[M95D]

> my worry is that ARM devices will bring an end to such an open platform like modern PCs are.

Modern PCs are NOT open platform anymore. Not since signed bootloaders, UEFI, secure boot. ARM on the other hand, as long as they don't require signed bootloaders (like phones) or a closed source driver for GPU or something, are in fact open.

[rep_lodsb]

Secure boot can be disabled even on modern PCs.

[fragmede]

You can still boot Linux on PCs though. ARM devices, you're SOL in most cases. Device tree is a total shit show. For random ARM device, better hope randomInternetHero42 on a random forum has it for your device. Just asking the device itself what exists would be stupid question in ARM world.

[M95D]

I don't know what you're talking about. If the device boots, you find the device tree in /sys/firmware/fdt, or in unpacked human-readable form in /sys/firmware/devicetree/* .

[mjg59]

And you're stuck with whatever fucked up kernel the vendor gave you, assuming they even followed their obligations and gave you access to the source. The vast majority of x86 systems run mainline kernels because there's a sufficient level of abstraction. The number of Arm devices that's true for is a tiny percentage of the Arm devices out there running Linux.

[M95D]

True. But I'm voting with my wallet supporting those manufacturers that upstream to mainline kernel and don't require any signed firmware to boot.