Easy Debian install for the Nokia N800, N810 Internet Tablet
I’m really tempted to give this a try, but the fact is that I just got the Diablo update installed on the Nokia N800 and I haven’t had time to really kick the tires yet. For other N8x0 owners out there, there’s an easy-peasy method to install a Debian distro of Linux. Since that fork is a little more mainstream, it would provide far more installation packages of apps, making the Internet Tablet more usable for some. You’ll need at least 1.3 GB free on an external memory card for the installation. If you’ve got that: just download, execute and go, go, go! There’s definitely some expectation setting and limitations, so before doing anything, I recommend reading the tips & tricks here at Internet Tablet Talk first. One of the nice aspects here is that you can run Debian without flashing the OS on the Tablet, so there’s little time lost if you’re not thrilled with the environment or performance.
Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:
Subscriber content. Sign up for a free trial.
I have to say, that as I write this, my N810 is downloading the package now, almost 86% completed and I am giddy as a schoolgirl. I am hoping that open office will work, and give me a true functional device or a MID.
I gave up on the UMPC/tablet PC and moved to MBP, the Samsung the X41 and the Sony UX. The N95 and the N810 are the real stars of the show, and this would make them even better, I hope you try the install, would love to see the productivity of this device over other devices.
Sorry now 93%
It’s pretty exciting of course, but you have to remember that just because it runs on debian doesn’t necessarily mean it will work on the NIT. Many packages still have to be ported to work with the ARM architecture. I believe a good majority of the popular ones have already though like GIMP.
Does this mean Office compatible programs can be used?
Oh yes. Are all schoolgirls giddy? What a fantastic word (giddy, I mean)