So what OSes are actually usable on reform at this point?
I’m trying to find one that doesn’t have systemd, and doesn’t use gnome (or KDE) as I can’t stand the gnome3+ UI and KDE is just too heavy.
I’ve tried funtoo, which works, but runs into issues when compiling stuff that links to the kernel because of kernel source issues (presumably because of reform specific stuff)
Has there been any progress with upstreaming the reform specific kernel stuff?
gentoo handbook says gentoo requires a reform specific kernel config but then gives absolutely no details.
chimera linux reform image boots but has no (functioning) de at all and doesnt seem to be anywhere near usable yet.
my daily driver (desktop) currently runs mx linux but neither that nor devuan appear to have an aarch64 version.
I used Void Linux[1] for some time which worked all fine, but preferring 9front[2] I eventually moved to it instead, after writing the audio driver (so I can enjoy the music).
I used alpine linux on mine, but once 9front became available I started using that too. Generally I use 9front if there’s ethernet available and alpine linux when I’m on the move.
sigrid made a point about a/v and a reason to run plan9[1]. I’ve also had a great experience with H.264 video playback as well as simultaneous streaming to a peertube instance and Twitch from Plan9 on the reform[2]. Links to software and documentation can be found:
A side effect of building and using these as a new user is that you may become quickly enamored with the simplicity of the entire process and at how well plan9 performs on the MNT Reform.
Wifi not supported yet. USB wifi dongles are reported to work. I personally use my Android phone with RNDIS tethering when I’m out, otherwise Ethernet when at home.
Suspend/resume (or any other power-related functions) were never supported for any platform with 9front and I doubt it will be. Imo, there is little reason to do so anyway, considering how fast it shuts down and boots, while consuming substantial amount of power with Linux when in s2ram mode. Lowering power consumption while powered on was something done to some small extent, but ofc it’s still far from perfect.
Eh, I got confused there for a second and forgot that wifi that only powers from usb (but has an ethernet cable) isn’t the same as “usb wifi” the original question had in mind. Sorry!
Just a shot in the dark, but is it possible to run Pop!_OS (a descendant of Debian) on the Reform? Is it too resource intensive? Is there no way to get necessary drivers? I use that kernel on my daily laptop so it would be neat to have it on the Reform as well.
Ah, I see. Yeah, I don’t see mention of one in their Reddit. The closest I found was someone recommending installing Ubuntu Server for ARM and then downloading the Pop!_OS stuff through System76’s repo–but even that is compiled for x86.
No worries! It can be a bit confusing, but in general once you figure a few things out it makes a lot more sense. Just to note, Ubuntu and Pop OS are derived from Debian. The experience on all 3 is pretty similar. Debian is pretty excellent.
the latest 9front release supports wifi on the reform. i’m typing this over wifi via intel 6205 right now. note: there exists a bug in the current release that causes hjfs on arm64 to be unable to create new files. a fix is on the way. in the meantime: