Linux on tablets?

Now I noticed the topic about the cheap phones on sale, and now i'm back here with some questions.
Is it possible to install linux on those "chinatablets" or any other tablets for that sake?
Have any of you done something alike? and what tablet did you use? and how did you do it?
If it can be done, are there any specifications to look for when choosing the tablet?

I was looking at these with TF-card slot:
http://www.dx.com/p/g7pro-7-0-dual-core-a23-android-4-2-2-tablet-pc-w-4gb-rom-bluetooth-tf-dual-camera-black-328700
http://www.dx.com/p/lenovo-tab-2-a7-10-android-4-4-quad-core-tablet-pc-w-7-ips-1gb-ram-8gb-rom-wi-fi-black-401524

I think the ubuntu tablet is very sweet, but a bit expensive ass well.
http://www.ubuntu.com/tablet/devices

- Fotex

Sorry that I can't help you on this. However, if I were to invest my $$$ on any computers, I certainly would stay away from any processor made by AllWinner. Also, if you order from DX and the item gets shipped directly from China, then perhaps you ought to check out AliExpress site as well as ebay. Chances are, you will find more varieties @ a lower price.

The Android 4x series is not bad at all, depending on your needs. I got a cheap new Trio Stealth 5 a month ago and that Android was easy to root, tame and given its limitations I'm still real happy. I'll respectfully disagree with my colleague about the Allwinner processor because mine's great. Any processor can get bogged down if too many processes are running int he background, leading to less than ideal performance and lifespan.

But the other day I got a "smartphone" with Android 5 Lollipop and it's hell on earth! At least so far. As my friend and colleague recommends, check XDA Developers and similar reputable sites to find out if it's a lemon or lemonade LOL

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-= Cloud 9 =-



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/02/2016 03:03PM by JoeyPogoPlugE02.

Having installed linux on Allwinner / Rikomagic / Mediatek devices, the best advice i can gve you is.

"use your google-fu and know the device you wish to hack before you purchase it!"

http://www.gregwar.com/posts/debian-on-a-low-cost-tablet-50

https://wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/Allwinner

http://off-the-clock.timothy-nicole-marks.com/computers-and-electronics/polaroid-704

http://zsmith.co/tablets.html

vhttp://elinux.org/Hack_A10_devices

@ Gravelrash nice resources!

It makes a lot of sense to have Live Linux possibilities on mini SD-type card. I wonder if Remastersys is in the ballpark.

Now Ubuntu Unity makes sense; I didn't see the logic of it in my pre-touchscreen days. All that's left to wonder is their sick Theme colors ah haha.. whew! Oh slap my knee.

But Live Linux on an SD card, I might be wise to gravitate there a bit - Debian or Mint XFCE, barring other revelations - has treated me well enough to strongly consider the possibilities. Now that's Linux hacking, ain't it?

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-= Cloud 9 =-

@Joey


What is hacking?
Hacking is the practice of modifying the features of a system, in order to accomplish a goal outside of the creator's original purpose.
The person who is consistently engaging in hacking activities, and has accepted hacking as a lifestyle and philosophy of their choice, is called a hacker.

CREDIT : http://whatishacking.org/

Hot rod & mod! is my idea of hacking :-)

* Sorry master, Grasshopper gets excited ArmorAll'ing fan blades all day. But what a nice breeze right now :-)

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-= Cloud 9 =-



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 05/05/2016 09:34PM by JoeyPogoPlugE02.

Apparently, Walmart has this RCA Viking Pro 10.1" 2-in-1 Tablet 32GB Quad Core (RCT6303W87DKF C) + a detachable keyboard under US $80. It runs on an Android 5.0 (Lollipop). So, it must be a 64-bit 4-core CPU (sorry no brand/model of the CPU found).

> Android 5.0 (Lollipop). So, it must be a 64-bit
> 4-core CPU (sorry no brand/model of the CPU
> found).

This RCA-Viking-Pro-10.1 is 32-bit Mediatek MT8127, ARM Cortex-A7.

-bodhi
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Gents, the links Gravelrash provided clue me in nicely, just letting you know I'm trying to wrap my head around some of this before proceeding.

But, for the record, is Allwinner the same as ARM?

But again, the more I interact with that Lollipop smartphone - the more I feel it's necessary to tame it or run something else. A year ago I thought Debian was difficult - and there's reasons to think so, but Lollipop is approaching justification of the word evil. The 15-app limit of that Freeze App even, is way not enough to tame this mark of the beast. Did I say that? Excuse me, bedtime.

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-= Cloud 9 =-

Joey,

Yes. Allwiner produces SoCs which are based on ARM architecture. Just as Marvell(plugs) Amlogic, Broadcomm ( rPi), Mediatek, TI, .... SoCs are ARM.

-bodhi
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/10/2016 05:26AM by bodhi.

bodhi Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > Android 5.0 (Lollipop). So, it must be a 64-bit
> > 4-core CPU (sorry no brand/model of the CPU
> > found).
>
> This RCA-Viking-Pro-10.1 is 32-bit Mediatek
> MT8127, ARM Cortex-A7.

Hello Bodhi,

That is interesting. I thought Android Lollipop only supports a 64-bit ARM platform.

bodhi Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Joey,
>
> Yes. Allwiner produces SoCs which are based on ARM
> architecture. Just as Marvell(plugs) Amlogic,
> Broadcomm ( rPi), Mediatek, TI, .... SoCs are ARM.

Ahhh.. thank you for that watershed moment :-)

If by chance anyone were wondering, my
1. Tablet is a Trio Stealth G5, Android 4.4.2 KitKat and it says A33 1.5Ghz processor
2. Smartphone is Huawei Y538, Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with Qualcomm MSM8909 1.1GHz, internally says ARM Cortex A7

Tablet I could live with, smartphone on the other hand... the kindest thing I can say is that without cell access it's not microwaving my optic nerve...

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-= Cloud 9 =-



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/10/2016 01:57PM by JoeyPogoPlugE02.

> only supports a 64-bit ARM platform.

No, Lollipop supports both 32 and 64 bit. I don't think Google would stop supporting 32-bit anytime soon. Consider many millions 32-bit Droid mobile devices out there.

-bodhi
===========================
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bodhi's corner (buy bodhi a beer)

Bodhi,

Thank you for clarifying this.