Compatability Work-Around & Spreadsheet Update

Just a quick note to let folks know that a few more distros may prove to be compatable with Chromebooks. In particular, distros that refused to be installed on GPT media or failed to boot from such media, can be installed to media with an (old & archaic) MBR-style partition table.  Then, the rootfs partition can be cloned to (new & improved) GPT media.  I haven't had time to do much with this yet, but I did manage to get Fedora 19 booted & working with this method.




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USB Bootable Media Toolbox

First, let me acknowledge that this is not ready for prime-time!  I have only tested it with 2GB, 4GB, 16GB & 32GB media, although theoretically, it should work for all bootable media 512MB and larger.  It still contains the CrOS kernel from June 2013, because I haven't had time to debug the issues with the updated kernel.  At this point, you will need access to another machine running Debian (or Ubuntu or their progeny) or a working ChrUbuntu install on your Chromebook.  You'll still need another machine to install a distro on the media anyway, so I gave up on trying to eliminate this requirement.

The archive contains a "ReadMe.txt" with detailed instructions.  In the end, you'll feel like you just did 16 cartwheels to move only a meter, but it works.  Be aware that everything I have tried to streamline or clarify the process has failed to produce bootable media, so substitutions or shortcuts of any kind are definitely not recommended.  Follow the instructions exactly, and you should end up with a piece of bootable media that you can install a Linux distro on.  Without further ado, here's the download:

Toolbox
MD5

Once you have bootable media, but before you install a distro on it (Step 10), you can create a backup of the disk with gdiskdump (included) and then restore it to this condition easily in the future.  Once a distro is running from USB, moving it to the HDD or SSD (say to to replace ChrUbuntu) is a relatively simple task.

Ooo...Boo...Who?

My final excuse for sticking with Ubuntu despite Canonical's descent into GUI madness is finally gone!  It turns out that "tap-to-click" can be enabled in Debian.  Find out how by looking here (Thanks Bob!).  Now, I will admit that I'll probably keep the ex-OS around to remind me exactly why I hate Unity with a passion.  But, having more options for the C7 is definitely a good thing!

Heads Up!

FYI, the latest CrOS kernel pushed out by Google (my C7 updated yesterday) breaks WiFi when combined with a pre-existing Ubuntu 12.04.2 install.  I don't have time to investigate the issue ATM, but be prepared to revert if you decide to give it a shot.

Spreadsheet Updated

I've updated the spreadsheet with my last few test results.  Still a few gaps to fill in, but my time is limited these days.



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New & Radically Improved ChrUbuntu!

If you abandoned ChrUbuntu some time ago, as I did, then you may have missed Mr. Lee's recent blog update.  Not only has he completely rewitten his ChrUbuntu script, he's conceptually changed his approach in several ways.  I haven't tried it out yet because I've got a number of things in-progress ATM, but I would definitely have to say that the new script looks "Impressive ... Most impressive!"  

New C7 with 16GB SSD at BestBuy for $199

BestBuy now has the revised model C710-2833 Acer C7 Chromebook with a 16GB SSD available for $199 with free shipping.  Otherwise, it appears to be identical to the original model C710-2847 sold by Google.  Don't miss the fact that BestBuy is selling it for $30 less than Acer's M.S.R.P.  I'm very curious if the SSD has a significant impact on battery life but haven't seen any reports yet.  No kickbacks here, I'm just trying to do my part to promote Chromebooks.