Why can't Android replace Desktop OSes? - Android General

Android x86 works fine on my notebook PC. And, I can do almost everything with it: Ranging from web surfing to programming.
But still, nobody cares about it. Why?
What's really the advantages of desktop OSes over Android? Why don't OEMs ship computers with Android as primary OS? Why don't people think Android when PC comes in mind?

I'll tell you why, Windows sells and people buy! Microsoft has the consumer market all tied up with the PC. Most consumers couldn't care less about programming, hacking, developing, etc... web surfing and Facebook and emailing? Yeah, that's what they want. Now, another question: why would people who purchase a PC want to pay additionally or inclusively to the price of a PC for Windows OS, when most distros of Linux are absolutely free? I'm running an Ubuntu 12.04 LTS/Win7 setup on my laptop. I'm getting closer and closer each day to wiping Win7 completely off, but have some reservations in doing so. Anyhow, my two cents worth...
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Windows comes first for game developers. That is why I dual boot. if Linux got love from from game devs it would have a better chance at success. The other issue would be driver compatibility, although this has gotten a lot better.
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muddflap said:
Windows comes first for game developers. That is why I dual boot. if Linux got love from from game devs it would have a better chance at success.
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Click to collapse
I am talking about Android, not normal Linux. I think, Android does have nice games..

Well, when the time comes for a full fledged OS, Android is still lacking in apps for that. One step in the right direction will be to multiply the current variety of tablet apps.
Make more apps have tablet optimisation and then we can talk about desktop apps.
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Well, once I can root any Android from an Android, Sign me up. Meanwhile I gotta bow to the all mighty glass structure.
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It wont happen for another 100 years.

I like my skateboard. But, I wouldn't go highway on it.
Same thing.

IceBean said:
I like my skateboard. But, I wouldn't go highway on it.
Same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What most people do: Facebook, Email, Chat, Casual Gaming
Do you think, Android isn't suitable for that?
It's not the same thing!

SachinShekhar said:
What most people do: Facebook, Email, Chat, Casual Gaming
Do you think, Android isn't suitable for that?
It's not the same thing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your answer is also a point against android as a viable desktop, by that I mean a desktop should be able to do more than just "what most people do".
That and you can't just download and install hardware drivers for android so it renders a lot of peripherals only useable with pc mac or linux.
Android can be a desktop if you don't tax your pc with more demanding tasks such as audio or video editing. Once you want to do anything more specific than gaming or browsing android does not yet offer the ability to.
I think it is viable but because it is not designed to be anything more than a mobile operating system it would struggle to be a desktop replacement.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

mistermentality said:
Your answer is also a point against android as a viable desktop, by that I mean a desktop should be able to do more than just "what most people do".
That and you can't just download and install hardware drivers for android so it renders a lot of peripherals only useable with pc mac or linux.
Android can be a desktop if you don't tax your pc with more demanding tasks such as audio or video editing. Once you want to do anything more specific than gaming or browsing android does not yet offer the ability to.
I think it is viable but because it is not designed to be anything more than a mobile operating system it would struggle to be a desktop replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Initially, even Windows didn't have such high-end apps. After bringing Android to mainstream, those types of apps will appear on Android, for sure.

SachinShekhar said:
Initially, even Windows didn't have such high-end apps. After bringing Android to mainstream, those types of apps will appear on Android, for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As soon as windows came out it was not long before the programs were available, android works differently to windows (for example in its use of user installable drivers) and is, unlike windows, not designed to be a desktop so the apps don't or perhaps cannot in some cases (such as adobe type video editing software) be made that will enable android to meet all pc desktop needs.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

The future android versions may change depending on the team's direction though.
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Markuzy said:
The future android versions may change depending on the team's direction though.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, I think ics was more desktop friendly than say gingerbread and I would love an android desktop
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

Markuzy said:
The future android versions may change depending on the team's direction though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree..

Let me correct myself.
I actually don't think Android is as low performing as a skateboard.
At best, I think it's more like a scooter. It gets a job done if it's about taking you to point A to B. And, that's pretty much it at this point.
A car, on the other hand, can do many more things. It is far more versatile. It stands against the weather. It can carry all your family members. It is far more powerful...etc.
Remember old days of laptops? In those days, people with a laptop also had to have desktops although same OS was being used. It was because laptops weren't just powerful enough to suit higher end tasks. The situation is similar in that regard.
For you, Android and supporting hardware and apps might be good enough to replace desktop. However, it isn't so for majority of people and that's the point. A desktop OS needs ability to support all types of usage scenarios, not to mention hardware.
Can current Android do it? No.

Android isn't a desktop OS. Its built for touch and feels pretty limited when being controlled via mouse/kb. Ubuntu would be a better choice since its a decent well established desktop OS, especially when the Ubuntu on Android project is out allowing android apps to run on Ubuntu and vice versa. I'd love to see the popularity of Android help Ubuntu.

