see different distros, the site I put above will give you links to downloads.

Hope this helps, happy to help, if i can with any other questions.
 
Oussebon

Oussebon

Multiverse Poster
It might be worth asking PCS what chassis they use for the Gemini and finding out if there are any known issues with it.
 
L

louisreynolds02

New member
Stephen M said:
If you are new to Linux I would suggest one of the more mainstream versions, such as Ubuntu, Mint or Debian, although Zorin is designed for people migrating from Windows but is only free in its basic version. You can check out a shed load of distros here: https://distrowatch.com/

My main distro is Ubuntu and have used it on five PCS laptops and one desk top, it usually installs OK but there can be the odd issue, although nothing major and I would hope there would be enough help here if it was needed.

Google docs, youtube and netflix should be fine with any distro, the plex server edition is listed as being 'nix compatible but not so sure about Plex player and i have not used either. The plex site mentions using Kodi and that is available for most distros.

Chrome OS should work although my personal choice would be one of the better known 'nix distros.

Your PCS machine will come with all the drivers to work with Windows and most, possibly all of these will be fine, if not there are driver repositories where you can get what is needed and installing is not difficult. There is a learning curve but nothing nasty.

If you have not ordered yet you can experiment with Linux on any computer without installing. If you make an installation USB and boot into that you will get an option to "Try Ubuntu (or whatever)" and this will run the OS from the USB - it will be slower than normal but will give you a chance to see different distros, the site I put above will give you links to downloads.

Hope this helps, happy to help, if i can with any other questions.
Click to expand...

I have no experience in installing an OS apart from windows. If I selected the "With no OS" option on the configurator will it even come with drivers?
 
Oussebon

Oussebon

Multiverse Poster
If you buy with no OS, it will have an unactivated version of Windows installed on it with the drivers installed for Windows for PCS to test the hardware.

But it won't have Linux drivers, and Windows drivers are different to Linux drivers.

Linux will usually install what you need when you install Linux.

I would probably buy the system with Windows as it will run with Windows ok. Just don't ask too much of the system.

If you are considering Linux, then ask PCS what the chassis model of the Gemini is - and look up whether people have got the chassis to work with Linux. Or post the chassis model here and we can try helping you find out :)
 
L

louisreynolds02

New member
Oussebon said:
If you buy with no OS, it will have an unactivated version of Windows installed on it with the drivers installed for Windows for PCS to test the hardware.

But it won't have Linux drivers, and Windows drivers are different to Linux drivers.

Linux will usually install what you need when you install Linux.

I would probably buy the system with Windows as it will run with Windows ok. Just don't ask too much of the system.

If you are considering Linux, then ask PCS what the chassis model of the Gemini is - and look up whether people have got the chassis to work with Linux. Or post the chassis model here and we can try helping you find out :)
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think I may end up doing this.
The main reason why I wanted to use an OS other than Windows is due to the lack of storage (32GB) but after a conversation with a pre-sales support member I was told that I can simply add a M.2 SSD to expand the storage when I get the laptop.

I'm not sure you can help me with this as it's not related; Will me installing my own M.2 SSD void PCS warranty?
 
Oussebon

Oussebon

Multiverse Poster
That's handy.

They do let you add an M.2 SSD in the condifurator. Though the SSDs on offer are curiously expensive. over £100 for a 250gb Sata M.2 SSD; you can get ~500gb ones for that, and indeed their 500gb SSD is only ~£30 more than the 250gb one.

It does somewhat undermine the value of the laptop though, given that you can get far more powerful machines especially in sales for £400 off the shelf. So you might want to add your own M.2 SSD.

Doing so doesn't void the warranty (unless you break something, obviously). See:

7.7Unlike with most computer companies, we allow you to open your case and install your own components without voiding your warranty on the following conditions:


  • if the actions of the person installing the components cause damage to the computer, your warranty will be void;
  • if you install components that are not purchased from us and they cause problems with your computer, your warranty will be void;
  • if you install components that are not purchased from us we will in no way support you in installing them or with any problems you have relating to the components you have installed.
  • we will support you in installing components purchased from us providing you have purchased them through the upgrade service available on your online account.
7.8The company reserves the right to suspend the warranty or refuse service if your Case, Motherboard, CPU or BIOS have been replaced without authorisation.
Any tampering, repair or modification by unauthorised personnel voids the warranty.
https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/terms/

You can also consider cloud storage (google drive, onedrive, that sort of thing)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top