Can you load your own OS on the Nexus 7? This thing can run Linux as well as Ubuntu.

http://www.hardkernel.com/renewal_2011/products/prdt_info.ph...

just search play for ubuntu installer, its a way to chroot and boot an xserver and then you vnc into it... kind of hack, sure, but there are also xservers and busybox, depends on your needs if these options will work for you. i haven't heard much about people using an arm build of ubuntu on droid devices, though, although it seems i remember something about it being worked on

Nexus 7 just started shipping. I'm sure it will be hacked to run Linux in a few weeks.

I am sure it is already running Linux ;)

"Suddenly" RMS' advice to write GNU/Linux makes sense, huh.

(At least it usefully separates your typical distro from Android, which doesn't use the GNU userland and C library.)

> I'm sure it will be hacked to run Linux in a few weeks.

While lacking video driver and you can only play 480p video?

Nexus 7 is available only in a select few countries though.

exactly what i am thinking.

In a significantly larger form factor.

With significantly better hardware.

Quad core Exynos (very good), quad core graphics, 1GB RAM, 6 USB ports, Ethernet, SDHC memory card slot.

For what this is being marketed for and for everyone of the top 6 uses I can think of... this has as good of specs or better.

I mean, what do you want NFC in an embedded form like this that would have similar uses in a tablet? For something being sold by Asus vs [some seemingly random person] and for $70 less, I think this has a lot more value that you give it credit for.

How is it better specs? It doesn't have a display, it doesn't run off a battery, it doesn't have any of the sensors I listed.

This is for hardware experimentation, not to put in your pocket. Why would I want a display?