Hello, does anyone ever try install on any rugged laptops? For example as Toughbook 40, Getac B360 Pro, & Toughbook FZ-55?
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Welcome to the forum.
I have not used a “toughbook.” Experience in using Qubes with different models of computers, there is the “Hardware Compatibility List,”
A lot of us have used some of the more old Lenovo Computers, some models have had good durability. As of today, I personally obsess over wanting the latest processor with really large amounts of RAM (thinking of 128 GB RAM. Versus having the hopefully soon, Open Source RISC/V main processor with an open source well reviewed Graphics card, and again huge amounts of fast RAM (128GB).
I wonder how durable the laptops which are “Qubes Certified?”
What is the use case you envision? Going on a cross country adventure in a camper? For many of us, price is the determining factor for ourhardware choice.
Keep in mind, your question is a moving target by new models of hardware coming out.
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I did checked this list, and is not have FZ-55, Getac B360, Toughbook 40 (Mk1 / Mk2), & 5430 Rugged.
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Hmm, you are correct. Qubes 4.3 uses
Fedora 41, Xen 4.19.
So would the processor, graphics run on those. I dunno. ??
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I do not have those laptops at so, i can not tested on my own.
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Sorry, I meant, if you go to the forums for Fedora, and see if they will function with the processors, graphics cards you mention. I mean not current Fedora, but Fedora 31 (used by dom 0) And Fedora forum can not verify, the processor, will work with Fedora 31. You have your answer.
Likewise, I have not been to the Xen forum, but the correlation with Xen working with that processor is not verified, then you know. . .
I used the install Fedora, and install Xen as an example of what would need to work.
I do not own those laptops either, I do not want to search for you… and perhaps risk my giving the wrong advice. and end up spending your money.
Usual implementation of Qubes OS is later than the very latest hardware which you might purchase. Takes time to test, verify the security of Qubes OS on that hardware. and dovetailing Qubes to any hardware takes a lot of effort.
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The rugged hardware I’ve been using Qubes OS with is reported here:
along with the descriptions, what workarounds and reconfiguration I needed to perform.
I’d advice against recommending the old machines, unless they could somehow have their CPUs physically replaced with the ones that still receive microcode updates.
Furthermore, I’d argue about the mentions of good durability. I’ve head a dozen of ThinkPads, and some had their chassis or screens damaged unintentionally during repair attempts.
Working during a bumpy ride in an emergency vehicle, heavy rain, mud or sandstorm. Or at least having the rugged hardware exposed to these conditions while it’s powered off.
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Take aronowski opinion over mine. He has more experience.
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Also, just rough places in general. Think industrial, drilling, or construction, where mobile devices are easily abused on accident. I have a Novacustom NV41, and while I love its performance, it looks like it’s been through a warzone and I constantly have to worry that it’s going to take a hit that kills it. The really old ThinkPads’ durability mostly cut it for me (true rugged is nice but not necessary with proper caution), but I’d absolutely kill for a rugged mobile workstation with Heads+Qubes.
I would also add that for many, especially if proper memory OPSEC is observed, older CPUs are perfectly acceptable if they understand the tradeoffs.
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I asked the question, "about use case? To allow others to suggest other types of hardware that use case.
Several times a year someone asks that a recent bit of hardware will, work with Qubes. I tried to suggest a general method for such a question to be answered. If no one else has yet bought the hardware, and applied Qubes to it.
Takes some time for the most recent hardware to be implemented in Qubes.
Forcus on if the same hardware works on Fedora 31, which is used for dom0, and that can be more easily determined by looking at the Fedora Support/and forums.
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