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 ).

[Da_Blitz]

Thanks for those links, i was going to sugest droping the touch screen in favor of a joystick but this is much better (besides the fact that every one seems to want a touchscreen), i think this would replace the directinol pad

everything else is alright but i can buy all that stuff from my local electronics store

for the parts as these will be assembeled by the PCB people, getting parts is a bit of a non issue scince the bulk all thier customers part orders together for reduced pricing, i would however like to use freescale parts where possible to keep it consistent

had a thoght and would like comments on it, i want to frezze the inital feature set in about a week so that i can look for suppliers for everything, so should we do this and if so what do you want in the frozzen design (it will only be frozen until i can find all the parts i need then i will unfrezze it and start the process again until we are happy)

for wifi i am thinking somthing madwifi compatible as they have some very cool features eg concurrent running in both AP and station mode multiple concurrent (virtual), access points QoS, Roaming, scan available channels without losing the current AP association (switches to scanning and buffers outgoing transmissions)

bluetooth wise i would like to use a 2.0 adabtor with the enhanced data rate but that module gives me a good benchmark for size

what i feel i will need is an RF egineer for the wireless stuff

once again "holy ****" i like that trackball, keep sending me this great stuff