Build Your Own Linux Powered Pda Options

[Tom61]

I've had the idea about rolling my own Linux powered PDA for some time, but I've been busy with another project of mine. So, I haven't posted about this idea, but recently Da_Blitz posted:

the iMX3 is a custom PDA idea as the 2700G chip is VERY hard to get. dont want to hijack this thread anymore so if you want more info then contact me direct or make another post

Definately looking for some more info on that!

Here's some interesting ideas to get the thread started:

GumStix ( www.gumstix.com www.gumstix.org ): Very small, proprietary, stackable modules. Very hobbyist friendly, but current models are still based around the Intel PXA255.

Colibri Module : PXA270 with most of the needed chips built in, and connections for most of the rest, in a formfactor of a DDR SODIMM. Moderately hobbyist friendly, with boards only 119Euros for the 520MHz version, but with a fixed handling fee for Hardware of 100 EUR and shipping of 45 EUR. You'll want to order more than one to be price effective with this supplier.

CM-X270 Computer-On-Module: I stubbled on to this site last night. No idea about this supplier's ablity to handle hobbyists, or even the cost of the module. However, you can configure a pretty impressive COM on that page. Up to PXA270 520Mhz, 128MB of RAM, Intel 2700G with 8MB of its own RAM, audio codec, and 512 MB of NAND flash!


Take a look at the Google Ads when you do a search for 'Arm development board', as quite a few Ads hit the mark for what we would want, if they could be had cheap, and single unit quanties (which most aren't ).

[Ferret-Simpson]

And good choice on your Zaurus! POODLE LUV!

If we've got an open board REFERENCE design, then any GPL based company (Hardware Fedora/Mandriva anyone?) can modify that as long as they give the schematics free. XD

GPL hardware seems to be a more profitable thing than GPL software, so I can see a company based on it doing very well, since there aren't many people who are willing to scratchbuild a system.

I think building a retrofit board for a Zaurus isn't the best idea, because the zaurus parts, while available are quite rare in some places, inclusing the UK. It might also be cheaper to have someone press Aluminium cases for example, and there's still the point of a funky logo. On which note, this concept needs a name and logo! If you're doing motherboards, I can see a collaboration with a couple of other community members to make a full PDA.

There are some very small self-contained serial IRDA components out there, so I can see it being feasible to build a hotpluggable connector for IRDA which can be unplugged to leave a Serial/JTAG connector (Why the hell would you need Serial and IRDA simultaneously anyway? RHETORICAL.)]

WOAH! 530mhz? Sweet!

Does a microdrive have a Standard ATA interface? Apparently We can expect 20GB drives either this year or in 2007, so If it's possiblee to include a Microdrive compatible interface that's great. ^^

2 MMC/SD ports: If we don't take advantage of that we're insane. Anyone know a place that does 2-port PCB-mount SD sockets? Either that or it would be worth the space having them parallel. Internal Storage, plus 2x2gb SD. Anyone know if they're SDIO capable?

The disadvantage of PCMCIA is it's mooch bigger. Agreed, it would be nice to be able to plug in a 24/96 12 port digital rec. . . I VOTE PCMCIA!!!! O.O |NOSEBLEED FROM EXCITEMENT|

A Quad band phone will work anywhere. If we can get a Quad Band GSM/GPRS processor onboard, that gives everyone worldwide access. W-CDMA is nice, but it's expensive and not well supported. If we're really desperate, we can always put in a Vodafone PCMCIA card.

But yes. The i.Mx31 is looking to be a pretty good chip!

One final note: A few people have mentioned Cameras. . . If we're making a universal/Spitz clamshell design, I don't think we could go wrong with a camera mounted next to the screen (In landscape), below it (in portrait) since the i.Mx has an inbuilt CMOS/CCD interface. That would allow VoIP, as well as limited photography. The only other design I can suggest for it would be a rotating camera on the edge of the screen, with a 180' swivel.

This would allow camera usage for both conferencing and picture taking. It's either that or USB webcam!

I'm also with the note on TFT panels. 800x480 is just silly. We'll make it harder to get parts, increase the drain on system power and processing capability, for a fairly minimal gain. It's much more important to have a simple useable screen, similar to that of the CXXXX series Zauri, which is perfectly good! XP Besides, if there's going to be some form of External monitor connection, There's not really alot of point!

Finally, I vote for the name "PocketPenguin."