@manchee1017 said in Best phone for Linux Mobile OS:

@keneda said in Best phone for Linux Mobile OS:

I'll add to this that if he needs a phone computer, he could see for a PC phone, like cosmo comunicator ^^
Thus he can install ubuntu AND ubuntu touch

I'm not the most familiar with the Cosmo Communicator, but it doesn't seem like the company considers it a pocket PC in the way you're saying. Especially considering it's ARM architecture, I doubt standard Ubuntu Desktop can be put on it. I wouldn't put any bets on dual booting with a desktop-like environment.

@RogueRascal As for your need of a SIM card, what would the purpose be for you? Do you actually want to call and text like it's a cellphone, or is it more for having wireless access without a WiFi point? I think you will either need to get a device for your needs, but without cellular service because that's too big of a compromise. Or you get 2 different devices (a UT cell phone for cell phone things, and a laptop for your SSH and packages needs).

Cell phone capabilities are the least of my requirements. Really, if I have to make do without then that will probably be OK but preference would be to have the option.

@applee said in Best phone for Linux Mobile OS:

Hi @roguerascal
As you have probably understood this topic is a bit sensitive because there is no simple answer.

You can SSH to UT.
You can install "Linux packages" but because this is a blurry notion it's probably not what you really want.

Ubuntu Touch as already said has a RO rootfs, so don't think on using apt-get because you'll break the system and you'll be in uncharted territory. System updates will break whatever changes you made to the root FS.

Also a phone is not a desktop computer and you cannot partition your memory as you want.

A proper way to install "Linux packages" is via Libertine which is a container and as such there are unexpected limitations (such as hardware access).

The first question you'll have to answer is do I need a computer or a phone. Ubuntu Touch is an OS for mobile phones.
If a Raspberry pi with a touch screen is what you're looking for then there are probably better OSes for that.

I hope this clarifies what UT is.
And I hope you'll find whatever is the best for you.

The shortest answer is I need to run a desktop computer OS on phone hardware. I looked at micro laptops which could work but I really would like to have the phone GUI available as well.

@dobey said in Best phone for Linux Mobile OS:

@roguerascal It sounds like what you really want is a Raspberry Pi or similar, rather than a phone.

Nah it needs to have a screen.

@cliffcoggin If I can get full access to the OS to run my own processes surely I can make it do whatever I want? If I can SSH to it I am in.

I could do the same with a jailbroken iphone but they have some funky OS under the bonnet of the iphone and I am not familiar with it.

@manchee1017 I have no idea of how well this Linux distro works on a mobile device so I am doing some information gathering in order to take me to a place of better understanding so that I will mate the right phone with the right OS. You may say that I am ill prepared and maybe that is true. Maybe thats the very reason that I am here asking these questions.

Not really sure how much more specific I can be. I want full access to the OS via SSH and be able to install Linux packages. There are essentially two sets of criteria. The spec of the phone and the ability to do what I need in the OS. I have provided both.

You might be right about me needing a pocket PC. I hadn't considered that as an option. I will certainly look into that. Do any of the pocket PC's have the option to add a sim card?

Basically I want a phone that I can SSH to and install packages to and modify all aspects of how it operates.

Also looking to remove all the unnecessary bloatware that is not only undesirable for the sake of battery consumption but also undesirable for other reasons.

Stability is important. Not so fussed about 3g / 4g or ability to make and recieve calls but wifi is important. It must be able to get to the internet via wifi.

@totalsonic said in Best phone for Linux Mobile OS:

Volla Phone is excellent for all you list - the only big issue with it, is making sure it is compatible with carriers in your area (I had to go to dual sim / two carriers in order to get both working calls and mobile LTE data with it).

Best regards,
Steve Berson

Is there a specific model or firmware version that I should be on the lookout for?

@moem yes please but also looking for recommendations on best OS as well... Ubuntu is the closest distro to what I am familiar with

Hey Forum, new user here.

I am looking at options for a phone that I have complete control over and can use as a host for my linux toolset that I have written.

Looking for recommendations on what will be the best option please?

My critera is as follows (10 most important 1 least important):

Stability on Linux Mobile: 10
Wifi capability: 10
Long Battery life: 9
Large storage capacity: 9
CPU Processing power: 8
Bluetooth: 7
Screen quality: 5
Size of phone: 5 (prefer larger phone)
4g/5g: 3
Cost of phone: 2

Thanks for your help!!