Picuntu or any other linux distro avail for the iFive tablets?

[LifeIsOnTheWire]

Hi everyone. I have been using Picuntu on a MK808 for a few days now.

I am looking at getting an RK3188 powered tablet. I would love to run Ubuntu on a tablet.

What is the situation with compatability?

[rrileypm]

I have tried using the apps available in the Google Play Store...they seem to install Linux OK...but I have problems getting a loop device to mount. I'm afraid the Rockchip kernels have disabled that ability. I'm looking further for a solution, but I way behind several others in learning this process.

If you find anything, please let us know.

[Stef123]

I have tried using the apps available in the Google Play Store...they seem to install Linux OK...but I have problems getting a loop device to mount. I'm afraid the Rockchip kernels have disabled that ability. I'm looking further for a solution, but I way behind several others in learning this process.

If you find anything, please let us know.

Trying to run a virtual machine on a tablet is inadvisable though. I mean you can run linux on android that way, but don't expect anything more than basic shell commands. I think the OP was asking if there's a usable Picuntu version. Picuntu is not mounted linux, it is *native*, so it's quite a useful tool. Sadly people who develop those distros -apparently- don't own tablets or care to develop for them...

--A fellow tablet owner

[rrileypm]

That's correct. In order to get Ubuntu or another Linux distro to boot on an Android device, a kernel must be compiled for that device.

TV sticks don't have a lot of the things that tablets do, with regard to hardware...such as touch screens. If every touch screen used the same driver...it would be easy. But since there's no standard set of drivers for the tablet components...you would have to make a kernel for every tablet model.

I would be happy if someone would just compile a few Ubuntu kernels for a handful of the most popular tablets...like the iFive 3, or Mini 3 Retina, or Pipo M9 Pro (or M6 Pro). However..again...you need to have the Android kernel sources to make the Linux kernel...which we don't have.

It seems like Ubuntu (Picuntu) would be more beneficial on the larger screen sizes 10.1" or 9.7".

[Stef123]

That's correct. In order to get Ubuntu or another Linux distro to boot on an Android device, a kernel must be compiled for that device.

TV sticks don't have a lot of the things that tablets do, with regard to hardware...such as touch screens. If every touch screen used the same driver...it would be easy. But since there's no standard set of drivers for the tablet components...you would have to make a kernel for every tablet model.

I would be happy if someone would just compile a few Ubuntu kernels for a handful of the most popular tablets...like the iFive 3, or Mini 3 Retina, or Pipo M9 Pro (or M6 Pro). However..again...you need to have the Android kernel sources to make the Linux kernel...which we don't have.

It seems like Ubuntu (Picuntu) would be more beneficial on the larger screen sizes 10.1" or 9.7".

Still a semi working tablet version would be great, certainly better than nothing. Even if the screen is not working at all it would still be useful as a secondary linux machine (external display, mouse and keyboard).

Actually I was able to boot my tablet using one of the TV sticks' distros but sadly my device's USB port was unsupported. So I booted into linux, my TV was showing it in its full glory but couldn't enter the login password.

Indeed the lack of kernel sources is killing us :/ ...truly portable linux could be a godsend (since a tablet is a complete device unlike a TV stick)