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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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What distro works well for a 2012 Macbook Pro? (self.linux)

submitted 1 year ago by masinko to c/[email protected]

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Hello,

I have an old macbook pro 2012. With Apple dropping all support for it, I want to run Linux on it. The caveat is - Im looking for the same feel as the experience with the macbook trackpad and keyboard.

I've tried a few different OS's on it, and each time, it runs as how you would expect. No issues with installation or anything, and most issues have a small or easy fix.

Being used to old habits with that laptop, I haven't had good luck with remapping things to give it it's old feel again.

By feel, I mean things like mapping trackpad gestures, some of the "function row" to map the same things as they keyboard has them, remapping some hotkeys to make use of the command button, etc.

I was wondering if there was an OS that has a lot of the things like mouse gestures, or the keyboard mappings of those laptops already built into it.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I run Gentoo on my 2012 MBP, but gentoo may not be as plug-n-play as others.

I want to focus on the two input drivers I've tried though: libinput and mtrack.

libinput will mostly work out of the box, but isn't as customizable. For example there's no way to adjust the sensitivity for thumb/palm detection. So when I try to do a "big" movement from one end of the trackpad to the other, the driver will accidentally detect a thumb and stop moving the cursor. I had to change the way I made contact to the trackpad for the entire movement to avoid thumb detection. Also libinput-gestures is great as another user has mentioned.

mtrack gives you ultimate control to fine tune the trackpad. But that eats away at your time. And imo, gestures are harder to setup.

I ultimately went with libinput myself because it achieves a 90% solution for me, with way less configuration.