Overview:

After completing my first Linux build on Zorin OS Core, I knew I had caught the Linux bug. I purchased two additional Lenovo 300e touchscreen laptops to continue experimenting with daily-use Linux distros. This project focused on building and comparing two new Linux systems — one with Linux Mint and the other with Pop!_OS — to test stability, workflow customization, and overall user experience. My goal was simple: set up two lightweight but fully functional Linux devices for work, play, and support tasks.

Linux Mint – Everyday Work & Productivity Device

Why Linux Mint?

Linux Mint (Cinnamon Edition) is a long-standing favorite in the Linux community — stable, familiar, and resource-friendly. Its UI feels like a polished Windows 10 alternative, making it intuitive from the start, especially for desktop-based productivity.

Install & Setup

• Downloaded ISO and flashed with balenaEtcher

• Installed using guided setup

• Disabled Secure Boot

• Performed post-install updates:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Applications & Tools

• LibreOffice (via PPA for latest version)

• Okular (PDF reader + annotation)

• Brave and Firefox

• FreeTube

• RustDesk (Flatpak)

• SimpleScreenRecorder

Desktop & Panel Customization

• Easily added desktop icons and panel shortcuts by right-clicking apps

• Created quick-launch desktop icons for Documents, Trash, Brave, and LibreOffice tools

• Customized Cinnamon panel to include:

• App Launcher

• Terminal

• System Monitor

• GUFW (Firewall)

• Software Manager

• Update Manager

Final Outcome

Linux Mint became my preferred system for writing, editing, testing office tools, and browsing. The performance was excellent, and the ability to customize the desktop without scripting was a massive win. This build struck a balance between simplicity and flexibility — perfect for an everyday productivity machine.

Pop!_OS – Performance & Network Tools Workstation

Why Pop!_OS?

I originally installed Ubuntu 24.04, but I quickly found it sluggish on the 300e and overly dependent on Snap apps. I pivoted to Pop!_OS for its Snap-free base, COSMIC desktop environment, and built-in Flatpak support. This system became my focused workstation for network tools and remote support.

Install & Setup

• Flashed and installed Pop!_OS over Ubuntu

• Wired network and Secure Boot disabled

• Updated the system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

Applications & Tools

• RustDesk, Brave, Firefox, FreeTube, VLC

• LibreOffice (manually updated)

• Okular, SimpleScreenRecorder

Networking Tools Installed

sudo apt install net-tools iproute2 traceroute arp-scan nmap iperf3 bmon

Used these tools to:

• Explore LAN devices

• Run interface diagnostics

• Conduct basic recon and speed testing

Desktop Experience

• COSMIC desktop is clean and minimalist

• Panel customization is easy — app launcher, system monitor, disk tools

• Desktop launchers required manual creation (like in Zorin)

• Pop!_Shop is responsive, Flatpak integration is smooth

Final Outcome

Pop!_OS gave me a fast, efficient space to run diagnostics, stream tutorials, and perform remote tasks. It felt significantly more responsive than Ubuntu 24.04 on the same hardware, and the layout made it easy to stay focused.

Reflection: Linux Mint vs Pop!_OS

• Performance: Nearly identical in CPU usage. Both hovered around 10–15% CPU at idle. However, the RAM usage was superior on Linux Mint at 1.2 GB vs POP!_OS at 2.1 GB at idle.

• Hardware: All drivers and components worked out-of-the-box for both distros.

• Customization:

• Mint: Offers more user-friendly out-of-the-box customization (desktop icons, panel shortcuts, folder colors).

• Pop!_OS: Cleaner UI, slightly easier to navigate settings, but requires manual launcher creation.

• Package Management: Both support Flatpak natively (unlike Ubuntu’s snap-based approach), which was a huge plus.

• End User Feel:

• Mint = traditional, Windows-like feel.

• Pop!_OS = sleek, modern interface (feels like Zorin meets Chromebook/macOS hybrid).

Final Thought

After testing Zorin OS, Linux Mint, and Pop!_OS, I don’t yet have a definitive favorite. Each brings a unique flavor to the Linux experience, and all three are Debian → Ubuntu based, so the core system behavior is familiar. The small differences in UI, customization, and package handling give each one a distinct personality — and I’ve loved learning those differences firsthand.

I’m now planning to test an XFCE or MATE-based distro next to explore how a lighter desktop environment performs on the same hardware.