How to gain root access on a Razorbook 400/Alpha 400

The “world’s cheapest laptop” goes by many names. In some countries it’s known as the Alpha 400, while others call it the Razorbook 400. But all the variations have one thing in common so far: They run a custom version of Linux that makes hacking/tweaking the operating system pretty difficult.

When Laptop Magazine’s Joanna Stern got a first look at the 3K Razorbook 400, one of the things she noted was that there was no way to gain terminal access or to change the boot menu and load an alternative operating system. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. And some hackers in Holland have figured out how to access the terminal as root. Trendtac, The Dutch distributor has posted instructions online.

Liliputing tipster Menno Dijk who sent this in also points out that Ingenic, the makers of the CPU used in these computers, has posted extensive information about running Windows CE 5.0 with the chip. US distributor 3K has already suggested that it will make a version with Windows CE available. But perhaps we’ll see an unofficial port sooner than that?

thanks Menno!