IceBean said:
Let me correct myself.
I actually don't think Android is as low performing as a skateboard.
At best, I think it's more like a scooter. It gets a job done if it's about taking you to point A to B. And, that's pretty much it at this point.
A car, on the other hand, can do many more things. It is far more versatile. It stands against the weather. It can carry all your family members. It is far more powerful...etc.
Remember old days of laptops? In those days, people with a laptop also had to have desktops although same OS was being used. It was because laptops weren't just powerful enough to suit higher end tasks. The situation is similar in that regard.
For you, Android and supporting hardware and apps might be good enough to replace desktop. However, it isn't so for majority of people and that's the point. A desktop OS needs ability to support all types of usage scenarios, not to mention hardware.
Can current Android do it? No.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was talking about majority of people (not myself). That's why Google launched Chrome OS.
According to surveys, most of people do those things with Desktop PCs which is possible with Android devices.
Android is more powerful than Chrome OS. If Chrome OS can go to commercial Laptops, why can't Android?

spunker88 said:
Android isn't a desktop OS. Its built for touch and feels pretty limited when being controlled via mouse/kb. Ubuntu would be a better choice since its a decent well established desktop OS, especially when the Ubuntu on Android project is out allowing android apps to run on Ubuntu and vice versa. I'd love to see the popularity of Android help Ubuntu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do have point.
We can use mouse, but it feels pretty limited.
But, what if someone says, you'll become used to after using that continuously. You may not like dragging welcome screen of Windows 8 at this time, but you'll love it once its in your mainstream.

Its actually being worked by one Linux company .
Take off off an app based Linux,Android desktop will happen .
jje
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Related

[Q] Transformer for students.

A bit of background: I will be attending UCLA as a computer science student in the fall. I will be bringing my desktop with me, and am trying to decide between a laptop/netbook or the Transformer.
Would the transformer work in conjunction with the desktop, or will I need a full laptop.
Thanks.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
You should consider what you want to use this device for before you decide. As a CS major, you will certainly be doing quite a bit of programming, and you might want to prefer to use a full linux environment for this, depends largely on the program you have at UCLA. What you can consider is to get this device and using the splashtop program access your desktop to do your programming. However, you will want to consider whether or not you want to utilize the local processing power of your device. It would be far simpler to use a laptop/netbook for those purposes, rather than trying to find solutions with the tablet+dock. In the end, if you find that you will be using the device docked most of the time for school, then you should probably consider just getting a laptop/netbook. If the convenience of the tablet and media consumption is something you'd prefer, then get the transformer.
tl;dr, I consider the transformer+dock a fun/entertainment device. For CS based schoolwork, you would most likely want a laptop/netbook.
unless you wanted to focus on tablet development in your coursework...but that's not for another 2 years...
Hope that helps.
It helped a lot. Thank you.
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Keep in mind that you can use the Transformer's bundled remote desktop app and/or a terminal app to control your PC, and run stuff that way - assuming you can connect to your desktop from wherever you are.
I do agree with omguss, if you don't plan on using the device mostly for entertainment, get a netbook/laptop.
Sorry if this is hijacking your thread (ill start a new thread if you want) but just wondering if there is a good note taking apps for android?
There are two uses I can see being needed for me.
First I would need something to annotate on pdf's and powerpoints. I remember seeing an app that looked pretty solid for this so it should be good.
Secondly I would need an app that I can be typing with the keyboard, and then when needed draw in equations, graphs, pictures, whatever. Not really sure if there is something good for this.
As a programmer, I would suggest getting a full laptop for somebody majoring in CS. As much as I love the transformer, you cannot compile code on it. At least in my searching I have not found a single IDE meant to be run on Android (Lot's target Android, but none run on Android). More than likely, there will be several times that you want to do work away from your room. On the transformer, the only real way to do this will be remote desktop software. It's up to you whether you think the remote desktop software will be sufficient for this, but one other thing I would caution against is the small keyboard. It is far more comfortable (and efficient) to program on a full-size (or as near to full-size as possible) keyboard.
I don't know what type of program you are going into, but if you take any courses on 3d graphics you are almost certainly going to lose the ability to test your programs through a remote desktop connection.
I personally think that tablets are great in conjunction with a desktop. I plan to get rid of my netbook once I get the transformer. My only concern for you is that a tablet simply isn't a good tool for programming. If the hacker community manages to get ubuntu onto the transformer then the device will be an acceptable programming tool in my opinion; although, you will still lack a full size keyboard.
