Hi everyone,
Thanks in advance for looking at this. I recently decided to investigate Linux after getting annoyed with Microsoft personal data grabs. I tried Linux 15 or 20 years ago and to be quite honest I found it pretty shaky back then. Half the functions on my PC failed to work and the system crashed regularly.
I tried a few distros out on an old Thinkpad recently and was really impressed with the performance and the ‘look’. So I am going to move OS.
I bought this little machine and it is arriving soon.
https://starlabs.systems/pages/starlite
The main points are
1.1GHz quad-core Intel Pentium N5030 processor, Burst up to 3.1GHz
8GB 2400MHz memory
Star Drive: 480GB SATA OP SSD storage
I really like OpenSUSE and wondered if you think this little machine could run it.From the OpenSUSE Website, I think the Memory and Hard drive are OK, but am concerned about the Processor. It is quite a low spec, as the machine has no fans and is optimised for a long battery life.
Of course, I will try it at some point, but thought I would ask the good people in this forum. If OpenSUSE won’t run well I will investigate the distros the manufacturer recommends so it can arrive preloaded with something that runs well.
Best wishes to everyone and a very Happy New Year.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Welcome to this forum and a Happy New Year to you, too! 
If the CPU is your only concern, don’t worry. Look what’s still running in my home server:
:~> inxi -f
**CPU: Topology:** Dual Core **model:** AMD Athlon II X2 250 **bits:** 64 **type:** MCP **L2 cache:** 2048 KiB
**Speed:** 800 MHz **min/max:** 800/3000 MHz **Core speeds (MHz):****1:** 800 **2:** 800
I even have KDE / Plasma running when I want to use the GUI with quite an old graphic card not supported by nvidia, anymore:
**~ #** inxi -G
**Graphics: Device-1:** NVIDIA G98 [GeForce 8400 GS Rev. 2] **driver:** nouveau **v:** kernel
**Display:****server:** X.org 1.20.3 **driver:** nouveau **unloaded:** fbdev,modesetting,nv,vesa **tty:** 216x58
Of course it’s not the fastest box here but it’s doing it’s job. I don’t think you need to worry. You may test the live version from a pendrive if you want to be absolutely, sure. openSUSE Leap - Get openSUSE
Actually, it’s not the distribution itself demanding computing power but mostly the graphical environment - aside from specific applicaitons. KDE is quite demanding. In the worst case you may try some “lightweight” desktop manager. But I don’t think it’ll be required.
In case of any issue, there’s so many very helpful and competent people around in this forum to help you.
Have a lot of fun!
kasi
Hello Kevin
I looked at the link for that laptop you thinking about buying and after reading I bookmarked the page link for later in year (will be needed for travels ) that laptop seems decent little machine and if it can handle Manjaro it’ll do fine just here especially with Leap.
In regards to KDE it has many features the user can switch on more, far more importantly there are many many more features that can be switched off as I do, longish list, and then it’s a lot lighter footprint.
Hope it helps
Noel
A big thank you to both of you to replying to my post. First of all to kasi042 for revealing his classic server box and for welcoming a new forum member. As you suggest, I will give the KDE version a spin and I can always try a different DE if there is any problem.
Thanks also to flyingalone, who is going to buy ian dentical laptop for his travels (flying presumably!), exactly why I am getting the Star Lite. It is very difficult to get a non-Chromebook that light with an 11 inch screen.
best wishes to you both and thanks again for your gracious responses,
Kevin
You’re most welcome! 
Glad to say that my desktop is rather the opposite of my server. I may add I was also delighted to see that website with Linux dedicated hardware. Some time ago I made and effort to buy a Laptop that does not come with pre-installed Redmont stuff. So I don’t need it right now. But I have made a mental note for (hopefully a couple of years) later…
Although, I should better make a real note - that mental stuff is getting less reliable and not upgrade available.:rolleyes: