Our company has purchased a MacBook Air 5.2 (13 inch screen) and we want to run Linux on it, with preference for Ubuntu.
My first attempt failed. I prepared a USB stick as boot device following the instructions on http://www.ubuntu.com/download/help/create-a-usb-stick-on-mac-osx .
However trying to boot from that stick I got a kernel panic.
Any help on how to go on is welcome!
Ubuntu – any experience with MacBook Air 5.2
macbook-air
Best Answer
Contrary to Zach's experience, Linux works flawlessly on my MBA 5,2. The only gripes I have are reduced battery life (which is systemic to all of Linux at this point), and comparatively lame touchpad drivers (which is due to the lack of documentation about the protocol).
There are two major pain points with this setup, however.
You will definitely need to be an experienced Linux user to set it up, or have someone who is hold your hand. It was definitely a more complicated install, but nothing someone with mild experience using Linux can't handle with the help of online documentation.
Use the 3.4/5 kernel. Zach's issues have should have all been resolved in later kernels.(I can confirm all but the multi-monitor thing, which, despite my being a developer, I do not do...)
You'll need to post more information about the "Kernel panic" you're getting. I would also NOT reccomend following that guide, but rather resources such as:
Like I said, it's definitely possible, and it works as well as it can given the current state of Linux. There is absolutely no reason to get a new computer -- just make sure you're actually using a kernel that can handle your machine!