BoF: State of Linux on ARM Laptops
summary
Linux on ARM laptops currently breaks at install and hardware support because each OEM ships different DTBs and firmware, so ISOs can’t just boot: distributions need per-device device tree blobs bundled and a way to pick one. Experimentation uses a single UKI image packaging multiple DTBs plus a small DTB loader EFI app to match SMBIOS/GPIO/hwids; video offload shows promise (a three‑patch Chromium prototype), but thermal control, EC interfaces and ISP blobs remain proprietary and cause throttling and shutdowns.
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chapters (11)
- 0:00Linux on ARM laptops
- 1:06Community experiences
- 6:08Current ARM support
- 12:51Boot chain challenges
- 19:16Vendor engagement
- 27:23Thermal management
- 35:34Device tree solutions
- 41:00EC and fan control
- 46:15Video offloading
- 53:19Camera ISP issues
- 1:00:20Q&A
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