What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

I really want to be able to carry a small gnu/linux machine where ever I go. I have two N900s, and even at this late date I don't know of a better choice. But maybe you do. I need X11 support (to handle some work-related legacy apps) so Jolla won't work for me. Ubuntu Touch on a Nexus 5 works pretty well (20 hours of battery life with light use) but I haven't been able to get Xmer to work, so once again lack of X11 support defeats me. I'd buy a Pyra in a second, even though I care nothing about games, but who knows when they will actually be available. I've pre-ordered a neo900, but frankly updating 2009 hardware to 2011 specs, at significant cost isn't as attractive as it used to be. Making a portable, battery operated Raspberry Pi doesn't seem to work very well, because Raspberry Pis were optimized for low cost, not low power.

I only need WiFi connectivity, since I can tether off my phone.

I'd happily pay up to $1000.

What am I missing? What's the best n900 replacement, supporting GNU and X11, that's shipping today?

Re: What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

I don't want to play heretic here, but - you can have GNU-linux in a chroot in any modern rooted Android device. You can also have a somewhat limited GNU-linux in an unrooted device under a proot instead of chroot.
When you're inside, you can do all things you asked for.

For chrooted linux in a rooted device, see "Linux Deploy"

For prooted linux in an unrooted device, see "Debian noroot" or "GNURoot Debian".

I have Linux Deploy with a XFCE Ubuntu 14.04, living inside a 4 gigabyte file on my microsd card. You can automagically download from regular repos some other distro with that, like Kali, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, Arch, Gentoo, openSUSE and Slackware.

The prooted ones are still in earlier development, so Debian only. But working very well.

EDIT 2 :
here's Linux Deploy: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ik.linuxdeploy

Gnuroot Debian: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...gnuroot.debian

Debian noroot: http://bit.ly/1Re1vpd
I had to feed the original url into bit.ly because the package name contains "c u n t" and the bulletin board software is a silly bigot :)

Re: What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

Neither do I, sorry.
But all of your post I agree to, so community come up with proposals (even they are heretic like above ;))!

A Neo would be an update that this gem should have had when it was shipped. Nevertheless that is what I am hoping for and seeing as the best alternative!

Re: What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

Broken link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...**ubuntu&hl=en

I will try this once fdroid rebuilt it, can it be also ported to myriad dalvik or ACL ?

https://github.com/pelya/debian-noroot


http://proot.me/

Re: What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

I want a mobile device that will run PyGI scripts, unfortunately it looks like it's going to be a Windows 10 tablet :(

Re: What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

I use these:

http://ruggon.com/en/ruggpad.php?id=7
a bit hefty but works well - I run Solydx 64bit on it,
a rolling release Debian genre

resistive screen wins

I also have this a lot cheaper but a bit older:
http://hiton.en.alibaba.com/product/...tablet_pc.html

I run Sabayon 64bit on it (XFCE)
works well, but the screen is capacitive

If you are interested in either unit and
have problems buying through the links,
let me know and I will sell you mine (used but okay)

Hope this helps
the photos are of these units in operations

Re: What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

That Ruggon looks like a lovely device indeed. Resistive screen RS232, full-size USB and RJ45 (in that order) FTW! Any idea of a price tag? ISTR someone (you?) posting it here before and the price was, let's just say, eye-watering. (I am viewing this on a Jolla which makes it a real pain so sorry if the price is on that page. I can't see it.)

Re: What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

Re: What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

Not me, some of the guys I train and advise.

The Ruggon was 1600 but I would bet Ruggon corp
will sell it cheaper these days. if you ask carefully maybe ?
That was with the 3g chip inside so cheaper without it

Just remember not to buy anything that says Bay Trail
and check the boot sequence before you buy,
I have been through that wringer and it is -zero- fun.

Re: What's the best Handheld gnu/linux machine for 2016?
 

As soon as it changes from pre-order
to tin ready to send....