My advice to you is wait until mid-to-late summer. There is a slew of new tech toys coming out this summer, and almost anything you get now will be outdated by the time you start in the fall. By summer you will know if we managed to get Ubuntu on the transformer, AMD's Llano processor will be out on laptops, and Tegra 3 tablets may be just around the corner.
BongoBong said:
Sorry if this is hijacking your thread (ill start a new thread if you want) but just wondering if there is a good note taking apps for android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't need to hijack anything. Just look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980783
I'm a secondary school student, I have a HP DM1 (Not the Z ), runs 7 pro X64 + VS 2010 Pro + VS2008 Pro. Got a load of VM's for debugging ETC...
Windows is good for note taking to, Onenote is great.
Hope this helps
Badwolve1
good old days of using SSH + eMacs + X client, they all switched to windows in school?
Magnesus said:
Don't need to hijack anything. Just look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980783
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I have already seen that thread and done some other looking up and the majority of discussion is whats the best handwriting app. They really don't mention how good it would be for mostly typing (understandable since most would be using the on screen keyboard).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1039287&highlight=onenote
someone seriously needs to start porting some compilers to android..
many scripting languages are available through SL4A but most CS courses are taught with C/C++ or Java. I'd love to help out with this project but I just wouldn't know where to start
Just adding on to this, since I'm a student and also looking for a tablet solution.
I'd love:
1. Printing to my university printers. My university currently requires you install some software to use their printers. Mac and Windows versions available, no Linux, no Android.
2. Onenote would be awesome. I read that there was an iPhone version available? Android should be coing soon hopefully.
I would suggest a full laptop, and something with high resolution. Once your CS load picks up you'll need something you can work on in between or during classes. Android lacking compilers on the OS itself is the killer here, otherwise you are free to code all you want via text editors.
j7899 said:
I would suggest a full laptop, and something with high resolution. Once your CS load picks up you'll need something you can work on in between or during classes. Android lacking compilers on the OS itself is the killer here, otherwise you are free to code all you want via text editors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a CS student myself I would agree with the above and add that in programming classes you will want all the screen real-estate you can get your hands on(17"+), a good amount of hard disk space, 4gb+ ram, and a good Virtual Machine program. Less important is video and cpu power unless you intend to make it a desktop replacement/gaming machine.
That being said... Such a laptop is going to be rather heavy. I am getting the Transformer to replace an early gen AspireOne for less technical classes.
Just my $0.02
Flowah said:
Just adding on to this, since I'm a student and also looking for a tablet solution.
I'd love:
1. Printing to my university printers. My university currently requires you install some software to use their printers. Mac and Windows versions available, no Linux, no Android.
2. Onenote would be awesome. I read that there was an iPhone version available? Android should be coing soon hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was about to say that you're insane and that MS would never make OneNote for iOS but.. turns out you're right. That's really strange. Hopefully they start work on an Android version soon.
Edit: The iOS version of OneNote doesn't seem all that great. You can't write with a stylus.. it's just keyboard input. lame. Writing with a capacitive stylus on the transformer would kind of suck anyway, but I might still consider the HTC Flyer which has an active digitizer.
smaskell said:
I was about to say that you're insane and that MS would never make OneNote for iOS but.. turns out you're right. That's really strange. Hopefully they start work on an Android version soon.
Edit: The iOS version of OneNote doesn't seem all that great. You can't write with a stylus.. it's just keyboard input. lame. Writing with a capacitive stylus on the transformer would kind of suck anyway, but I might still consider the HTC Flyer which has an active digitizer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, but I'm interested in the Transformer almost purely because of the keyboard dock, so keyboard input only is fine with me tbh. As long as it's decently full featured.
I'm waiting to see if the AMD Llano will make the best thin gaming laptop. Hopefully, new AMD laptops will come out in June, right before back-to-school season.
Oh yeah, OneNote. Yeah, that's important too.
joe_dude said:
Oh yeah, OneNote. Yeah, that's important too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Onenote is the single most useful piece of software MS has ever produced (Excluding win7;p))
Virtual Machines? Eh, I never needed to use one except when I was using a Mac. Wandering what you guys are doing with it.
Any laptop that is 13"+ in screen size is good. The power of the computer depends on what you plan to do. So you have to decide on the specs yourself. Dual Core is fine unless you plan to do any CPU intensive tasks. If you ever need a bigger screen, then you can just buy a monitor and hook it up so even a netbook could be fine if you are okay with the power it gives. 13"-15" is good. 17" is just monstrous and you don't want to be lugging that around.

