Related, around 2000, knowing which hardware device to buy for any/good Linux compatibility could be difficult. And even among supported devices, some had bett

Related, around 2000, knowing which hardware device to buy for any/good Linux compatibility could be difficult. And even among supported devices, some had better drivers (currently, or imminently), and some hardware itself was buggier than others. I had access to some kernel developers, but they didn't have time for people's FAQs about current device compatibility. So what I really did do, at least once, was to narrow down the options on my own, and then (lying) mention, in the enthusiastic manner that people did, that I'd just ordered such-and-such device for Linux. As you'd guess, but it was still impressive to see happen for real, suddenly there were a number of experts telling me what I should've bought instead. Question answered. I then admitted my deceit.