This is exciting because a Linux powered phone has been my dream for a while now! I’ve been keeping an eye on Purism, waiting for the day they put out a phablet powered with their custom distro and 5G UC support. To support them, I am strongly considering buying their Librem 14 laptop for on the go creative writing!
Huh, well that’s good to know! I might buy my laptop from System 76 since they are based in the USA instead of Tuxedo. As Tuxedo is based in Germany, the shipping cost is higher, and it will take longer for me to receive my laptop. If I were based in the EU, Tuxedo would be a no-brainer choice. As far as Pine64; After reading about their smartphone offerings, I’m a bit leery of committing to them as an option. It’s more for mavericks in the Linux space. I am more of an average user who can follow instructions, my knowledge is not a deep well and I could very well get over my head quickly. I still have to pay off my current device anyway; once that’s done, I could make a choice on what my next smartphone might be once it reaches EOL.
System76 also makes great hardware, I personally prefer Tuxedo because I’m from Germany and because they offer better screens. Linux for phones is still pretty WIP, phones like pine show a Linux phone can be done, they are not trying to compete with android/ios. What phone are you using? If you have a pixel you could, when it becomes EOL install (or let someone else install for you) postmarketOS, a Linux based OS for extending the life span of phones.
I have an iPhone, this is the main reason why I am waiting to see what my options are post paying off my phone! Maybe in a few years time Linux on Mobile matures enough to be a daily driver, I could get a phone which would allow for easy custom OS flashing. I have flashed custom OS on my phones before, it’s not hard to do if you’re able to unlock the device. Honestly, I would prefer there be a real competitor in the phone space who used a Linux Distro as a mobile OS. Someone to drive the development of an open OS on mobile, someone who could back that growth to make sure progress is made. However, in the Android/iOS market, it would be a challenge to get into it, proven by Microsoft’s own failure. Which was due to not having a solid release candidate, app ecosystem, and failing to get significant market share in the mobile phone space.
I like System 76’s hardware, so that’s another reason for wanting to get a laptop from them. If Tuxedo had a USA branch, I would’ve likely gone with their laptop and eventually desktop when it was time for an upgrade. A YouTuber has shown off their Linux Desktops and I do like them quite a bit!
Iibrem 5 is just a scam for 800$. I’ll just keep my redmi 4x with lineageos.
