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I would like an Android portable 'phone' (I never call but want mobile internet) that can switch to Linux when in 'desktop mode' (so what Samsung has with DeX b

I would like an Android portable 'phone' (I never call but want mobile internet) that can switch to Linux when in 'desktop mode' (so what Samsung has with DeX but then Linux), built on 'open' hardware. Fully open would be the best, but I know this is not (yet) possible. The Astro Slide is the closest I have seen to the form factor I want (I had (and still have; they all work still) all versions of the Psion back in the day), but, while it runs Linux, it cannot easily switch between them and the hardware is not open. I am really not very interested in 'as flat as possible'; replaceable batteries would be great, as would switches to physically switch off comms/cams be (like the pinePhone has but I would like them more easily accessible).

pmontra 4y ago
DeX had an Ubuntu 16.04 desktop in a container, developed with Canonical. It was beta and run on Galaxy Tab S 5e and few other models. It was discontinued with the upgrade to Android 11.
- tluyben2 4y ago
  Ah! I did not know that; I only used DeX a few times. But yes, something like that indeed. Shame they always discontinue things like that. I understand it, but still a shame. We need more diversity and Android simply isn't productive enough for me even though it's getting very close. I prefer Linux anyway for the customizing, so the combination would be excellent.
  - pmontra 4y ago
    I used it primarily as a great ssh terminal, better than any Android app I used so far (but ConnectBot is good). I worked on a Rails and on a Node app on there, fixed a server for a customer when in a hotel on the other side of the world. I'd rather reverse the setup. Linux first with phone calls and SMSes, an Android emulator or whatever for the apps that nobody will ever develop for Linux (banking OTPs, etc.) But I don't feel optimistic. I think that the only reasonable chance is that today's hardware (which is good enough even for mid level phones) will get so cheap and firmware so available (FOSS or supported) that somebody will use it to make a decently sized and light phone with Linux.

pmontra 4y ago

DeX had an Ubuntu 16.04 desktop in a container, developed with Canonical. It was beta and run on Galaxy Tab S 5e and few other models. It was discontinued with the upgrade to Android 11.

tluyben2 4y ago
Ah! I did not know that; I only used DeX a few times. But yes, something like that indeed. Shame they always discontinue things like that. I understand it, but still a shame. We need more diversity and Android simply isn't productive enough for me even though it's getting very close. I prefer Linux anyway for the customizing, so the combination would be excellent.
- pmontra 4y ago
  I used it primarily as a great ssh terminal, better than any Android app I used so far (but ConnectBot is good). I worked on a Rails and on a Node app on there, fixed a server for a customer when in a hotel on the other side of the world. I'd rather reverse the setup. Linux first with phone calls and SMSes, an Android emulator or whatever for the apps that nobody will ever develop for Linux (banking OTPs, etc.) But I don't feel optimistic. I think that the only reasonable chance is that today's hardware (which is good enough even for mid level phones) will get so cheap and firmware so available (FOSS or supported) that somebody will use it to make a decently sized and light phone with Linux.