Install Ubuntu Linux on HP TouchPad [Dual boot]

Hp’s heavy discount on TouchPad sure have attracted interests from almost everyone, even if they previously own an iPad or Android Tablet. Most users would like to be able to install Android on HP TouchPad, and the project is very much in progress.

Running Ubuntu Linux on the TouchPad has already been made possible, although its not very easy for the beginners. It involves partitioning the storage space on the tablet, and Dual booting.

You will have tha standard HP WebOS keyboard within Ubuntu, but you also attach an external bluetooth keyboard.

How to Install Ubuntu Linux on HP TouchPad

Pre-requisite: Install Preware

PreWare is an app store for homebrew apps that are not on webOS App Catalog, just like 3rd party markets on android or Cydia on iOS. For installation, you can follow Internals Wiki. To summarize, you would either need Official HP SDK and using the webOS Quick Install tool, or you can even use using a standalone installer.

1. Install Meta doctor

Refer to Guide: Set up Meta-Doctor

Summary of what you need to do:

• On Mac OS X or Linux, install Git and Java runtime, install Palm Novacom software, and download the meta-doctor scripts.
• Download and run the webOS Doctor.
• Create an ext3fs partition on your device (chrooting), ideally it should be large enough to accomodate a Ubuntu install, 4gb min.
• Then mount the ext3fs partition when your device boots. (More instructions at the PreCentral forums).

2. UbuntuChroot

Refer to Guide: UbuntuChroot

Summary:

• In PreWare, make sure the WebOS Internals Testing Feeds are enabled.
• Install Xecutah and Ubuntu 11.04 CHroot.
• Run XServer.
• Return to Xecutah and tap Ubuntu 11.04 Chroot.

Enabling Graphical Ubuntu.

If you made it to here, you will have full access to Ubuntu CLI. To get the graphical interface, use apt-get install to install Ubuntu packages. Run either of the following:

apt-get install icewm Xfce

apt-get install icewm LXDE

Running Gnome, KDE

You can install your favorite GUI its just that they are more resource hungry (more prominently RAM) and you don’t really want to kill your tablet.

App compatibility

Its obvious that you will only be able to run apps that are compiled into ARM binaries. When downloading an app, just look for ARM compatible ones. If you are a developer & find an open source app that doesn’t have a ARM binary, you can always build it for ARM architecture.

However, out of the box, standard apps like firefox, chrome (along with plugins) work well. Other apps like Eclipse, GIMP, LibreOffice office suite, Transmission bittorrent client, and VNC work.

You can also refer to this guide in case you get into trouble or get in touch with me @geeknizer or Google+.

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