I really just want an encrypted portable linux device with a cellular modem. I don’t even care if it can SMS or VOLTE, I just need it to run a secure chat client, support Bluetooth headphones and last all day on a charge.
Then you’re in luck, because that’s something you can already have by now! Just get yourself one of the more recent-ish phones that are well supported by PostmarketOS. The things Linux phones struggle the most with these days, are the more traditional phone-things, such as text messages or calling, which may not be ready for production, as they say (although, both texts and calls have actually worked well for me as of late). But if all you want is a pocket Linux computer/PDA, and intend to carry another phone for calls and texting, that’s something you can have, for the grand price of an old, second-hand phone. I’ve been loving my (LUKS-encrypted) OnePlus 6T, and I do actually use it for calls and texts as well!
muusemuuse@sh.itjust.works 1 week ago
You aren’t going to get such a device enabled on the american cellular networks. The duoploy wont allow it. You would have a better chance creating a new network that doesnt need cellular technology. something that behaves more like a cordless phone that uses whatever wifi, packet radio, reticulum node, etc as the base. You wouldn’t be able to get a straight phone number without a VoIP subscription but thats also not a terribly big problem as phone numbers are a terrible idea in 2025 anyway. We should have revocable keys exchanged at will that are unique to each contact. Either side can block communications effectively that way at any time and you couldnt just call them from a different number or sell the key to a different scammer or something.
Really, a 5G capable phone running linux isnt a big enough goal. Mobile communications needs a profound shift away from the legacy model.
tym@lemmy.world 1 week ago
and meanwhile, the american supreme court is ruling on terminating online access due to piracy today. I wonder what they’ll rule…
www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/…/87505607007/
rumba@lemmy.zip 1 week ago
I can get a data sim card and put it in a laptop right now. It’s just an inconvenient form factor.
muusemuuse@sh.itjust.works 1 week ago
Mobile provides can remove it from their end if they feel the device will “harm or degrade performance of their network”. Some American cell phone providers are doing this with Linux phones already.