Cinnamon 2.0 was released today.

The release was announced on Segfault with a preview of the most important new features: http://segfault.linuxmint.com/2013/10/cinnamon-2-0-released/

Cinnamon 2.0 will be in Linux Mint 16 “Petra” which is planned for the end of November, and then ported to LMDE and Linux Mint 13 “Maya” LTS.

Introduction

Update Pack 7 was released as the “latest” update pack today.  If you’re not using Linux Mint Debian, please ignore this post.

If you experience issues or if you’re going through the update at the moment, don’t hesitate to connect to the IRC chatroom (irc.spotchat.org, #linuxmint-debian)

How to upgrade

1. Make sure your mirror is up-to-date

It is not safe to upgrade any package unless your mirror points to UP7

Here is the current status of the LMDE mirrors:

  • UP7:
    • http://debian.linuxmint.com/
    • http://debian.lth.se/lmde/
    • http://mirror.internode.on.net/pub/linuxmint-debian/
    • http://mirror.rts-informatique.fr/linuxmint/debian/
    • http://mirror.komsys.org/pub/linuxmint/debian/
    • http://www.mirrorservice.org/sites/debian.linuxmint.com/debian/
    • http://mirror.metrocast.net/linuxmint-debian/
    • http://ucmirror.canterbury.ac.nz/linux/mint/debian/
    • http://lmde-mirror.gwendallebihan.net/
    • http://mirrors.ircam.fr/pub/linuxmint-debian/
    • http://mintlinux.mirror.triple-it.nl/debian/
    • http://ftp.jaist.ac.jp/pub/Linux/linuxmint/debian/
    • http://tux.rainside.sk/mint/debian/
    • http://linuxmint-apt.killerhorse.eu/debian/
  • UP6:
    • http://mirrors.fe.up.pt/linuxmint-debian/

To select another mirror:

  • Make sure “mint-debian-mirrors” is installed
  • Open a terminal and run the following command: mint-choose-debian-mirror

2. Check your APT sources

  1. In the Update Manager, click on the “Update Pack Info” button
  2. Make sure “Your system configuration” shows up as green and doesn’t show any warnings or errors.
  3. If you see a warning or an error, follow the instructions given and repeat the process until they’re gone.

3. Read about the Update Pack

In the “Update Pack Info” window of the Update Manager, make sure to read all the information related to Update Pack 7. Some of it might be irrelevant to you, but it will only take you a minute and it might save you hours.

4. Upgrade the packages

When you’re ready and you know all that there is to know, press the “Install Updates” button.

During the update you’ll be asked a few things. One is quite important.. the new kernel will ask you where to install Grub. Answer with the location of your current Grub menu (which on most systems is “/dev/sda“).

FAQ

Will LMDE get new ISO images with Update Pack 7?

LMDE ISOs will be updated with Update Pack 8 after the Mint 16 release to feature MATE 1.8, Cinnamon 2.0 and all the improvements planned for the upcoming version of Linux Mint.

The MintBox 2 is now available and can be ordered from CompuLab at http://fit-pc.com/web/products/mintbox/

The MintBox 2 will also soon become available from Amazon.com and Amazon.de for US and European customers.

Overview of the MintBox 2

The MintBox 2 is a mini-computer which connects to TVs or computer monitors via HDMI or DisplayPort. It comes with 8 USB ports as well as in/out audio jacks, eSATA, Ethernet, Wifi and Bluetooth so you can connect it easily to any network or device.

The unit feels very special and very unique. It’s small, about the size of a router, so it fits behind your keyboard, your TV and it’s easy to bring with you anywhere you go.

It’s extremely sturdy and completely silent. There is no plastic, the case is entirely made of solid die-cast aluminum and acts as a heat sink, so there are no fans inside of it.

It boasts 4 times the processing power of the previous generation and comes with a 5 years warranty.

The MintBox 2 shines by its versatility. Its form-factor provides a fantastic compromise between desktop computing and mobility. It’s as if your desktop environment could come with you. A desk, a chair and a large screen is all you need. Connect a full size keyboard to the unit and there you are: operational and fully productive anywhere you go.

The MintBox 2 was previewed in June: http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2383 . We’ll soon post a full in-depth review.

Specifications

CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-3337U Processor (dual-core 64 bit, 3M Cache, 1.80 GHz up to 2.70 GHz, 17W TDP)
Integrated GPU: Intel® HD Graphics 4000 with dynamic frequency up to 1.1 GHz
Chipset: Mobile Intel® HM76 Express Chipset
Memory: 4 GB DDR3 upgradable up to 16 GB
Main storage: Internal 500 GB 2.5” hard disk (upgradable)
Operating system: Linux Mint 15 “Olivia” 64 bit

Extra storage: mSATA socket + 2x eSATA ports
Display: HDMI 1.4a 1920 x 1200 + DisplayPort 1.1a 2560 x 1600 dual-head
Audio: S/PDIF 7.1 channels + stereo line-out / mic
Networking: 2x Gbit Ethernet
Wireless networking: 802.11b/g/n dual antenna up to 150 Mbps + Bluetooth 4.0
USB: 2x USB 3.0 + 6x USB 2.0
Serial: RS232 full-UART
Expansion: Full-size mini-PCIe (shared with mSATA) + half-size mini-PCIe (used for WLAN)

Enclosure: Passively cooled fanless die-cast aluminum case
Dimensions: 19 cm (w) x 16 cm (l) x 4 cm (h)
Weight: 1150g
Input voltage: 10V – 15V DC (12V PSU 100V-240V AC included)
Power consumption: 10W – 26W
Operating temperature: 0°C – 50°C
Warranty: 5 years (2 years for the hard disk)

Links