Finding Linux compatible hardware with the help of LLMs

The Problem

While Linux is amazing, finding hardware that's compatible with Linux isn't always such a glorious experience.

Databases help up to a point

While there are some Linux databases that list compatible hardware, Reddit threads, etc, especially when dealing in the murky world of Aliexpress hardware, it's still not always easy to find products that stand a better chance of working out of the box - especially when who makes them (!) isn't always as clear as might be hoped.

Also: there are many distros and even if a product says it "supports Linux" given how many variations on the Linux OS there are, that's not always even a guarantee it will work.

Why would it work or not work?

The approach I've tried with some success instead is to try to understand why a specific piece of hardware would or would not work. Ie, is there an open source driver that - if it exists - will probably help or vice versa.

*My prompting template is something like::

I use OpenSUSE Tumbleweed.

I'm looking for a macropad.

What specifications should I look for that would increase the likelihood that this will work on this distro?

What specifications would indicate that there is a lesser chance that this will work?

Pair with a direct prompt

If you're fortunate enought to have regular access to something like Amazon, you can use a dual-pronged research approach:

1 - Ask for specific product recommendations
2 - If you feel like branching out a bit, try to get a sense, as well, for how general compatibility might be achieved

My backup approach

Sometimes, ordering hardware for Linux is just a bit of a gamble.

If it's a not-inconsequential amount of money at stake, I sometimes try to figure out if - worst case scenario - there are workarounds.

Like:

I'm looking at this macropad. If it's not detected on Linux, is there any way to program it on Windows in a way that it will store the configurations?

The great thing about prompting LLMs: unlike posting on Reddit communities, you don't have to worry about being judged extremely hardshly for asking a question that's deemed "stupid."

The robot has no strong feelings about you or your question. So ask whatever you think might bring clarity to your search.