Ubuntu Optimizes its OS for ARM CPUs
PrintAn ARM-based netbook running Ubuntu could be in your future with the newest version of Ubuntu Netbook Edition. Much like Windows, the popular Linux distro did not previously have support for ARM processors. This meant you’d only see Ubuntu on Atom-based netbooks, a category dominated by Windows. With the anticipated flood of ARM packing “smartbooks” expected to materialize, the devs got to work rewriting Ubuntu.
According to Ubuntu’s Jamie Bennet, the problem was that Ubuntu Netbook Edition required 3D graphics drivers that didn’t exist for ARM chips. They got around this by employing 2D Enlightenment Foundation Libraries to fake a 3D interface. We’re hearing that you won’t be able to tell the difference in the interface. If true, that’s a big win for smartbooks and Ubuntu.
This may be the space that Ubuntu specifically, and Linux in general, can succeed in. Windows is completely locked out of the smartbook game until such time as Redmond gets around to adding ARM support. Don’t expect that to happen anytime soon. Is an Ubuntu smartbook something you’d buy?
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dlmarti
February 19, 2010 at 3:41pm
I've been developing on the ARM platform for a while now, I would love to see desktops AND laptops in an ARM flavor.
nekollx
February 19, 2010 at 9:02am
Redmond goes where the hardware is. 3 years ago they would have never though about low power netbooks, if ARM takes off i expect Win 7.5 or Win 8 to support ARM
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compguy248
February 19, 2010 at 7:43am
Depending on the price, I would buy a Ubuntu ARM-based netbook. I've been considering a netbook for some time now.
PeterVu
February 19, 2010 at 6:48am
Well there are versions of ubuntu that already run on ARM processors.
I know these OSes aren't what you would call a "Functional computer" but it has already been done and you can do multiple things on this OS.
Smartq 5/v5 7/v7 runs on an UBUNTU, WIN CE and ANDROID OS. while utilizing an arm6/arm11 600mhz/677mhz processor.
Whether the "new" ubuntu on ARM processors will be more functional is another question.
Dexter243
February 18, 2010 at 6:59pm
Nutcracklng snack
Hell ye i have ran ubunta befor and it is a nice os
i like it darn near as much as my mac os
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