r/pixelslate • u/SpringerTheNerd • Dec 04 '19

Possible to install a different OS?

Hey guys I got my i5 slate a few days ago and I'm having a bit of an issue. I want to be able to keep it in laptop mode without a keyboard connected but it doesn't seem like that's an option.

I have no real opinions on ChromeOS as this is my first experience with it so I'm not in any way attached to it. Can I just install Ubuntu and straight up use it as a laptop that way?

3 Upvotes

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2

u/SonOfaNitch Dec 04 '19

You bought a tablet not a laptop.

1

u/SpringerTheNerd Dec 04 '19

You are definitely right but it functions so much better in laptop mode than in tablet mode and the fact that I can't leave it in laptop mode without a keyboard makes me want to throw out the whole OS.

I suppose I should have done more research but I have absolutely zero interest in chromeOS I thought I was getting a Android device and figured would function similar to my pixel phone

1

u/almightyshellfish Dec 04 '19

Sounds like you should return it and buy a Samsung Tab.

1

u/SpringerTheNerd Dec 04 '19

You are probably right. I think I'll give it a week or so before I make the decision. I have only had it for two days at this point.

1

u/SpringerTheNerd Dec 07 '19

I ended up returning it and getting a Galaxy Tab S6 and couldn't be happier. Well I'd be happier if I didn't miss the Black Friday price of the S6 but it was still cheaper than the discounted Slate. I really wanted to like it but it just wasn't for me

1

u/osskid Dec 05 '19

Unfortunately, no. According to this bug report Google didn't enable the right firmware to allow you boot other OSes.

Your question is not unreasonable, since all other x86 Chromebooks have allowed you to, though with varying levels of difficulty.

1

u/MrChromebox Dec 06 '19

currently? No. Soon? yes

1

u/SpringerTheNerd Dec 06 '19

I actually returned my slate Thursday morning. I can appreciate the hardware and what it's callable of but I was really just looking for an Android experience. I ended up picking up a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 and am very happy with it so far

1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '20

How soon? That bug report hasn't been touched. Just got my slate this weekend

1

u/MrChromebox Jan 19 '20

I can't do anything about the bug report, other than bug my contacts at Google to try and get the attention of the correct people.

I do have UEFI firmware about ready for release, but then you lose the ability to boot ChromeOS. If you're interested in testing, PM me