I’ve been both a tester and daily user of Emmabuntüs for about two years now, and I currently run it on a Lenovo ThinkPad X200 Tablet from 2008. Yes — a laptop that’s more than fifteen years old — and it still works beautifully. It’s always satisfying to see older hardware stay relevant thanks to a Linux distribution that isn’t just functional, but also built around a meaningful and human-centered philosophy.

Emmabuntüs is, above all, a solidarity-based project. It was created by the Emmabuntüs Collective with the goal of offering a GNU/Linux distribution that is easy to install, beginner-friendly, and especially designed for refurbished computers — including those reused through Emmaüs communities. Its mission is twofold:

• Reduce the digital divide

• Limit electronic waste

In an era where marketing pressure encourages us to replace our devices every few years, seeing a project prove that older machines can still be efficient is already a strong and refreshing statement.

The version I am currently using — Emmabuntüs DE6 — is based on Debian. That choice is meaningful, because Debian is known for its stability, simplicity, and long-term reliability. On an older machine like my X200 Tablet, those qualities are invaluable. The default XFCE environment remains lightweight, responsive, and pleasant to use, and there is also LXQt for those who prefer a more modern but still efficient interface.

One of Emmabuntüs’s defining features is its “ready out of the box” approach. Unlike minimalist distributions that require installing everything manually, Emmabuntüs includes a complete set of everyday applications: office suite, web browser, multimedia tools, communication apps, educational software, and more. This is extremely convenient for family use, schools, associations, and community tech environments.

What’s New in the Latest DE6 Version

The DE6 release brings several welcome updates. It’s now based on Debian 13 “Trixie”, offering long-term stability and strong support. Some lesser-used applications have been removed to streamline the system, while others have been updated to improve daily usability, especially for web browsing and communication.

The documentation has also been expanded and translated into multiple languages, making the system more accessible to international and educational communities. There’s also renewed focus on accessibility, with better support tools for users with varying needs — showing that Emmabuntüs genuinely aims to make computing more inclusive.

Why I Enjoy Using It on My ThinkPad X200 Tablet

My ThinkPad X200 Tablet is a machine I’ve always enjoyed — sturdy, easy to repair, and with a flexible screen that’s practical for note-taking. But under more traditional systems, it had begun to struggle. With Emmabuntüs, it runs smoothly again. The XFCE desktop is light enough to keep everything responsive, even with several browser tabs open, and everything works right away — including touchscreen and stylus support, without complicated configuration.

What I especially appreciate is how Emmabuntüs aligns with the ThinkPad philosophy: repair, reuse, and extend the life of hardware. I can write, browse, read, watch videos, manage emails, and take notes — without slowdowns or frustration. And there’s something deeply satisfying in continuing to use a machine that might otherwise have been discarded.

For me, Emmabuntüs isn’t just another Linux distribution. It’s a statement. A reminder that what we already have can still be valuable — if we choose to take care of it and pass it on.

If you have an old laptop stored somewhere, or if you want to help someone get access to a working computer without spending a lot, I sincerely encourage you to try Emmabuntüs. And if you'd like, I can soon prepare a simple installation guide or share tips for optimizing performance on older hardware.