I successfully went through all the steps and flashed MrChromebox’s coreboot distro on my Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook. I’ve booted up Linux on my Chromebook, but little things like the Super key isn’t working properly. The laptop doesn’t recognize other SSDs like an old Samsung 860 I’m trying to use with it.
I think the problem is that the flashing utility isn’t getting my hardware right. My laptop comes in two versions: the regular (DRALLION) and 360 degree foldable 2-in-1 (DRALLION360). I know I have the 2-in-1 version because I can fold the screen back.
But I’m getting conflicting information about the hardware. Neofetch says the host is DRALLION rev 16. The flashing utility also sees it as the DRALLION version. But the stock firmware is named DRALLION360 and I have the foldable version.
Does DRALLION360 mean the 2-in-1 version of my laptop? Why is my Super key not working properly (on multiple distros and desktop environments. xev doesn’t show the key being pressed)?
there is only one firmware image for DRALLION, regardless if it’s the convertible (360) version or not. Many devices have differing HWIDs but use the same firmware image.
that said, DRALLION is mess, the Wilco EC driver is broken in upstream Linux. No idea why the super key isn’t working. I would use it as a ChromeOS device or sell it.
MrChromebox, thanks for replying. I picked drallion because it was one of the few devices that was said to function without any issue after flashing. Aside from the Super key, everything else seems to be working. I guess I could use the mouse to open the Linux menu button.
I’m looking for a top of the line laptop with coreboot support. How’s the Framework laptop looking? Doesn’t it have a ChromeOS version? Not that I want a ChromeOS version, it’s only that they come with coreboot support.
I just tested the super key with a plugged in keyboard, and that worked! I should have tested that first. So, the problem is the Super Key on the laptop itself. I have a splash guard, so its probably not water damage. Perhaps the key has somehow been turned off by the Fn key or something?
Drallion uses a Dell EC (vs a Google ChromeEC) and it’s not well supported outside of ChromeOS. The super key doesn’t emit that scancode – that’s a function of the EC firmware. Nothing we can do.
lots of issues due to the Dell EC, and the EC driver being broken in upstream Linux. lots of people complaining the device shuts off with 30-40% battery (I can’t reproduce that, might be Windows specific).
If you want a laptop that runs coreboot and works perfectly under Linux, look at something from System76, Starlabs, Tuxedo, etc. A modern Chromebook will get you 98% of the way in some cases, and far less in most.