Has anyone replaced their desktop/laptop with their mobile device yet?

As more and more applications and uses become available for our mobile devices, im curious to know If there is anyone who has fully made the transition from the traditional computing setup entirely to a mobile one?
Personally I feel as if I'm almost there. The last few months I find myself nearly never using my windows PC at all for anything besides the occasional data transfer from drives. But Last week I purchased a micro USB male to USB 2.0 female adapter to use a mouse & flash/hard drives on my galaxy note. This nearly has rendered my PC useless. At this point I can only think of using it for the occasional PC game. Being that my galaxy note has the exact same resolution as my laptop, even watching the occasional movie on it seems useless. One would argue that office emulation solutions on mobile devices aren't quite there yet, but for my use, I'm pretty content with what's available. The only thing that has completely kept me going back to my PC is to access one of my harddrives that is formatted in ntfs, and (for now) modding. Once I find a solution for that drive to be read on my note, then I will probably sell the thing.
So is there anyone else that is either in the process of or already made the transition from their PC to their mobile device?
Sent from the best mobile device ever --Samsung Galaxy Note
not untill windows 8
I will only replace my PC when Windows 8 tablets come out, they're the only handheld devices worth of replacing a PC, i mean Windows Explorer on a tablet? and the metro UI? that's a lethal combination.
i stopped using laptops since 3 years ago, since the birth of 1ghz android phones
DaPhunk said:
I will only replace my PC when Windows 8 tablets come out, they're the only handheld devices worth of replacing a PC, i mean Windows Explorer on a tablet? and the metro UI? that's a lethal combination.
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Click to collapse
Im interested in windows 8 tablets. But even seeing what has been demonstrated, Im not convinced if it will be marginally better than other mobile offerings. I mean yeah those core windows applications are there, driver support, ect. but Idk If that's enough to win me over personally. I have nothing agasint windows but it doesn't seem so compelling to me to get one just for windows explorer. Just really a file manager. Im more compelled towards PC gaming intergration if anything. And slowly it seems those titles are being embraced by other platforms anyway.
Sent from the best mobile device ever --Samsung Galaxy Note
I pretty much only use my desktop for gaming. I can even pay my bills with the phone now with a app, so I have really no reason to use my PC for anything else. I always watch movies on my 42" through my PS3 anyway.
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Desktop replaced by a mobile phone?
That sound ridiculous. Considering how much I invested into my desktop, I'll be damned if it was to be replaced by a phone.
A Netbook, Yea I can see my phone replacing it. But seeing as how my Netbook battery last longer than my phone, It could become quite handy when I'm traveling.
But, Nope my phone hasn't replaced anything for me.
I definitely have not replaced my desktop. I need my virtual machines and games
What I have replaced for the most part is my laptop which I now use my phone for.
Most people use their computers for simple things, like browsing the web, listening to music, watching videos, storing pictures, etc. For those people, yeah, they could replace their PCs with Android devices.
However, there are those of us who do stuff like programming, hardcore gaming (Let's see even an iPad 3's quad core gpu play Crysis...I'll bet it can't) or otherwise use applications that Android cannot recreate. For those people, I doubt handheld devices will ever a real solution and PCs will still be around for a long, long time.
LogisticsXLS said:
Desktop replaced by a mobile phone?
That sound ridiculous. Considering how much I invested into my desktop, I'll be damned if it was to be replaced by a phone.
A Netbook, Yea I can see my phone replacing it. But seeing as how my Netbook battery last longer than my phone, It could become quite handy when I'm traveling.
But, Nope my phone hasn't replaced anything for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know a couple of people who can get away with that. If you're just checking e-mails and facebook, you can accomplish that on the phone.
I don't see replacing my desktop going anywhere for a long time. Even if there was enough power in a portable machine it's still going to be docked so I can wired devices.
.
Thread moved to Q&A due to it being a question. Would advise you to read forum rules and post in correct section.
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LogisticsXLS said:
Desktop replaced by a mobile phone?
That sound ridiculous. Considering how much I invested into my desktop, I'll be damned if it was to be replaced by a phone.
A Netbook, Yea I can see my phone replacing it. But seeing as how my Netbook battery last longer than my phone, It could become quite handy when I'm traveling.
But, Nope my phone hasn't replaced anything for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well certainly it varies dependant on the device you use of course.
Xenosion said:
I definitely have not replaced my desktop. I need my virtual machines and games
What I have replaced for the most part is my laptop which I now use my phone for.
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Click to collapse
PoorCollegeGuy said:
Most people use their computers for simple things, like browsing the web, listening to music, watching videos, storing pictures, etc. For those people, yeah, they could replace their PCs with Android devices.
However, there are those of us who do stuff like programming, hardcore gaming (Let's see even an iPad 3's quad core gpu play Crysis...I'll bet it can't) or otherwise use applications that Android cannot recreate. For those people, I doubt handheld devices will ever a real solution and PCs will still be around for a long, long time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I certainly do my fair share of "hardcore" gaming on my PC. That being said though, my PC has essentially become another platform if you will (I.e. ps3, Xbox) to me. And like those platforms, having them arent really a necessity to me. Also, I don't think its fair to say lack of gpu power rules out a devices gaming potential. I still have a gamecube that I use and take to ssbm tournaments. A game is only as hardcore as the user playing it.
