Splashtop OS, previously only available via OEM machines, today released its operating system to the general public. "Splashtop Inc, the worldwide leader in instant-access computing, today announced the immediate availability of Splashtop OS , a lightweight, web-centric operating system optimized for notebooks and netbooks. First introduced as a beta last November, Splashtop OS is a browser-based 'companion OS' that co-exists with the Windows operating system."
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Member since:
2005-11-02
Member since:2010-03-08
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2005-09-18
Member since:2005-06-29
Member since:
2005-06-29
Okay so the Splashtop compatibility list is pretty specific: HP laptops and netbooks, and just a few models. Since I'm using an HP slimline desktop, I figured it might at least boot for me. Nope, didn't happen. It installed just fine, and when I rebooted and got past the Grub boot menu -- I dual boot Linux, of course -- into the Windows 7 loader, I was given a choice (via Windows' boot menu) of 7 or Splashtop. When Splashtop is chosen, it boots to a graphical something; my monitor changes modes, and I see a mouse cursor for a split second. Then it reboots the computer. Oh well.
I had high hopes too, as all of my hardware apart from the onboard video (Nforce 6 series) is fully supported by open drivers, including the HP-branded Ralink wifi card. The irony of a Linux distro unable to boot on highly OSS-friendly hardware is not lost on me. The fact that it is only installable via a closed Windows executable really drives it home.
I wonder if it will like VirtualBox or VirtualPC...
Member since:2011-02-28
Web site reads: "UPDATE: A new Splashtop OS has just been released to allow installation on a much broader range of devices and platforms. If your device is not one of the currently supported platforms listed above, you can still install and try Splashtop OS – you will be given a pre-boot menu (...)"
http://www.splashtop.com/os#platforms
Edited 2011-02-28 09:57 UTC
Member since:2005-06-29
Pardon me if this comes across as rude, but what exactly is your point? I am fully aware that they encourage people to try out new platforms, which I did. My reason for mentioning the compatibility list was to provide a reference for my surprise at it not working on the HP desktop unit I tested it on, given that desktop's similar specs and hardware components to some of the supported laptops, not to mention branding.
Member since:
2011-02-27
Member since:
2007-05-24