Re: Using Samsung tablets for Debian
On 3/21/17 3:26 AM, Darac Marjal wrote:
On Tue, Mar 21, 2017 at 03:58:15AM +0000, Don Littlefield wrote:
Hello,
I want to buy a Samsung tablet and want to load Debian on it. My
question is
do I need to get a tablet that is unlocked to do this? Does this have
anything
to do with the Linux program operation on the device? I do not want
to use it
as a phone, Just to use it as a computer. Thank you for the responding.
First, a matter of terms:
- your device will be "locked" in that you don't have access to the root
account - that's easy to overcome - there are lots of directions
floating around on how to "jailbreak" Android (and, when you install
Debian, you'll be wiping out Android anyway)
- if your device includes a cellular modem, and was purchased from a
carrier, it may also be "locked" to that carrier - which is a separate
issue
You have three different cases to consider:
1. You have a cellular modem, and you want to keep using the cellular
data service. In this case, you might not want to install Debian.
There are modem & carrier specific software & configuration that are
likely to be unsupported in Debian (and this is the code that's
generally locked down the heaviest, as it effects FCC type approval for
the tablet).
2. You have a cellular modem, but you don't care about using cellular
service. In that case, you don't have to worry about whether Debian
supports them. Stuff may be locked down, but you don't care - you'll
need to find a way to wipe the machine and then install Debian. This is
the same as 3.
3. You DON'T have any cellular service. Then, again, you wipe the
machine & install Debian.
Having said that, one might ask WHY you want to install Debian. Android
is a Linux distro, complete with all the drivers needed for the Tablet's
hardware. You might consider just rooting your tablet, and calling it a
day. (Note: I've also seen descriptions on how to install Debian "on
top of" Android - but I'm not quite sure what that means. You probably
end up with some kind of hybrid environment.)
There are some forums for Android developers that might be worth
exploring for more info.
Miles Fidelman
--
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice.
In practice, there is. .... Yogi Berra
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