Sent from the best mobile device ever --Samsung Galaxy Note
I have almost completely replaced my desktop in daily use. And the need for a laptop is not there anymore after getting a galaxy tab 10.1
Combined with my galaxy SII, it takes care of all my needs.
The only thing I'm still running on the 3 desktop computers in my house is a combined fileserver/squeezeserver/downloader machine.
It's placed in the attic, and my Android devices are great for remote control over it.
My basement/home theater machine is used for watching movies/tv shows, and android devices controls all functions of the media center.
The last desktop is only in use for when we listen to music, squeezeplay controlled by androids.
The only thing I'm missing is a way to control my poker league software via Android.
I'm using Dr. Neau's software, and have not found a way to run it on Android.
It display stats on two computers (multi table poker league), and I'd love to find a way to control it via my android's also...
Even my wife and child only uses android at home, my wife loves her SII - and my daughter plays games on the tab and phones.
I've been "androidifyed"
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orb3000 said:
Thread moved to Q&A due to it being a question. Would advise you to read forum rules and post in correct section.
Failure to comply with forum rules will result in an infraction and/or ban depending on severity of rule break.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is more of a discussion thread. How did you manage to misinterpret that? Because it ended in a question mark? Should I have used an
explanation mark like everyone else who has bad grammer? Im clearly only asking for opinions, not help with anything....
Sent from the best mobile device ever --Samsung Galaxy Note
HarmonyFlame said:
I certainly do my fair share of "hardcore" gaming on my PC. That being said though, my PC has essentially become another platform if you will (I.e. ps3, Xbox) to me. And like those platforms, having them arent really a necessity to me. Also, I don't think its fair to say lack of gpu power rules out a devices gaming potential. I still have a gamecube that I use and take to ssbm tournaments. A game is only as hardcore as the user playing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see this being the case with many people but not with me. I don't have any gaming platform other than my PC (and my phone but not big into that). This is excluding my collection of nostalgia consoles. All my work is done on my PC (Systems Admin for the most part) and this includes virtual machines. Can't really do without my PC at this stage.
DaPhunk said:
I will only replace my PC when Windows 8 tablets come out, they're the only handheld devices worth of replacing a PC, i mean Windows Explorer on a tablet? and the metro UI? that's a lethal combination.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree...
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I recently moved house and in between places at the moment so all my tech is packed away in storage. I've been forced to do my day to day work across a combo of Samsung Galaxy SII and my main device Galaxy Tab 10.1
My day 2 day files that I access regular were stored on a Windows Home Server which was connected to a Box Cloud account for stuff I need access to from anywhere, anytime so I am now using the Tab and phone to access this box account that will be re-sync'd once I settle down and re instate my Home Server.
My main Desktop PC is a HP Touch smart running Windows 8 CP so I would still keep that for home media stuff or when absolutely a PC is needed at a moments notice. My only other PC I have is a little book size Asus purely for live HD TV connected to my LED TV and used as a HTPC and DLNA streaming to my android devices but I think once Windows 8 becomes fully rolled out across PC's, tablets and eventually phones.... I will replace the Android devices and I will content that all my devices will be the same baseline OS and all my data completely sync'd across windows live id's.
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maybe when we can install linux OS on our tablet then that will be the time i will replace my old pc
On a second note, I thought of something else whilst reading the other posts.... there will always be a need to access windows or Mac full blown applications like Office, outlook etc.... so my plan further down the line was to upgrade the hardware on my Windows Home Server and add a VMWare environment to the mix or a separate box depending on performance and run full blown virtual machines that I can access from anywhere on my android devices using Wyse Pocket cloud app for either remote desktop or VNC access using Google services to access them from anywhere I have a connection which is quite appealing for me....
That means I would pretty much only use my mobile devices full time and have desktop services via virtual machine clients either on android or windows 8 tablets, phones further down the line.
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jamescraven said:
maybe when we can install linux OS on our tablet then that will be the time i will replace my old pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol....I believe it is possible, I've seen posts mentioning Ubuntu being ran on a galaxy tab 10.1, what I would really like to see would be for someone to get hold of a windows 8 ARM sdk and create an image so I can install it on my android tablet.
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HarmonyFlame said:
So is there anyone else that is either in the process of or already made the transition from their PC to their mobile device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to own a laptop in addition to my mobile phone, but ever since I've owned a smartphone, I find myself using my laptop less and less. Except for really complicated tasks, I find my android phone sufficient, and in some cases, better than an actual PC.

