A great demonstration of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 running Ubuntu on Android has been put together to show what’s possible on Android. Ubuntu has been loaded onto the Tab without replacing the Android OS and runs in the background, “chrooted” or like a virtual machine.
One of the problems with Android, even though it is based on Linux, is that you can’t actually run any native Linux programs on Android. The new ‘Tabuntu’ device, as it has now been dubbed, gets around this and will now allow you to run native Linux programs on your Android tablet without the need to first remove the Android OS. Watch a video of the new ‘Tabuntu’ device in action after the jump.
Advantages of Running Ubuntu on Android
Running Ubuntu on your Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to use a full-fledged desktop operating system on your tablet, which can be particularly useful for developers and power users. You can run a variety of Linux applications that are not available on Android, such as GIMP for image editing, LibreOffice for office tasks, and various development tools like Eclipse and NetBeans.
Moreover, this setup can be beneficial for educational purposes. Students and educators can use the tablet to run educational software that is only available on Linux. This can make the Galaxy Tab 10.1 a versatile tool for both learning and teaching.
How to Install Ubuntu on Galaxy Tab 10.1
Full instructions on how to set up your Galaxy Tab 10.1 to run Ubuntu are detailed on the GalaxyTabHacks website, but you will need to root your Galaxy Tab 10.1 to perform the Ubuntu install. Rooting your device gives you administrative access, allowing you to modify the system software to install Ubuntu.
The process involves several steps, including downloading the necessary files, setting up a chroot environment, and configuring the system to run Ubuntu alongside Android. While the process may seem daunting, the detailed guide on GalaxyTabHacks makes it accessible even for users who are not very tech-savvy.
Enjoy! Take a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While running Ubuntu on your Galaxy Tab 10.1 can be incredibly rewarding, there are some challenges and considerations to keep in mind. Rooting your device can void its warranty and may expose it to security risks if not done correctly. Additionally, the performance of Ubuntu running in a chroot environment may not be as smooth as running it natively on a PC, especially for resource-intensive applications.
Battery life is another consideration. Running two operating systems simultaneously can drain your battery faster than usual. It’s essential to monitor your device’s performance and battery usage to ensure it meets your needs.
Source: GalaxyTabHacks : Engadget
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