tavvva wrote: ⤴Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:36 pm
xenopeek wrote: ⤴Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:24 am
We've had a discussion about it in the team. Linux Mint isn't opposed to Aarch64 support but as with any addition there has to be a sufficient demand for it. Are there many people wanting to run Linux Mint on Aarch64 or is it super niche?
That's difficult to answer without doing a proper survey, but we could at least do a best guess based on the available statistics:
1.) There are more than 100 million aarch64-based computers sold worldwide (RaspberryPi is on top with nearly 30 milion pcs)
2.) Linux Mint is currently second in the popularity rankings on distrowatch
xenopeek wrote: ⤴Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:24 am
Right now aside from Apple Mx laptops there are what, a handful of Aarch64 laptops? The team can likely add Aarch64 to the package builds but it would increase build times, file transfers, storage etc. If it becomes more common that the average Joe or Jane who'd use Linux Mint can walk out of an electronics store with a new Aarch64 laptop, maybe. No promises though.
The new Chromebooks come with Snapdragon, MediaTek and Qualcomm CPUs and I think the trend is starting right now.
xenopeek wrote: ⤴Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:24 am
With wayland, libadwaita, snap, etc. there are plenty big things for the team to work on this year.
There will never be a moment you'd feel idle enough to say "everything is done". Right?
xenopeek wrote: ⤴Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:24 am
I get that's not what you were hoping for and I'm sorry if it disappoints. Thank you for outlining your idea though.
There are other distros for Macs, Raspberry Pi's and such.
Nah
I already have Mint on my Raspberry Pi and it is staying there
http://tavvva.net/files/linux/linux-mint-rpi4.jpg
Hello tavvva,
Your project sound great, but why not just call this something else than "Linux Mint" ?
Just don't use artwork from mint, if people want some wallpaper it's not an issue to add them manually. Other components, except name and wallpaper, are free to use.
Creating a fork dedicated for testing isn't that bad, and all the work behind could be merged later by the mint team.
Obviously, this can be very useful later if you plan to manage the tickets etc.
Like you, I'm not satisfied yet with other distros on arm.
Maybe I'll switch to Arch Linux later, but I'm kinda lazy, LM does the job pretty well, definitely the best distro right now.
Don't hesitate to send me pm if you need a tester.
Best regards.