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PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

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Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#11

Post by mefistofele »

Really disappointing screen resolution on all of these. Haven't they been paying attention to what's been going on in tablets - at least, in the tablets that people are actually buying?

The tablet form factor is, at its base, a minimal container for a screen. If the screen isn't good, then there goes the whole thing no matter how many other goodies you throw in. Low screen resolution means not good screen.

What's more frustrating is that I share the goals of this device. I want a linux tablet. That is, I want a tablet that will integrate into the workflow I have on my other computing devices, which are all linux.

I don't have very complex requirements for that; I don't need appliKations or Gancy Gesktop Genvironments. I just want a nice high res screen that talks to a bluetooth keyboard when I want, run a standards-compliant web browser, a bunch of tiled terminals, and most importantly Emacs. Android doesn't fit the bill. I can only see appreciating the way Android runs emacs if I was a devoted Buddhist and embraced frequent segfaults as a lesson in patience and discipline.

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#14

Post by skriticos2 »

mtgx wrote: post #6
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.

They are, though they use the Nexus 7 for reference. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=769U8n3srkg

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#15

Post by adventureloop »

This is a strange reveral of the gnu/linux debate. The linux kernel is not the important component, the windowing system is.

I dont want to run X applications on a tablet, I have tried that before with the n700. I want a fully finger friendly user interface, the one that comes with android works pretty well.

I can understand the appeal of a community owned FOSS user interface, but why attach the linux tag as a selling point.

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#16

Post by quarterto »

rjbond3rd wrote: post #10
quarterto wrote: post #8

Add $5 to have Linux installed on the on board flash. Wait, what? It doesn't even ship with an OS?

Android is on the flash by default, Linux on the SD card. So you're getting two OS's. The $5 is to overwrite the flash with Linux.

Linux on the SD is an $8 extra.

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#17

Post by vidarh »

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.

Interestingly, their pictures are of existing Allwinner based Android products that are available for purchase now from any number of sources, and that there are plenty of documentation on getting Linux running for.

So making a good Linux distribution seems to be what this project is for. It's very unclear what they're actually offering - it seems that any donations will go towards work on a very limited set of missing functionality for existing Linux ports for these devices.

Personally I found the page very misleading.

EDIT: Here's details on Linux on the MiniPC they show:

https://www.miniand.com/forums/forums/2/topics/1

And here's details on Linux on one of the LY-F1 tablet models they show pictures of:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyVarHgHMWg

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#18

Post by vidarh »

mefistofele wrote: post #11

Really disappointing screen resolution on all of these. Haven't they been paying attention to what's been going on in tablets - at least, in the tablets that people are actually buying? The tablet form factor is, at its base, a minimal container for a screen. If the screen isn't good, then there goes the whole thing no matter how many other goodies you throw in. Low screen resolution means not good screen. What's mor…

They're not making the hardware. The units they list are run of the mill lowest-end Android tablets you can pick up on Amazon (or directly from China via Aliexpress etc.) that more standard Linux setups have already been ported to.

EDIT: At least that's what the pictures are of. I have that keyboard case, and at least one of those tablets, already.

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#19

Post by subsystem »

vidarh wrote: post #17
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.

Interestingly, their pictures are of existing Allwinner based Android products that are available for purchase now from any number of sources, and that there are plenty of documentation on getting Linux running for. So making a good Linux distribution seems to be what this project is for. It's very unclear what they're actually offering - it seems that any donations will go towards work on a very limited set of missi…

Seems fairly close to a scam to me.

"By using crowd funding to consolidate the orders we will be able to achieve the prices listed in the rewards and upgrades to the hardware become possible."

Then why is the PengStick/Mini MK802 twice the price of Amazon?

Re: PengPod: True Linux Tablets and MiniPCs

#20

Post by vidarh »

esolyt wrote: post #3

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 hav…

Yes, it will run the programs made for desktop operating systems, as long as they're recompiled for ARM:

This is an example of Ubuntu running on the LY-F1 (which is incidentally one of the tablets these guys show pictures of, so it's not very clear what they're actually planning on doing for this money other than passing orders on to distributors and chucking in suitable Ubuntu image):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyVarHgHMWg

The poor user experience part I agree with, though.

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