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PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

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Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#2

Post by CJefferson »

I don't want this to just sound like "this is a terrible idea", but I'm interested -- why not just make a good linux distribution for something like the Nexus 10? I already want to get one of those, and would be happy to dual-boot traditional linux, or even just have access to true linux under the android hub.

Unless there is some serious restriction, it seems easier to get software right, than hardware + software.

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#3

Post by esolyt »

I have to disagree with some points made here.

> free of Google and Android's restrictions

Well, we have an OS that is completely open source. An SDK that can be used on any platform and with any IDE without paying anything. Freedom to write and distribute applications to any device without anyone's approval.

> Hey, it's Linux right? It'll be open, run all the programs I'm familiar with and let me hack around and have some fun right?

Linux is a kernel. No, it won't run the programs made for desktop operating systems just because they use the same kernel, which are likely to offer poor user experience on a tablet anyway.

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#4

Post by ansible »

CJefferson wrote: post #2

I don't want this to just sound like "this is a terrible idea", but I'm interested -- why not just make a good linux distribution for something like the Nexus 10? I already want to get one of those, and would be happy to dual-boot traditional linux, or even just have access to true linux under the android hub. Unless there is some serious restriction, it seems easier to get software right, than hardware + software.

The Nexus 10 also has the fewest binary blobs of any recent Android device.

Also, if you want an Allwinner based tablet there are/will be many available. The main work would be to find one where you can get the schematics, and also spec sheets for all the peripherals. Some companies might be open to releasing that stuff if you pay them.

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#5

Post by gvb »

CJefferson wrote: post #2

I don't want this to just sound like "this is a terrible idea", but I'm interested -- why not just make a good linux distribution for something like the Nexus 10? I already want to get one of those, and would be happy to dual-boot traditional linux, or even just have access to true linux under the android hub. Unless there is some serious restriction, it seems easier to get software right, than hardware + software.

Agreed. Historically, it has been cheaper to buy a high volume existing piece of hardware and throw away the pre-installed (and paid for) software than it is to build linux-oriented hardware. The price breaks that come from manufacturing million of units simply swamps the cost savings of not paying for an unused OS (e.g. Windows, Android).

You can install Ubuntu on the Nexus 7 today. https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Nexus7/Installation The Nexus 10 will probably happen too.

Another interesting trick Canonical has talked about is Ubuntu on Android http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android - essentially running a virtualized linux on the Android kernel. I don't believe it is available yet (their target market appears to be handset manufacturers, not us) and I have my doubts whether it will be useful enough to break into the general market.

WRT getting the software right, it is not easy moving a desktop-oriented system to a tablet/touch-oriented system. Canonical and others have been working that problem, so it will get better over time. This video (from 2010) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn3m09zkcbo makes it look like it works great. Maybe it is time for me to buy that Nexus 7. :-)

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#6

Post by mtgx »

CJefferson wrote: post #2

I don't want this to just sound like "this is a terrible idea", but I'm interested -- why not just make a good linux distribution for something like the Nexus 10? I already want to get one of those, and would be happy to dual-boot traditional linux, or even just have access to true linux under the android hub. Unless there is some serious restriction, it seems easier to get software right, than hardware + software.

I'm pretty sure Canonical will work on that soon.

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#7

Post by tluyben2 »

CJefferson wrote: post #2

I don't want this to just sound like "this is a terrible idea", but I'm interested -- why not just make a good linux distribution for something like the Nexus 10? I already want to get one of those, and would be happy to dual-boot traditional linux, or even just have access to true linux under the android hub. Unless there is some serious restriction, it seems easier to get software right, than hardware + software.

Nexus 10 linux and great keyboard please! I would definitely fund that!

Edit: Das keyboard in laptop form with a battery. When I use the keyboard i'm sitting down for 'serious work' anyway, so a bit bigger wouldn't matter; 20 hours battery life + a real programmers keyboard in a clamshell would rock.

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#9

Post by mganon »

IIRC the A10 specs are closed (and at a time I've been involved with a project including a A10, I've even been reported the A10 designers did not even have written one...), so this might not be the best SoC to start with, especially to target Linux geeks, promising them openness.

Also $50k of funding seems quite light for this project.

I hope anyway that it succeeds, because it would still be an interesting device.

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