HP Stream 13-C004TU Notebook for Ubuntu Install

Solution 1:

I am writing this on an HP Stream 13 (Same as 11, just larger screen). The only issue (kinda a big one) that I have run into with this running Ubuntu 14.10 is with the eMMC they have for a boot drive. I don't know all the terminology, but here it is in plain language. There is a tiny partition on the eMMC that is confusing Ubuntu. I think it's called or labeled RPMP, and Ubuntu can't access it. It is at the beginning sectors of the drive, so Ubuntu tries to read it, but can't. This significantly slows the boot time (Approx. 4 minutes for me) and has also interfered when installing new kernel updates through the Ubuntu Software Center. I read somewhere that there is a fix, but I haven't seen it yet. I am hopeful that it makes it's way into Ubuntu 15.04, or this could be a very annoying computer to have.

Solution 2:

for HP Stream 13: (or HP Stream 11)

Adapted in part from: Amazon.com > Kyle's review > 'HP Stream 11'

Notes:

• No changes required to BIOS settings, uses (default) UEFI settings (as supplied);
• Notebook does NOT support 32-bit Ubuntu, due to UEFI issues;

Create Ubuntu Install USB drive: (on a different PC)

• Download 14.04 .iso file;
• Insert 2GB (or larger) USB drive; (any content will be erased)
• Start Disk Utility; (aka 'Disks')
  • Select the USB drive;
  • Click on 'cog' icon, at top right
  • Select 'Restore Disk Image', and navigate to .iso file;
  • Click 'Start Restoring'

Install Ubuntu 14.04 LTS on HP Stream 13 (or 11) Notebook:

• Insert USB drive in USB 2.0 slot; (the USB 3.0 slot can cause issues)
• Power on Notebook;
• When screen backlight goes on (after 1.5 seconds), press F9 key; (above 8/9 keys)
• Choose USB drive, as UEFI source;
• Choose 'Install Ubuntu';
• When prompted for language (and not before), enable WiFi connection;
• Select 'download updates' (during install);
• Proceed with normal install; (I chose to replace/erase Windows 8.1);
• Once install completes, load all updates.

Only remaining issue is time to boot (to logon screen), from cold start: (20-24 seconds, in total)

UPDATE: 2015-Apr-11

This bug (kernel issues with eMMC) has been identified and 'fixed', with this due to appear in future updates to 14.04 LTS or later.

See: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/systemd/+bug/1333140

This should remove the cold start pause/delay (additional 14-17 seconds).

Solution 3:

I'm writing this from an HP Stream Mini desktop running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS (64-bit), so I'm proof it can be done. (From what I've read the Stream Mini desktop is basically the same system as the notebook, just in a different form factor.)

The process isn't hard, but it's hard to find out exactly HOW to do it.

I'll assume you already know how or can find out how to put Ubuntu onto a bootable USB stick. The trick is getting the HP to boot to that stick.

Long story short: you need to press F10 at boot to get to the UEFI/BIOS configuration. Just change the boot order so your USB stick comes before the hard drive.

If you are unable to find your USB Drive, try switching boot options to "Legacy", saving those settings and retrying F9

A lot of stuff out there mentions pressing F12, but that just brings up UEFI boot options, which won't show the USB stick.

I am planning to do a full write up of this on my blog soon (I'll post a link here when I do), but for anyone with some experience installing Ubuntu, I'm guessing the only problem you'll have is getting the USB stick to boot.

It's also possible to tell the system to boot to the USB stick by navigating a labyrinth of options within Windows 8.1, but that only works until you've overwritten Windows. I've installed Ubuntu 3 times on this machine now. (Don't ask... it's not because it didn't work, it's because my experimentation got out of hand and I needed a clean start.)

I will say that once you get Ubuntu installed, it is smooth as butter. This is not a powerful machine but it handles Ubuntu really well. I have not run into any hardware compatibility issues.