X41: Linux distro / DE recommendations

[Enig]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to add a Linux box to my toolset for my ThinkPad collection.
As I absolutely adore my X41, and don't think it's getting enough use I thought - why not this!

It will not be used as a daily driver, or doing anything demanding likely.

I've installed Debian 11.2 with XFCE on it, and everything works including WIFI/WPA2. The GUI just doesn't feel snappy - like there is a small delay on every task including opening folder windows.
It's not a lot, but it will drive me bonkers long term.
(what did I expect running a modern OS on a 17 year old Ultrabook).



So I want to shop around, and I'd love to get some recommendations:

- Linux distro that supports my Pentium-M (Dothan) CPU. so 32bit, and I'm assuming PaE could also be an issue.
- I don't mind an older version of a distro if it gets me where I want. I'm only gonna use it with my home network - not worried about security.
- preferably as bog 'standard' as possible .. why I went with Debian to start with.
- Light weight DE that will feel snappy on the old hardware. My favorite windows desktop was 2000, so it doesn't need to be all that fancy in terms of graphics.
- WIFI/WPA2 required



Specs of the X41:
Ram: 1.5 GB
CPU: 1.60 GHz Pentium-M (Dothan)
LCD: XGA
Drive: mSata 32 GB
WIFI: Intel 2915ABG


Experience: I'm not a total Linux noob and have dabbled before, but I'd still consider myself in the novice segment. (Also: incarnated windows user since 1995)

[Neil]

Believe it or not, there are still plenty of options for old machines like these. My X40 is currently operating on MX-Fluxbox, and while not snappy by any means, it's certainly useable. In fact, I use it as a media player at least a couple of times a week. AntiX is a distro that is designed specifically for older computers, so that would be something to experiment with. Devuan is another option. It's developed by folks that used to work on Debian and left when Debian chose systemd (among other things) and their init system.

[Enig]

Believe it or not, there are still plenty of options for old machines like these. My X40 is currently operating on MX-Fluxbox, and while not snappy by any means, it's certainly useable. In fact, I use it as a media player at least a couple of times a week. AntiX is a distro that is designed specifically for older computers, so that would be something to experiment with. Devuan is another option. It's developed by folks that used to work on Debian and left when Debian chose systemd (among other things) and their init system.

Hi Neil,
Will definitely look into AntiX and Devuan when I have a bit of free time ..I'll check if maybe they have Live media.

Devuan: I see it comes with a list of included DE's anything in particular that is good for old systems?
XfCe, MATE, Cinnamon, KDE and LXQt?

The whole systemd thing. What is that about?
Edit:.. read a little: maybe I should not ask too much, seems like I'm opening up a whole religious war on that subject xD

[Enig]

Have started testing AntiX as a Live image
.. good grief this desktop response is snappy - near instant (IceVM?) - just what the doctor ordered - I mean what I wanted
Can't speak for the distro yet ofc, but I'll play with it for a while and see. It's a candidate. ..

I hope to have time to given Devuan equal time tomorrow.

[Enig]

Update:

Have played with AntiX last night - mostly just with the Desktop environment.

Cons:
- DE feels rough around the edges. sometimes just clicking the desktop will move icons around.
- settings are a mess, all over the place .. Microsoft take note, I think you you can make win10 settings even worse
- the default file manager changes size depending on how many files/folders are viewable. Jumping webpages (from ads) are one thing, but my file manager behaving similarly. That's an atrocity akin to murdering small fluffy animals with a chainsaw.
Thankfully, I could just change the 'zzz-' version of the desktop to get a 'proper' file manager.

Pros:
- extremely easy to set install (Raspberry Pi easy), and everything worked out of the box.
- Blisteringly fast in use. I mean it doesn't make the computer go faster - it's not magic, but the feel of using if is just nice and responsive.
- very simple and easy to use.
- I like the the resource widget that is on by default.

Truthfully, I like this one a lot. I like the speed and the simplicity (that somehow resonates with me). Maybe not as a daily driver, but for something I use occasionally it's a candidate.

Tonight hope to give Devuan a chance.

[skx]

Debian with XFCE or window manager of choice...

[AdrusBarba]

On parrot KDE security. Best for a developer

[SAIYAN48]

My R51 has a similar config to your x41, but I have the full 2GB of RAM. I'm using LXLE as it is the only one that I've gotten Wifi to work on.

[Enig]

Sorry for long reply time, real life being real life and all that.

@Saiyan48:
I'm tempted.. was thinking of trying Debian with LXDE .. LXLE seems to be it's own distro as well? how is it treating your R51?

@AdrusBarba:
KDE? I remember trying KDE a long - LONG - time ago and found it a bit on the heavy side. Maybe that is not so any more?

@skx:
Debian with XFCE is where I started - and it does run very well - just that I feel the creaking of old hardware xD

[SAIYAN48]

LXLE is its own Distro. I just did some package updates earlier today. Used just under 200MB of RAM!