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Comment by FrankenPC | Hacker News Reader

I wonder about doing this with older Android phones. Once rooted they are powerful platforms with multi-core processors and every wireless tech imaginable pre-integrated. They are insanely power efficient as well. I guess the point is to get children access to full on business platforms so this is not the same thing. But still, many have USB/Bluetooth keyboard/mouse support. So, it's still very similar.

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Android does have keyboard and mouse support. An Android device can in theory make a decent Linux-ish device -- some even have monitor out.

Desktop-like apps (along with browsers):

* https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andropenof...

* https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.octave

* https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.icecoldapp...

* https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jackpal.androi...

* https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=stericson.busy...

* https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hipipal.qp...

I haven't tried all these (never needed to), but I can see some scenarios where these might make a passable desktop alternative.

I keep seeing people making this wrong assumption that an Android device makes a linux-ish device.

Android is a component-based linux. It can't play the role of a full-fledged OS that the diff. flavours of linux play.

hence the "-ish"

Not only that, but if the modem is compatible they can theoretically be used as actual cell phones as well. They are multi-dimensional in function. And finally, if a budget can be acquired for education, a simple Bluetooth IO device can give them micro-controller like abilities for educational purposes. And above all, the hardware is recycled for a damn good cause and not dumped in a landfill.

I don't think it is that similar, in this case Linux distro model of distributing software makes much more sense.

You can get pretty much all you need in a desktop install of any Linux distribution, or you can ship a DVD or an USB dongle and anything else can be installed afterwards with no problems.

The way I see Android is a platform for consumers (essentially the apps distribution model), and in this case the result is not as good as "have everything you can out of the box".

EDIT: I assumed Internet connection may be limited, but I understand now that it may not be the case. I think my comment stands anyway.

The problem is being worked on: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/linux/how-install-ubuntu-t...

Ubuntu touch. Apparently only works on Nexus 4, 10, and 7 for now.

I gave a big box of G1's that way to a guy in Zambia (rooted, and custom kernel that enabled the serial port on the extra UsbExt wires).

I was told that they didn't need any more after that. This was in 2012ish.

Were the devices still running Android? Or are there "real" Linux distros with Android device deivers?

Android.

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