05-19-2024, 09:44 AM
At May's CC-LUG meeting yesterday (18 May), Patrick brought up alternatives to Android on phones and tablets. We discussed Lineage OS, and possibly one or two others.
I purchased a Samsung Tab A 8.4 from ComputerCorps to use as a pdf reader and potentially for presentations. I bought a "dock" with it, and can not get the HDMI to drive a screen. The USB ports work and I can move files easily. After many attempts, I have a semi-functional pdf reader (Foxit), so at least a part of the tablet's mission is accomplished.
The tablet has a bunch of junk apps installed, Bixby and AT&T TV among the most annoying. Yes, they can be disabled, but not removed. I also hate the AT&T start screen with its hideous music (using that word loosely).
Looking at the Lineage OS site today, this tablet appears to be supported, and I took the first steps to replace Android with Lineage today--enabled developer mode and USB debugging on the tablet.
In the next few days, I'll put adb and fastboot on my laptop (Ubuntu 22.04) and attempt to open a channel between the laptop and the tablet.
Assuming that all works, I'll follow the instructions to get Lineage OS on the tablet. Of course, I will update this thread with updates and roadblocks, and hopefully bring the tablet with Lineage installed to June's meeting.
FYI, I am following the instructions for the Tab A at: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/
I purchased a Samsung Tab A 8.4 from ComputerCorps to use as a pdf reader and potentially for presentations. I bought a "dock" with it, and can not get the HDMI to drive a screen. The USB ports work and I can move files easily. After many attempts, I have a semi-functional pdf reader (Foxit), so at least a part of the tablet's mission is accomplished.
The tablet has a bunch of junk apps installed, Bixby and AT&T TV among the most annoying. Yes, they can be disabled, but not removed. I also hate the AT&T start screen with its hideous music (using that word loosely).
Looking at the Lineage OS site today, this tablet appears to be supported, and I took the first steps to replace Android with Lineage today--enabled developer mode and USB debugging on the tablet.
In the next few days, I'll put adb and fastboot on my laptop (Ubuntu 22.04) and attempt to open a channel between the laptop and the tablet.
Assuming that all works, I'll follow the instructions to get Lineage OS on the tablet. Of course, I will update this thread with updates and roadblocks, and hopefully bring the tablet with Lineage installed to June's meeting.
FYI, I am following the instructions for the Tab A at: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/
Throwback to the BSD days: Playing with Linux, trying to plan my changes