Tangential: I'm looking for a handheld Linux computer that's the approximate size and shape of a GameBoy Advance SP, but with a QWERTY keyboard and wifi. The old Zipit Z-2 would've been perfect. All it needs to run is git and Emacs/org-mode.
It's a surprisingly hard form factor to shop for—anyone have any recommendations?
I’d also love to find out, I’m also on the lookout for a similar device. What I have found are SBCs on r/SBCgaming offering rock chip ARM Linux devices for under $50-100. Iirc http://retrocatalog.com/ is good for searching.
I have a Planet Computers Gemini, which is a reinterpretation of the Psion Series 5, running Android but you can also install Linux. They have new models since, but I've heard reports the company is not honoring orders, so caveat emptor.
Another option would be one of the GPD Pocket mini-laptops, they actually ship with Ubuntu. I'd gotten one of the older models, but the screen was just too small for my tired eyes:
https://www.gpd.hk/gpdpocket/
Updating the software is certainly a pain. I switched to Linux than went back to Android. Can't say I noticed any hardware defects other than the usual delicateness of mobile devices, but I am generally careful with my devices (the only person I know who doesn't fray Apple's inadequate cales...), so it hasn't mattered as much as the simple fact the Gemini doesn't have a lot of utility with my aging eyes. I really need at least 12".
I’ve been looking for this too. I could replace basically all my laptop computing with something low powered that sshed into a server. So far I’ve found:
My portable Org mode setup is read-only, and I'm very happy with it. I just copy the files from my desktop to ~/Documents/Notes on the Android device an us Orgro (Orgzly or Organice) to read them.
If I do need to record something on the go I make a voice note and update the Org mode file at home on the desktop. I then push to the phone with adb, or pull from the phone with scp in Termux.
It's a surprisingly hard form factor to shop for—anyone have any recommendations?