Canonical has been working on a version of Ubuntu that’s optimized to run on ARM-based mini-laptops, and it looks like it’s slated for release in July. In fact, it sounds like the company has gone as far as giving the new release a new name: Ubuntu Netbook Edition 10.7.
Charbax from ARMDevices caught up with canonical at an event recently and got a chance to check out a mini-laptop designed by Pegatron with a Freescale i.MX51 processor running the new version of Ubuntu Netbook Edition customized for ARM-based chipsets.
One of the primary differences between the ARM version of Ubuntu Netbook Edition and the version built for x86 processors is that Ubuntu 10.7’s program launcher doesn’t require 3D hardware drivers since the whole thing is designed with 2D graphics. I have to say, the UI looks awfully snappy on the demo unit.
You can check out the hands-on video from Charbax after the break.
Time for a tech refresher course: what are the advantages/disadvantages of an ARM-based smartbook, an x86-based netbook, and a tablet computer. Another way of asking my question: which kinds of use does each do best?
So far Intel have not been able to match the low power draw of ARM processors, which means longer battery life and less heat (the netbook in the video is fanless)
Intel are getting closer with every new generation of Atom and CULV so it won’t be long before there will be no difference… unless the next gen ARM chips have some serious power saving abilities.Windows can’t run on ARM – some might say this is a disadvantage but since the first thing I did when I got my HP mini 110 was format the HDD and install Ubuntu remix 10.4 I would say that an ARM version of Ubuntu remix is an excellent idea.