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Ubuntu 9.04 On Kindle 2

Posted by timothy on from the general-insanity dept.

JO_DIE_THE_STAR_F*** writes "Jesse Vincent managed to get Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope running on the Kindle 2. The new functionality was presented in a talk at OSCON 2009."

4 of 194 comments (clear)

  1. Re:data connection? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I doubt that there is any particular technical reason; but it might well be an excellent way to have the data connection cut off. Much worse, from the perspective of the linux enthusiast, who the presenter presumably is, would be Sprint, or any other carrier considering a future deal to provide a whispernet-like service, insisting on hardcore cryptographic device crippling as a condition.

    Enforcing network security in the client wouldn't be a terribly good plan; but a carrier's attempt to do so could make a project like that of TFA much harder in the future.

  2. Re:First by Lord+Ender · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You have got to be kidding! I have a netbook and an ebook reader, and they are absolutely not replacements or each other! OK, I'll spell it out for you in detail.

    Things the Kindle can do that the Netbook can't:

    • eink display: It's easy on the eyes, works in bright sunlight, has the same viewing angle as paper.
    • Three weeks of battery life. The best netbooks can run for seven hours. The Kindle is in an entirely different class
    • Free, unlimited 3G internet connection that works anywhere a cell phone works.
    • Onboard GPS
    • Access to Amazon's ebook store: This should not be easily dismissed. I read scifi novels, and every one I have looked up has been available. They are also several dollars cheaper than printed books, and I can buy them without getting out of bed :-)

    I have a high-end PC, a netbook, an ebook reader, and a smart phone. I am very glad I have all of them. Each of these devices has capabilities or conveniences not available on the other devices. These are great times to bee a technophile; anyone who dismisses this tech is pointless has no idea what he is talking about.

    --
    A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
  3. A couple notes... by jesse · · Score: 5, Informative

    What I did was to get a Jaunty _chroot_ running on the Kindle 2. The interesting bits were mostly around making X work and beating the 5-pad into submission.

    1. Re:A couple notes... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Exhibit A that your Slashdot UID is inversely proportional to your ability to do cool shit.