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Linux Distributions for Powerbooks?
sol2k asks: "I just got myself a G4 Powerbook 12' and I am still amazed at the thing. Mac OS X is beatiful and sometimes even too intuitive for someone crossing from the Windows world. I had some nice experiences with Linux on Intel machines but would love to try out a Linux on the Powerbook and make use of the great hardware. Here's a simple question: What are my options? I know about Yellow Dog (old and doesn't seemt to be updated often), Debian/PPC (a bit too much time to set up than what I have available) and Mandrake (9.1 - that's really old). What Linux adventures have you had on your Mac?"
Let's be honest, Linux on PPC runs like shit. It does work, but many software won't compile and a G4 is *slow* to compile. Very, very, very slow.
So gentoo is a great choice...except that it compiles everything. I have it on my iBook and it does work (of course, the ibook G4 is slower than your machine).
No Wifi though, and no/almost no powersaving features. Closing the lid is usually not a good idea either.
On the upside, Gentoo forums is a WONDERFUL place. Visit the mac section, it's worth your time. People there are really helpful.
Other than gentoo, there's debian if that's your cup of tea. Never tried it on PPC although I guess it's the same situation as Gentoo.
Good luck!
IP Therefore I am.
would love to try out a Linux on the Powerbook and make use of the great hardware.
How can you 'make use' of the hardware when you install an OS with poor hardware support, weak drivers and virtually no software being written to take advantage of it? Then when/if you run something like MOL, you're just beating yourself over the head.
There's no advantage, just a whole heap of disadvantages (even when it comes to software support and speed), except for being able to say "I'm running Linux on a Mac!" And wait for an "Ooooo."