For others in similar position as parent (i.e. in need for a hand held portable Linux computer) but couldn't buy a GPD device for various reasons(availability, cost, trust issues etc.); Then here are two recommendations which are just as good(or better?):
1. Buy a used smartphone with postmarketOS support[1]. I suggest Poco F1 if you want to make phone calls with it right away (or) Oneplus 6/6T if you can wait a bit long for it to be fixed. I use Poco F1 as a daily driver and these are the most powerful, feature complete Linux smartphones right now.
If your work depends upon tool adamant on glibc and couldn't be compiled for musl then Mobian works on the aforementioned devices[2] too.
Use a foldable bluetooth keyboard, case with kickstand; you can get just as productive as a GPD albeit more portable and also feel good about taking away a device from potential e-waste.
2. Buy a 11" used Chromebook (Mainly used in schools) which is supported by Mr.Chromebox's UEFI firmware[3], You can use any Linux with it but I use PeppermintOS for its light weight and OOB support for Chromebook. Of course any portable laptop could run Linux, But they tend to cost 2x-3x the Chromebooks.
I personally think if you have an Android phone, Termux is really powerful, its basically a linux container, and you can do a lot on it,
And with Root its even more powerful.
And of course Android is always going to be more usable the mobile linux.
For me personally I just can't work on my phone, its too small, there is no place to work on anything!
Termux is an excellent piece of software, I recently saw a security researcher from Zambia using only Termux for his development[1] and research as he couldn't afford a computer. I'm sure there are plenty more like him in developing economies, Where using smartphone for better computing is not just a lifestyle but a necessity for livelihood.
Because Google with its Playstore API restrictions has stopped Termux from releasing in Playstore, It has robbed people in the similar circumstance as that Zambian gentleman of the opportunity. Now, One has to have enough knowledge about existence of third party app stores like F-Droid to make use of Termux like applications.
Even then, Android's enthusiast scene is highly dependent upon 'privilege escalation', To auto update Termux from F-Droid it needs root.
And that's exactly why I'm evangelizing Linux smartphone at every chance I get, I'm not telling those who couldn't afford a PC should move on to a Linux phone, I'm telling we need to break the duopoly in the mobile ecosystem to gain back the freedom in mobile computing. Linux phone, Especially aftermarket projects like pmos seems to be best bet for me since coincidentally developing economies are e-waste dumping grounds for the rest of the world.
I don't feel that way, Productivity benefits of a Linux handled aren't compromised to any significant effect by having a detached foldable keyboard(With layouts we're used to) as compared to attached smaller keyboard, especially when you can use it as a normal phone in any pocket :P
May be its a user preference, I just put out options as 'Choice' is the crux of Linux ecosystem.
Gotta disagree here a tad, I got a small tablet (windows but doesn't matter in this context) that I intended to use while commuting on the subway but the external keyboard/holding the device up wasn't at all comfortable on the lap in a subway train. Having had a proper keyboard as a base/holder would definitely have been an improvement when going on a subway/train.
You make a valid point, But I think a even a GPD like device wouldn't be comfortable on the lap while traveling if we have to crouch over while typing due to neck strain.
I think what's best in this situation is display glasses, Like VR headset but only that it outputs our computer/phone display for stereoscopic vision. I've been tracking such glasses for a while[1] as I have limited freedom of movement with my neck as its held by rods.
There is a Logitech BT KB that has a slot to place your phone/tablet in. It's a way to get the laptop feel, which is needed when you need to type on your lap. It's quite heavy though, almost 2 pounds. That's because it needs to be heavy enough to not tip over if an iPad or something is attached to it.
I really miss the slide out keyboards. Touch screen SSH sessions are a miracle if they work, and it's frustrating when you retype a word for the fifth time in a row only to realize autocomplete was trying to 'help' you.
1. Buy a used smartphone with postmarketOS support[1]. I suggest Poco F1 if you want to make phone calls with it right away (or) Oneplus 6/6T if you can wait a bit long for it to be fixed. I use Poco F1 as a daily driver and these are the most powerful, feature complete Linux smartphones right now.
If your work depends upon tool adamant on glibc and couldn't be compiled for musl then Mobian works on the aforementioned devices[2] too.
Use a foldable bluetooth keyboard, case with kickstand; you can get just as productive as a GPD albeit more portable and also feel good about taking away a device from potential e-waste.
2. Buy a 11" used Chromebook (Mainly used in schools) which is supported by Mr.Chromebox's UEFI firmware[3], You can use any Linux with it but I use PeppermintOS for its light weight and OOB support for Chromebook. Of course any portable laptop could run Linux, But they tend to cost 2x-3x the Chromebooks.
[1] https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Devices
[2] https://wiki.mobian-project.org/doku.php?id=install-android
[3] https://mrchromebox.tech/#devices