I've looked around but can't find any solid solutions or help on this topic. I recently ordered a machine with an ARMv7 CPU (Cortex A-9, <= 1.6GHz, quad core). The machine also has a Mali-400 quad-core GPU @ 533, supposedly, along with 2GB RAM and 8GB ROM, several USB ports -- one host (single port hub?).
I recently discovered "Ubuntu for Android" (http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/ubuntu-for-android), as well as Ubuntu for Devices (http://developer.ubuntu.com/start/ubuntu-for-devices/). The latter appears to be more of a mobile experience, whereas I'm hoping for a 'desktop' experience.
Ubuntu for Android claims to run alongside Android and given that my coming machine is a quad-core ARMv7 CPU with Android 4.1.1 loaded, this interests me greatly and I believe it to be possible, however I cannot find appropriately concise documentation. If all I get here is a point in the right direction, I'll be eternally grateful. I do know that there are similar machines that come with Ubuntu preloaded.
Finally, in the past, I've run Debian in a chroot on my old 800MHz phone with something like 190MB RAM. It was an ARMv6, therefor there is no Ubuntu build for it so I have yet to try it out but Debian worked fine*, I've already got a 12.04 image ready for my ARMv7 when it gets here, but I will likely need to first obtain access to the root user, although the app GNURoot looks promising to avoid this. I suspect the same will apply for installing Ubuntu, unless it involves a straight ROM flash.. which I hope not because I doubt anyone has worked on one for this machine.. regardless, I seek council.
Edit for clarity: I'm looking to know the most cohesive way to achieve an Ubuntu experience on this device. If I have to, I will attempt via the chroot method but if anyone can help me to get *Devices or *Android happening, that will be my goal. /edit
Here's hopin' the knowledge springs forth*