Free-software tablet computer
Howdy all, My tablet computer has started to fail (Samsung products apparently just normally have crappy batteries) so I'm looking to replace it. When I chose this tablet computer, I did so by browsing the supported devices at <URL:https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/> and using the (small) list of product models as a shopping list. Now, over a year later, the set of devices supported by a current LineageOS release has *shrunk* and there don't appear to be any tablet computers younger than 2015 there! Am I screwed, and if so how badly? How do I get a tablet computer which will last a good number of years (implying the hardware must be quite recent) and runs a free-software operating system? -- \ “Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything | `\ that's even remotely true!” —Homer, _The Simpsons_ | _o__) | Ben Finney
Sad to hear that LineageOS doesn't seem to support any new devices and the list of supported devices is shrinking. I guess it takes time to build and document enough knowhow to have a device become supported, or that the project is declining in popularity. I made the mistake of buying a phone that is not supported by any free software OS :-( so I don't have any experience in this field. Sorry I can't help. Is buying the newest supported device that suits your needs an option? May 14, 2019, 11:04 PM by ben+freesoftware@benfinney.id.au:
Howdy all,
My tablet computer has started to fail (Samsung products apparently just normally have crappy batteries) so I'm looking to replace it.
When I chose this tablet computer, I did so by browsing the supported devices at <URL:> https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices <https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/>> > and using the (small) list of product models as a shopping list.
Now, over a year later, the set of devices supported by a current LineageOS release has *shrunk* and there don't appear to be any tablet computers younger than 2015 there!
Am I screwed, and if so how badly? How do I get a tablet computer which will last a good number of years (implying the hardware must be quite recent) and runs a free-software operating system?
-- \ “Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything | `\ that's even remotely true!” —Homer, _The Simpsons_ | _o__) | Ben Finney
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Hi Ben, My wife and I recently had this same question last year when looking for a tablet. After lots of cross checking the LineageOS supported device list with store catalogues, we ended up going for a Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 plus. Both wifi and LTE models are supported with official builds of LOS 16.0. This device is from late 2016, and the hardware is quite capable. Installation went perfectly, the bootloader is very easily unlocked and all hardware features are functional. I will say I was a bit hesitant at first as the device looks a little funky. However I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the integrated stand; it is incredibly useful when using the device hands free [we use it in the kitchen regularly] and the shape of the stand, while it looks really weird and asymmetrical, is incredibly ergonomic and comfortable to hold. The only problem you may have now is finding one, as they are no longer being produced. We got one late last year from JB HiFi when they were put on clearance. Sorry if it comes across like an advertisement, heh. But I highly recommend this tablet if you can find one, as someone who was in the same situation last year. As far as ARM-based tablets, that's probably as good as it gets currently. The other option I was looking in to was an x86-based tablet, and using either android-x86 or some flavour of linux with good touch support. The former doesn't really have the best performance and support [IMO], and the latter will be lacking your apps if migrating from an existing android/LOS based device. Here's hoping that Purism does well with the librem5, we could really use some fresh-air in the [open] mobile-device space! Josh On 2019-05-15 09:04, Ben Finney wrote:
Howdy all,
My tablet computer has started to fail (Samsung products apparently just normally have crappy batteries) so I'm looking to replace it.
When I chose this tablet computer, I did so by browsing the supported devices at <URL:https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/> and using the (small) list of product models as a shopping list.
Now, over a year later, the set of devices supported by a current LineageOS release has *shrunk* and there don't appear to be any tablet computers younger than 2015 there!
Am I screwed, and if so how badly? How do I get a tablet computer which will last a good number of years (implying the hardware must be quite recent) and runs a free-software operating system?
Josh Lilly <lists@edenist.net> writes:
After lots of cross checking the LineageOS supported device list with store catalogues, we ended up going for a Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 plus. Both wifi and LTE models are supported with official builds of LOS 16.0. This device is from late 2016, and the hardware is quite capable. Installation went perfectly, the bootloader is very easily unlocked and all hardware features are functional.
Great to hear. I will try to find one second-hand if I can.
Sorry if it comes across like an advertisement, heh. But I highly recommend this tablet if you can find one, as someone who was in the same situation last year.
No apology needed, this is exactly what I was looking for. We can certainly discuss free-software-supporting hardware in this forum. -- \ “… a Microsoft Certified System Engineer is to information | `\ technology as a McDonalds Certified Food Specialist is to the | _o__) culinary arts.” —Michael Bacarella | Ben Finney
participants (3)
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abstractmonkey@tutanota.com
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Ben Finney
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Josh Lilly