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Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

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31–40 of 75 posts

Re: Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

#31

So there isn't actually a Linux version available, and if it does become available it will be more expensive? Why?

Its a hassle-free operation to install Linux from the provided .iso's, or use the community-provided images, so really .. there is no hassle, as you perceive it.

Linux runs great on it and as of 3 days ago the remaining issues (Wifi/Bluetooth) were resolved.

I love my GPD Pocket!

Re: Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

#32

Neat idea, except that it doesn't actually run Linux and most likely never will.

It runs Linux great, and is a wonderful device for the Linux user. I have no issues with UbuntuStudio (my distro of choice) on my GPD Pocket, so: no, you're not quite correct.

Re: Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

#34
post #27
post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The article seems to indicate that it doesn't have official images but a hacked together version and a future version will be released soon.

No, it's not true. There are official images released since a month ago or so. The diffs are even available on github. Proof: http://www.gpd.hk/news.asp?id=1519&selectclassid=002002 Don't take everything for granted. It's not because someone writes about something that they have researched the subject.

Plus, the 'hacked together' version is really just normal Ubuntu with a kernel configuration tweaked specifically for the GPD Pocket, and .. it RUNS GREAT! So, don't worry Linux newbies, this really is a wonderful little pocket Linux workstation ..

Re: Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

#35
Baytrail tablets aren't so bad with Linux now either (they were a right pain when released). My t100ta runs Arch perfectly with everything working (well) other than the camera. It was cheap, the keyboard dock is decent, and it feels like a great natural successor to the original eeePC.

Re: Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

#36
post #5

Looks nice - but can it play Youtube without having to close everything else on the system? I've been badly burned by "netbooks" powered by Atom CPUs... nice battery life but forget opening Facebook or Youtube, and the ultra low screen resolution doesn't help either when web sites are designed for FullHD+ monitors.

That is more graphic acceleration issue. Should not be a problem on this thing.

Is not a problem, at all. Runs Youtube great, runs lots of software great. Its a fantastic little machine.

Re: Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

#37
post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> "Looks nice - but can it play Youtube without having to close everything else on the system? I've been badly burned by "netbooks" powered by Atom CPUs... nice battery life but forget opening Facebook or Youtube" You should have no issues, the Atom used in these is not your 2010 PIII based Atom, it's a modern part that can handle the modern Web. > "and the ultra low screen resolution doesn't help either when web sit…

The early Atoms weren't P3 based, they were an original low-power design and actually quite a bit slower than the P3 at similar clockspeeds. Though a lot of the unpleasantness of using those machines was more from the extremely anemic GPU which has also improved considerably since then. Here's a benchmark comparison between the Atom used in the EeePC 901 (N270 @ 1.6Ghz), the GPD Pocket (x7-Z8750 @ 1.6Ghz), and a 1.1G…

> Though a lot of the unpleasantness of using those machines was more from the extremely anemic GPU which has also improved considerably since then.

Specifically, the GMA950 that didn't have hardware video decode for H.264, which was already the mainstream choice for any Internet video. Combined with the anemic in-order Bonnell core, it was dead on arrival for most uses involving any sort of video. Some netbooks even came with a separate Broadcom PCIe card whose only purpose was hardware video decode.

Re: Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

#38
post #20

This thing looks adorable. It has the Apple-style metal case rather than the more common plastic, and the ad copy at https://www.gearbest.com/tablet-pcs/pp_613003.html?lkid=1122... is basically "what if macbook, but in handbag"

I've been waiting for a Unibody-style Linux workstation since .. well, since the tiBook. And now that there is a viable contender for this space, I'm packing up my MacBook and getting ready to retire it: Linux is finally available on decent hardware.

(That said, I really look forward to the GPD Pocket II, if and when its available .. there are definite improvements that can be made, such as the keyboard layout..)

Re: Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

#39
post #2

I thought about buying this, but was put off by the tiny keyboard. Also, I already have a perfectly working dell xps 13 with linux, so this would really be more of a luxury item.

The keyboard is .. okay .. it does take some getting used to, and you will be cursing at it for at least a week, but if you get real work done on it you'll get over this issue after a bit of usage. Its really quite viable.

Re: Linux on the GPD Pocket 7

#40
I backed this project on Indiegogo, and the Windows 10 unit that I received does not implement sleep correctly, so the battery drains excessively while the unit is suspended with the lid closed. After about a day suspended, the battery is fully drained. This limits its usefulness as a mobile unit, as I have to power off the unit between uses. I emailed GPD support, but did not receive a response. They are a very small company.

Other than that, it's been a pretty nice device for development. One of the nice features is that it's so small, I don't have to stow it during airplane take-off and landing, and can continue programming throughout. The keyboard requires some getting used to, though.

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