ithc-linux VS linux-surface

Have you tried the ithc drivers? They work on a bunch of thinkpads

Checking the feature matrix, seems like I need to install the ithc driver: ¹³ Requires ithc driver: https://github.com/quo/ithc-linux

I followed the instructions on https://github.com/quo/ithc-linux and didn't get any error messages, but even after trying multiple times and restarting often, it still won't work. Any ideas?

I have a Surface Pro 8 running on the open source linux-surface kernel. I'm running GNOME 42.5 on Wayland, and the ithc + iptsd packages to get touch to work.

> The biggest difficulty with a standard desktop GNU+Linux on a tablet is that most distributions are not optimized for easy tablet use - KDE Neon User Edition e.g. does not come with a virtual keyboard preinstalled.

Ubuntu 22 on a Lenovo X1 Fold gave me the OSK without installing anything - though the touchscreen was not supported by default, the driver is under work cf https://github.com/quo/ithc-linux

I don't use a surface but lurk on here occasionally, looks like there's starting to be touchscreen support for the SP7+ & SP8: https://github.com/quo/ithc-linux

Apart from camera, almost everything is working correctly. Camera doesn't work at all.

https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface

I use this kernel, you can use this with most operating systems.

I use xournal++ for note writing, and using GNOME is necessary. KDE doesn't have support for screen rotation etc. When you use GNOME, make sure to disable gestures and screen edge detection, because that might occasionally cause problems.

So, the workflow is quite simple with xournal++, you run a `inotify` based watched which automatically compiles and pushes stuff on every save. I of course assume that only `xournal++` on tab can change those handwritten notes. You can get some fancier git logic if needed.

```

while inotifywait -e modify,create,delete,move $INPUT;

There's support for Linux on the Surface range:

https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/wiki/Supporte...

But actual users seem to say it's a bit of a mixed bag.

If someone's looking for a laptop (that doesn't need touchscreen support), then Apple laptops are probably the better choice.

How to get out of this situation? Links https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/issues/1240 - the same problem as I have and the same puncture, but the person managed to get out of the situation https://www.reddit.com/r/SurfaceLinux/comments/16d40vs/kill_my_surface_pro_2017_need_help/ - my similar post in a nearby subreddit, but since I'm here, the problem turned out to be bigger than I thought

https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface

Should have you covered.

I went the 12” MacBook route which can also install Linux.

I have a surface with Ubuntu and the Surface Kernel (https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface) , and it works really wonderfully. I will say, before installing the Surface Kernel, it was very janky.

I know about https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface but I'm looking for practical feedback from people who did the operation in order to orient my choice.