best alternative to windows?

hey guys, I want to try something new. I'm looking for an alternative to my windows 7. so this will either be windows 8, OS X (can I install that on a real laptop?) or Ubuntu 12.4.
Ubuntu and OS X seem really similar to me. they're both Unix based, so why not. OS X seems to be better polished and more user friendly, no manual command lines or scripts to run to do simple things, yet its apple so I'm hesitant to try it, because of how they treat their phones.. I've tried Ubuntu in the past and it was a pain to fix issues, and lots of Googling what command lines to enter to install programs..
I know nothing of windows 8, but doubt its improved from windows 7 much.. looking for a comp I don't have to worry about drivers on
thoughts guys?
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I believe there is a way to install osx on a regular PC, but the hardware has to comply to osx standards. Dual boot Ubuntu, its great!
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Are you looking to change the software on your computer, or get a new one altogether?
Linux+++++
Ubuntu for the nubs, +9000 internets for Gentoo install. I'm still stuck on my customized slax build, but I love the speed of gentoo
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You get live CDs for everything these days.. if you dont want to experiment at the expense of your current OS, i suggest installing virtual machine.. n installing OS on dat.. Linux is the past,present n future if you ask me..
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Ubuntu 12.04 so much better than windows
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=)
Ive Used OXS, Windows and Linux (Ubuntu / Mint / Fedora)
I would say Windows is best for gaming and flashing ROM,
OSX is good for Graphics and Music Making
and Linux is good for Open Sourse, but not for Gaming !
n to get OSX to work on a PC its hell, id say buy a mac instead its a lot quicker !!
arch linux is the way, gentoo is deprecated and not sense, windows is like a trash, and unix and bsd is too hard for news
Windows s game is stupid and not logic, if you want play buy a console
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I would say to go with Linux
I am currently running Ubuntu 10.04 but I see the new one
has just come out, though I'm not sure I like the new interface.
I am a network Admin by trade but I switch to Linux when I go home at
night, for me Linux is much more flexible and does what I need it to do.
For those times I really need Windows at home I run it under Linux via VirtualBox.
There are many flavors out there Try a few and see what one fits you.
For a great linux alternative that can give a windows "feel" try out Mint 12. It is also fully customizeable so you can remove any features you dislike. It is based on Ubuntu so most things that are designed for Ubuntu function in Mint also.
cepsbow said:
Linux+++++
Ubuntu for the nubs, +9000 internets for Gentoo install. I'm still stuck on my customized slax build, but I love the speed of gentoo
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be a Gentoo ricer.
Use Linux Mint over Ubuntu. Each new version, Ubuntu drops a few hardware drivers. by version 10, my wifi card (RAlink RT3090) wasn't supported anymore.
cepsbow said:
Linux+++++
Ubuntu for the nubs, +9000 internets for Gentoo install. I'm still stuck on my customized slax build, but I love the speed of gentoo
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you nuts
can you please tell me why is Ubuntu for noobs????
suky08 said:
are you nuts
can you please tell me why is Ubuntu for noobs????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always laugh what I hear that, I'm an IT guy (have been for over 20 years).
I run Ubuntu. Just because I can compile from source does not mean I want to.
My time is worth something.
soraxd said:
hey guys, I want to try something new. I'm looking for an alternative to my windows 7. so this will either be windows 8, OS X (can I install that on a real laptop?) or Ubuntu 12.4.
Ubuntu and OS X seem really similar to me. they're both Unix based, so why not. OS X seems to be better polished and more user friendly, no manual command lines or scripts to run to do simple things, yet its apple so I'm hesitant to try it, because of how they treat their phones.. I've tried Ubuntu in the past and it was a pain to fix issues, and lots of Googling what command lines to enter to install programs..
I know nothing of windows 8, but doubt its improved from windows 7 much.. looking for a comp I don't have to worry about drivers on
thoughts guys?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont agree whit you that OS X is more frendly. Because you can customize it however you want. and about comands they are difficult first days but later... all comands are similar. Im using Ubuntu and it is excellent.
btw: apple is 10 years behind Microsoft and Microsoft ist 10 years behint Ubuntu as far as the security and viruses.
I prefer Kubuntu (with KDE). Gnome or KDE, it is more or less a matter of taste.
suky08 said:
Dont agree whit you that OS X is more frendly. Because you can customize it however you want. and about comands they are difficult first days but later... all comands are similar. Im using Ubuntu and it is excellent.
btw: apple is 10 years behind Microsoft and Microsoft ist 10 years behint Ubuntu as far as the security and viruses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you justify that claim?
Most variants of Linux have their specific purposes. Gentoo as a development environment is not only practically sound, it is purposefully built for that.
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cepsbow said:
Most variants of Linux have their specific purposes. Gentoo as a development environment is not only practically sound, it is purposefully built for that.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^ very true from my experience, if you go with a linux build there are specifics where each alternative shines. So choose yours that suits your needs.
PC died with XP........
OSX runs nicely because of ease of use, however its more "out there" with cloud computing and everything being connected one way or another, I personally don't like that.
Overall, linux is where it's at! Comes down to personal preference though
soraxd said:
OS X seems to be better polished and more user friendly, no manual command lines or scripts to run to do simple things, yet its apple so I'm hesitant to try it, because of how they treat their phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first computer(s) I bought/built myself (starting around age 18) were "white box" PCs running whatever the current version of Windows was, and, invariably, dual-booting into Linux. I still have my super-sexy-for-the-time Sony VAIO PCG-Z505R (Win 98SE / Mandrake 6.1), a PIII-450 stuffed with MJPEG and UltraSCSI hardware (Windows 2000 / RedHat 7.2), etc. My personal / professional mail/web/file servers are all CentOS boxes (VPS instances). I just picked up a PogoPlug to run a small low-power ARM Linux server on, and my NAS units are Linux-based ReadyNAS devices. I've been a technical reviewer for, and/or authored chapters in, a dozen books on Linux deployment and/or programming. If I were to ever get inked, it would probably be with an image of Tux.
That said...
When the release of Jaguar made OS X a viable platform, I leapt (iBook G3/600), and have never looked back. Best of all worlds -- I get must-have apps like Office (no, Open/Libre/etc.Office is not a viable replacement, not for the complicated formatting-heavy documents I routinely have to exchange with other parties and institutions -- and yes, I have tried), Photoshop (GIMP is great, but it's not a substitute), StarCraft and I also get a full POSIX UNIX environment. (Open Group UNIX 03 certified, at least as of OS X Leopard.)
I even hackintoshed the HP mini 1116nr netbook I picked up cheap (refurbished) to play around with. Neither of the two main 'consumer' distributions, Ubuntu or Fedora, were "quite there." There were, not constantly but consistently, weird issues with WiFi, or closing the lid to put the machine to sleep, or, well, something. Even on machines that shipped with Linux from the factory (I had a Dell mini 9 for a while.) So-called "compatible" software, like OpenOffice.org, was ~90%, but the devil was in the details found in that last 10%.
I'm a little unnerved by Apple's apparent push towards a closed environment (walled garden); it's (marginally) acceptable on an iPhone or even (arguably) an iPad, appliance devices, but a general purpose computer should, IMHO, remain just that.
But if you can get OS X 10.6 running on a Hackintosh (or if you can swing the entry price for actual Apple hardware; the MacBook Air in particular is a sick piece of kit not priced much higher -- often cheaper -- than an equivalent "ultrabook" from any of the Wintel shops), I'd say go OS X.
You'd be far from alone... Google for:
Watching the "Alpha Geeks": OS X and the Next Big Thing
by Tim O'Reilly
Return of the Mac - Paul Graham
Etc.
Just my two cents,
However, i've been using Windows in my job (IT support for a school) for about 6 years, and toyed with the idea of running Linux or something else.
i've tried Linux Mint and a few other variants and even the lightweight one. And tbh while they are all perfectly reasonable OS's for being free, i can only really say it's not something i ever went back to.
I'm currently running Backtrack 5 over Oracle VM.
Linux has a huge user base, however for it to compete with Windows i do believe they need to make it easier for nubs to use. I'd install it all day on peoples computers if i knew they'd be able to use it.

