Still kicking

Lot happened since last update. One thing for sure, Linux rocks still and embedded projects has been on our desk lately. Currently running with various Toughbooks and latest 14.04 ubuntu, but starting to trust more on some embedded devices.

I also acquired Jolla for my primary phone in January, and ever since I've been using that wonderful device. Stay tuned for more updates.

Linux enabled 3G on Toughbooks for Governmental clients

Latest Toughbook experiments brought me into 3G card swapping thing. I have CF-53, which works perfectly with integrated 3G (Sony Ericsson miniPCI module) and then I have CF-C2 with integrated Gobi3000, which is total crap from Linux point of view. So, latest is that I swapped Sony Ericsson module from CF-53 to CF-C2 and now my favourite laptop (Toughbook CF-C2) and now it has 8GB RAM, working 3G connection and working touch screen.

All running with secure Ubuntu 13.04.

I have also other measures on stock to enable integrated 3G on Toughbooks. So, make sure Panasonic gets your opinion about using Gobi and Windows. Our governmental clients cannot use Windows for security reasons and every unit we ship, we do this installation of Linux and enabling 3G and security.

Panasonic CF-AX2 with Linux

Friday is most exciting day in a week, always. It allows you to explore and move further. Like I did yesterday. Picked up my brand new CF-AX2, Panasonic Toughbook family member.

Our company "Zero Windows" policy allowed me to explore new things and install latest Ubuntu 12.10 into this small and beautiful ultrabook. So no Windows booted at this time, like never before.

Regading CF-AX2's hardware, I must say it's way beyond my expectations. I have been carried Mac Air 11" before and this is way much similar thing. Things which worked out of box with ubuntu 12.10 are Display, Sound, Hibernating and Touchscreen (!). Gobi3000 3G does not get recognized, but I might tweak it later on. 

Our company projects run around Linux and this little computer is great member when running with latest Ubuntu 12.10. Big thanks for Panasonic for making things compatible with Linux.

Toughbook CF-C2

Last week I got latest and small Panasonic Toughbook CF-C2. Fine little machine with Ubuntu 12.10 is something to look for if you're mobile warrior.

Current ubuntu kernel does not support Wacom touch display (USB ID: 056a:0101 Wacom Co., Ltd) or Sierrawireless 3G (USB ID: 1199:9011 Sierra Wireless, Inc.), but I bet this get sorted out shortly.

I am currently active with these computers in our daily business; Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 & CF-C2, Mac book Pro 13" (retina) and 11" Air. I keep diverting my data, tasks and deliverables over multiple computers partly as backup and version upgrades.

For example, I keep currently Ubuntu 12.10 for main main embedded coding computer (CF-53) and when 13.04 rolls in, I can upgrade CF-C2 first and see how compliers act. No surprises no fuss. Of course computers alone are not only thing which keeps rolling, another measure is removable HD's in these Toughbooks. When new version of OS needs to be applied, it's easy for new HD and old one in safe. Backup and versions, all in that.

Installation

Few words about ubuntu installation on that CF-C2. I never booted Windows 8, USB stick in and installation of 12.10 (32bit/PAE) started. Encrypted HD partitioning and I was in fresh installation in 10 minutes. Compare that to Windows activation. Then I tarred my home directory, dropped tar and extracted it in place. All emails, encryption keys and documents tidy and fresh in.

So - I kind of jump start this way every time I need refresh in OS and computers. And I am actually quite convinced that all my competitors should stay in Windows.

101 reasons

This is  list why you should not even consider windows phone. Guess who has told Nokia's board to be quiet.

39 GB Available

After getting back from business trip, I was waiting to get my hands on to latest Ubuntu 12.04. As usual, I approached upgrade with new hard drive method.

First I tarred all needed stuff in my home directory (email, docs, GPG keys and development) and prepared USB stick with 64 bit alternate ubuntu. Then I retired my current rotating HD and replaced it with 64 GB SSD. In 5 minutes, ubuntu was in place with encrypted disk configuration and in in another 15 minutes I have extracted all my home directory data back in place.

After this, I get still 39 GB free for my laptop, which is by the way Panasonic CF-F9. Business ruggerized with incredibly fast Samsung 6 Gb/s SSD. Boots fast and shuts down in few seconds.

I really like this approach, because if there is any issues with new installation - I can always return to previous state by taking that previous version HD from safe and I am back on-line. This way also produces me 6 months backup cycle in forms of HD's. In some point I can of course start to rotate those, but so far not.

Best of all, spring is here - I am totally robust with my SSD fired ubuntu 12.04 and encrypted in case of laptop loss. You're welcome.

Days after MWC

Market reaction after MWC has been as I expected. Nokia did not scored high enough and Nokia 808 was only light in the tunnel. On the other hand all those mobiles are currently falling into same category of touch screen and Android. Nothing different enough for my eyes, I have to say.

I believe this 'all US based' mobile platform industry needs some counter actions from Europe. I have strong vision but no one to share that with. You never know.