ARMed and Dangerous - to Microsoft

It's often forgotten that one of the strengths of GNU/Linux is the extraordinary range of platforms it supports. Where the full Windows stack is only available for Intel processors - even Windows CE, a distinct code-base, only supports four platforms - GNU/Linux is available on a dizzying array of other hardware.

Here's an interesting addition to the list:

ARM and Canonical Ltd, the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu, today announced that they will bring the full Ubuntu Desktop operating system to the ARMv7 processor architecture to address demand from device manufacturers. The addition of the new operating system will enable new netbooks and hybrid computers, targeting energy-efficient ARM technology-based SoCs, to deliver a rich, always-connected, mobile computing experience, without compromising battery life.

The combination of a commercially supported, optimized Ubuntu distribution for ARM, together with Canonical’s ability to tailor solutions to specific ARM technology-based devices and OEM requirements, ensures that highly-optimized systems can be rapidly deployed into the fast growing mobile computing market. ARM’s wide partnership with leading semiconductor and device manufacturers strengthens the mobile computing software ecosystem and extends the market reach for Ubuntu-based products.

Since ARM is based on original work by the ancient Acorn Computers (hello, BBC Micro), this represents a nice coming together of two British-based companies, albeit with global reach.

Jisus - It's the Loongson Chip

Aside from its rather curious name, the Jisus ultraportable seems at first sight pretty standard:

* Monitor: 8.9” LCD screen (800×480 pixels), LED backlight, VGA port
* Processor: 1 GHz, 64-Bit Loongson 2F
* Graphics: SM712
* Memory: 512 MB DDR2-667
* RAM: 4GB Nand flash
* Operating system: Ubuntu, others possible

But closer inspection reveals something unusual: the use of the Loongson chip. As I've noted before, what makes this notable is that it's produced in China, using a non-standard architecture. Although there are claims that Windows CE has been ported to it, it's mainly used to run GNU/Linux. All of which makes it perfect for ultraportables. It will be interesting to see whether it turns up elsewhere. (Via Eee Site.)

Without Costing an Arm and a Leg

On Open Enterprise blog.