[Discussion] Future of Android

How do you think Android is going to get when Ubuntu, Tizen, or even Firefox OS appear?
I find Android really wasteful in resources, and any developer will confirm that Android can't get the max out of any hardware (due to Java VM)
Until now, Android didn't actually have any competitor, iOS is closed source, and Apple makes 1000$ devices, and phones with Android with the same specs (or better) are at no more than 800$ (correct me, I don't use $ in Romania)... The other competitor is still existent, Windows... it is really smooth, fast, looks cool, but it seems to be a marketing fail+not open source
Tizen and Firefox OS seem to be having only HTML5-based apps... which means it will be a rendering engine processing everything... just another kind of VM in my opinion they have the same smoothness Android has, from what I saw
However, Ubuntu seems to be a lot like the PC version, smooth, fast, user friendly, and will be able to run NATIVE (no VM) applications, which will make it a lot faster, even for lower end devices
Where do you think Android is going to go when they will be released? Yes, I am asking you and expressing my opinion, please Google before answering (yes, one cool thing about Android is the full Google integration)
Tizen - announced to be released this year
Ubuntu and Firefox OS - 2014
I really don't know the answer.
I've never seen Tizen and FF OS so I can't tell.
I know iOS and Windows aren't open source so we can't "deal" with them.
Ubuntu isn't user friendly at all, in fact, all Linux is NOT user friendly, at least comparing to Windows.
Right now, I just enjoy the beauty of Android until some things blow it away.
votinh said:
I really don't know the answer.
I've never seen Tizen and FF OS so I can't tell.
I know iOS and Windows aren't open source so we can't "deal" with them.
Ubuntu isn't user friendly at all, in fact, all Linux is NOT user friendly, at least comparing to Windows.
Right now, I just enjoy the beauty of Android until some things blow it away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Linux is just the kernel Ubuntu is a distro, and Android can also be called a distro, but for mobile platform
Re: [Q] Future of Android
A good question with uncertain answer. We can't say about the future of android.
But what i can say is that a new device with new platform will take some time to get good market. Since android is the largest selling platform in the world it takes some time to survive the competition.
Android will be fine. Ubuntu didn't convince majority to leave their investment in Windows, and they'll have same problem moving people from android.
Allanitomwesh said:
Android will be fine. Ubuntu didn't convince majority to leave their investment in Windows, and they'll have same problem moving people from android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ubuntu can't convince me to switch because I can't give the PC to anyone, they say "wtf is that sh*t?"
And plus, it is a lot harder to get the drivers for my Optimus laptop... and gaming is slower in wine if more games had native clients for Linux
Re: [Q] Future of Android
Go with ubuntu you will never be mistaken........
I hate my X and love my Next.......... Conditions apply*
Google might expand the NDK API (native development kit) so you could make an entire app with it. Anyway i think most Games is written using it nowdays, since Java is so (too) slow.
The Google ecosystem is getting so large, i don't think that Ubuntu will have the resources to get anywhere near that.
Talking about Future of Android, I heard that WINE application which run in linux is being developed for android
Re: [Q] Future of Android
In future android will surely come up very much..
May be the andriod can interact by talking.
At that time we will ask mods to build our regional languages
Re: [Q] Future of Android
I wonder if a sensor that is capable of detecting our eyeball movement, that could be used for scrolling and other purposes
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Re: [Q] Future of Android
swaroopg551 said:
I wonder if a sensor that is capable of detecting our eyeball movement, that could be used for scrolling and other purposes
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Click to collapse
SIV's eyeScroll?
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swaroopg551 said:
I wonder if a sensor that is capable of detecting our eyeball movement, that could be used for scrolling and other purposes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I hate solutions that try to "think" for me, and guess what I want to do. Even if they are right 70%, they are still wrong the other 30%...
And it feels like my phone (or a car, or whatever) is forcing me to do things I do not want to do. That a developer thinks he is smarter than me.
I get used to functionalities presented this way but they are still irritating.
I just imagined a number of times this eyeball movement sensor would be wrong... wrrrrr....

Windows 8.1 for Note 3. Not a launcher!

