Alpha Ubuntu Linux Version Powers the New Samsung's ARM-Based Chromebook

Though Microsoft windows, Apple and Nokia (News - Alert) enthusiasts might seem to have taken the center stage in the gadget and software innovation limelight, Linux diehards also have a presentation to pitch against them.

The Samsung-made Chromebook is one of the most anticipated devices by devs, modders and Linux loyalists.

To crown it all, a developer invested in the creation of an operating system to go with this cornerstone. ChrUbuntu 12.04 Alpha 1 is a version of Ubuntu Linux, specifically put together for Google’s (News - Alert) ARM-based Chromebooks.

Like any other Linux build, the Alpha struggles with a number of setbacks, including no accelerated graphics, a finicky touchpad, no sound and lack of a native browser. Though installing Chromium browser is an option, it beats logic to lack a browser pre-installed – how do they expect you to search for it on the Web?

If you’re already flinching at the whole idea of the Chromebook, you probably need to learn a few things about the gadget that actually work. It’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a battery monitor and support for the USB/SD card, for instance, may give you second thoughts.

Samsung has given the $249 Chromebook impressive features with wireless connectivity depending on standard 802.11n/Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity. In addition to this, the gadget comes with a USB 3.0 port, a VGA camera, 16GB of space and a RAM (News - Alert) of 2GB.

Other impressive displays include the 10-second cold boot time and the ability to instantly resume from sleep.

Naturally, we would have expected that the widely accepted Android (News - Alert) made its way to the gadget before Ubuntu even knew of its existence. Even though the OS is not fully exploiting the hardware capabilities and has certian setbacks, we have to bear with it hoping something better will come along.

The good news is that there’s no need to replace the Chrome OS, which debuted with the Intel-powered Chromebooks announced July 7, 2009. An option to write the new Alpha build on an SD card and boot your gadget from it exists.

You can now try out both the Chrome OS and the Alpha Ubuntu (News - Alert) Linux version on the new Samsung.