MX Linux Forum

I wanted to know if people in the MX Linux community have had success replacing ChromeOS with MX Linux on a Chromebook?
I need a small laptop for traveling and the Chromebook is the perfect form factor. Unfortunately it comes with ChromeOS and I'm not a fan. Maybe because I've used MX Linux too much that I've become spoiled with the good life.

Anyway, I do not want MX Linux to run along-side with ChromeOS. I want ChromeOS off the computer and replced entirely with MX Linux as the only booting usable OS.

From poking around the Internet, this is what I've found out:
A few resources online such as MrCrhomebox and JohnLewis (but I heard that website is no longer being supported).
It's not possible to replace ChromeOS if it's using an ARM processor??
Yes, I know there are youtube video posts on this topic, but I am also a little hesitant following the wrong guidance as the last thing I want to do is brick a device.

Anyway, I haven't purchased a Chromebook yet as I don't know what direction to go (which is why I posted this in the Hardware Forum).
Is there a minimum amount of HDD storage I should be looking for?....(a lot of these devices come with very little in the way of storage capacity).
I am guessing I should stick to an Intel processor??

What are the makes/models of the Chromebooks the MX Linux community has had good success in replacing the ChromeOS with MX Linux?
Are there make/models that handle an MX Linux install easier than others?

I look forward to hearing your stories and advice.
Thank you.

A forum search will result in many existing topics about this along with a lot of how-tos and tips. Good luck.

Edit: for example search.php?keywords=chromebook&terms=al ... mit=Search)

I have installed MX Linux on a friends Chromebook. The only issue I had was getting the BIOS set to get it installed. It runs well.

I wasn't looking for how-to's on the subject. I was looking for feedback from the community on which Chromebook makes/models have successfully been converted (the reason why I posted this in the Hardware forum).

@Mauser

I have installed MX Linux on a friends Chromebook. The only issue I had was getting the BIOS set to get it installed. It runs well.

Do you remember which model you were successful with?

You might want to expand your search to Debian and Ubuntu on Chromebooks using your favorite search engine. Limiting to MX will not get as much data. Once your research has pointed you toward some hardware possibilities then maybe focus on getting MX to work on said hardware.

Seaken64

D800 wrote: Sun Sep 20, 2020 12:27 pm I wasn't looking for how-to's on the subject. I was looking for feedback from the community on which Chromebook makes/models have successfully been converted (the reason why I posted this in the Hardware forum).

@Mauser

I have installed MX Linux on a friends Chromebook. The only issue I had was getting the BIOS set to get it installed. It runs well.

Do you remember which model you were successful with?

I don't remember.

I wanted to know if people in the MX Linux community have had success replacing ChromeOS with MX Linux on a Chromebook?

Short answer. Yes. On Acer c710 chromebook. Installed and run
AntiX though, Instead.
Comfort zone for me.

OS replacement done because Google dropped Parrot support < The base name of my chromebook OS system >
The long MX chromebook thread in this forum has my input in it.

Edit. Bios change is not a given < on my model of chromebook >. Requires jumper on a small socket. I have one chromebook with broke off pins that is now a parts chromebook.

I converted three chromebooks several years ago, placing an Acer and a Toshiba that were x86 based on MX, and an ARM-based Asus flip on Kali linux. I was very pleased with all three, but I haven't done this recently so I have no idea about current model chromebooks which would work well. I too have the impression that the initial flurry of interest in converting them has subsided, so the old resources may no longer be available. I think the poster is asking a great question and I would be very interested to read reports from him or anyone else about their experience converting current models, which are presumably even more powerful/faster than the old ones.

The form factor is indeed excellent.

We don't have any ARM versions of MX, but I do have some ARM builds of MX programs that aren't in Debian on the OBS, such as Pale Moon: https://build.opensuse.org/package/show ... r/palemoon

if you need to install a compatible distro on an ARM Chromebook.

This is my xmass present < remember, I have a antiX linux acer c710 chromebook >

https://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-14-2-in-1 ... /984743341

I have not explored https://chromium.googlesource.com/chrom ... and_vms.md
yet. New territory for me.

I am in no hurry converting this touchscreen unit over yet < I have not even made the chromebook recovery usb >

This unit is 2020 and was picked up by the wife online during the Black Friday sale at Walmart online for $179.00 ,free shipping to house.

Other than touchscreen. I am not worried about getting MX linux to run on this unit. Even so. I always do this first
https://technastic.com/create-a-bootabl ... chrome-os/

If this site says OK. I feel a little more comfy
https://wiki.galliumos.org/Hardware_Compatibility

My acer c710 running antiX runs like so:

system boots cleanly and quickly
installation remnants are cleaned up
proper drivers are properly loaded
trackpad works
trackpad settings are usable
audio works, including after sleep/wake
wireless works, including after sleep/wake
alsa or pulse ausio works including bluetooth speakers
function keys volume control are functional
microphone input works
webcam input works
power management sleeps system when lid closed
power management wakes system when lid opened
no user configuration is required for basic use
Take this last statement with a grain of salt. Forum members gave me the skill set for special tweaks like touch pad tweaks in antiX.

Cuz the newer the chromebook. The more you may have to stroke it and call it a good boy.
Also. Newer Chromebooks probably like newer kernels for hardware. My acer c710 floats along fine with stock 4.9 64 bit.

Edit: Not a lot of incentive yet to convert this unit yet

Update schedule
This device will get automatic software and security updates until June 2026.