From Microsoft
From Samsung
Why have I not seen anything, and cannot search and find something for, on XDA regarding installing win 8.1 on note 3? Am I missing something here?
Or can I install, not emulate, not fake, but full blown windows phone on my note 3? Understand I have developed using visual studios for 10+ years. Can learn to do windows apps faster than android apps. I'm not strong with Java.... yet.
Has anyone done this? Anyone have a link to a tutorial on this? I am just about to start my search but something tells me that if this is legit I'm going to have windows running instead of android on my note 3. Or.. I'm going to perma brick it, or it will blow up, or a little android is going to pop out behind the battery and kick me in the nuts for trying.
Who knows?
Nick
[EDIT] ah HA HA! I don't think windows phone is available for download. Damn.[EDIT]
I'm an idiot. This is the other way around, plugging device into windows pc. DOH
wtf
NJDubois said:
From Microsoft
From Samsung
Why have I not seen anything, and cannot search and find something for, on XDA regarding installing win 8.1 on note 3? Am I missing something here?
Or can I install, not emulate, not fake, but full blown windows phone on my note 3? Understand I have developed using visual studios for 10+ years. Can learn to do windows apps faster than android apps. I'm not strong with Java.... yet.
Has anyone done this? Anyone have a link to a tutorial on this? I am just about to start my search but something tells me that if this is legit I'm going to have windows running instead of android on my note 3. Or.. I'm going to perma brick it, or it will blow up, or a little android is going to pop out behind the battery and kick me in the nuts for trying.
Who knows?
Nick
[EDIT] ah HA HA! I don't think windows phone is available for download. Damn.[EDIT]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what the **** note 3 is very powerful because of android touch wiz on it yeah there is some bloat need to be removed but sick windows 8.1 very losing market share the war is ios vs android / stupid windows should not compete at all
NJDubois said:
From Microsoft
From Samsung
Why have I not seen anything, and cannot search and find something for, on XDA regarding installing win 8.1 on note 3? Am I missing something here?
Or can I install, not emulate, not fake, but full blown windows phone on my note 3? Understand I have developed using visual studios for 10+ years. Can learn to do windows apps faster than android apps. I'm not strong with Java.... yet.
Has anyone done this? Anyone have a link to a tutorial on this? I am just about to start my search but something tells me that if this is legit I'm going to have windows running instead of android on my note 3. Or.. I'm going to perma brick it, or it will blow up, or a little android is going to pop out behind the battery and kick me in the nuts for trying.
Who knows?
Nick
[EDIT] ah HA HA! I don't think windows phone is available for download. Damn.[EDIT]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NJDubois said:
I'm an idiot. This is the other way around, plugging device into windows pc. DOH
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good, at least you acknowledged your blasphemous realization, most people just post here asking a question and then disappears.
q8peace said:
what the **** note 3 is very powerful because of android touch wiz on it yeah there is some bloat need to be removed but sick windows 8.1 very losing market share the war is ios vs android / stupid windows should not compete at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Angry Birds and CoD and MW2 and Black Ops 2 and sh*t.
Watch your language and provide useful information rather than bashing operating systems with no fact base.
I personally run Windows 8.1 and it is way faster than any other OS I have used. It may not be as user friendly like Windows 7, but the background tweaks and touch ups are far more superior than any Android software could come to be. SSD and EFI based systems get the benefit of Windows 8's new features, and boots way faster than an old computer running Windows 8.
When talking about the share on mobile devices, get it right. No OSes are competing against each other. It's the company who holds the software that is trying to compete with each other. Google's Android is not even trying to compete, but rather enhance their software to cater to the users. Apple is just re-releasing old software as new, or just stealing ideas from Android (so people won't have another reason to leave iOS). Samsung is competing using their hardware improvements like heart rate monitor, S Pen, etc, while Apple just re-released the iPhone 4 three times in a different form factor with 'supposedly updated specs'.
You can't fight a war that you didn't begin to attend. Windows mobile never dominated for the reason of dominating like Apple does. In fact, Microsoft is doing a great job of replacing Symbian, WebOS and all those legacy operating systems - because there is now a low cost, non-heavy CPU efficient OS out there, it removes the necessity to shove Symbian on a low-budget phone and make it sh*ttier.
Actually I love android but the note 3 would make a great phone to have WP 8.1 on and I would try that out for sure or if i could dual boot that would be even better
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Yayaya better for dual boot
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Windows made a mobile long before apple or androif. The sx56 and a few other where made long before. Even palm had pda phones long before. Its idiots that followed apple even with its limited functionality from day one making it popular. Up to this day I don't see the point of os. They just made a balck slate, gave people freedom to make the apps for it and then restricted it. They get to make allot of money from people making apps and selling it thru their store. Android or windows will ultimately become the supreme two operating systems for phones. Its only a matter of time for people who actually know about phones or use their functionality properly will all realize apple is just a phone made for dummies. Most apple buyers don't when know how to add music to their device. They just buy them for the popularity. Idiots can not say my phone.os better when you don't even know it fun potential
You do realise its states compatible as in... You can connect it to an 8.1 machine and that theres compatible drivers for software etc...
Not that it's compatible as in its for running 8.1 upon.
It's the same as when I buy a mouse, it states windows compatible, doesn't mean the mouse can run windows haha, good effort though.
N9005 HLTE, Rom: Audax_L, Kernel: Audax, Recovery: TWRP

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