- Tuxedo cancels Snapdragon X Elite Linux laptop after 18 months of development struggle
- The first generation X1E chip failed to meet compatibility expectations of Linux distributions
- BIOS updates, fan control and KVM virtualization are not supported on Linux
Tuxedo Computers has canceled plans to release a Linux laptop powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite after eighteen months of development.
The company said the first generation X1E chip proved less suitable for Linux distributions than expected.
Although video decoding is technically possible, many applications lack the necessary support and features such as BIOS updates and fan control cannot currently be implemented on Linux.
Limitations of virtualization and data throughput
The issues apparently emerged despite significant engineering efforts, including attempts to optimize power management, firmware processes, and device-specific drivers.
Expected long battery life, one of the key benefits of ARM devices, did not materialize during testing, creating new challenges for deployment.
Tuxedo also noted that virtualization with KVM is not feasible on the X1E, limiting the laptop’s usefulness for workloads requiring virtual machines.
High-speed USB4 transfer rates could not be achieved, resulting in reduced performance of external devices and storage devices.
These technical shortcomings mean that the device cannot deliver the expected user experience for Linux desktop users.
“Development proved difficult due to the different architecture and, in the end, the first generation X1E turned out to be less suitable for Linux than expected,” Tuxedo said.
Although development could theoretically continue, the pace of hardware advancement means that such efforts risk producing an obsolete product upon release.
The company emphasized that the Snapdragon
If the X2 Elite resolves the limitations seen in the first generation chip, Tuxedo could consider restarting development on a refreshed laptop.
Tuxedo said it will monitor the X2 Elite architecture to determine whether development can resume when the new platform offers more powerful Linux support.
But no firm commitments have been made and the company stressed that any plans would depend on assessing the capabilities of the new chip.
Tuxedo has historically focused on building Linux-enabled devices, including desktops and mobile workstations.
The company also produces mini PC systems running Linux distributions, demonstrating its expertise in ARM-independent hardware design.
Although Snapdragon X Elite fell short of expectations, Tuxedo’s broader catalog of Linux-ready systems remains available.
Tuxedo is not ruling out future collaborations, but its experience suggests that expectations of rapid progress may be premature until new SoCs demonstrate stronger compatibility.
Via Windows Central
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