Intel X86-based Development Options

[daniel3000]

Hello,

wouldn't it be better, instead of using another XScale processor, to wait for intel making the first reliable steppings of their planned x86 PDA processors?
That would allow to run a much larger variety of software, beginning with simpler systems like MS-DOS, over Windows 95 and XP, up to "normal" Linux distributions.

We'd not be tied to special software versions, compilig of the apps especially for the PDA etc., but just use the stuff we can buy or download as binaries.

It was posted here some time ago I think, but for those who don't remember:
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/06/27/intel_sells_xscale/

(Also search google for "intel sells xscale")

Personally, I have used the HP 200LX (x86-based palmtop developed in 1993 with 186 8MHz CPU and 640kB RAM, running DOS) for about 8 years, before I switched to the Zaurus in 2005.
The Zaurus is great in terms of screen, speed, touchscreen, Multimedia etc.
But the 200LX was far superior when it comes to usability of thousands of available software programs, downloadable for free from the Internet.
With the zaurus, I could never reach the level of productivity I reached with the HP in even a shorter time than I have the Zaurus now. And that's only due to missing software.

I can not even say the Zaurus is more flexible due to the Linux system.
DOS is also VERY flexible when it comes to configuration and batch programming, if you only know some hidden tricks.

If I hadn't migrated all my PIM stuff etc. to the Zaurus already, I'd seriously consider to switch back to the HP.

Would waiting for a PDA-x86 processor be an option for this project?

daniel

[Ferret-Simpson]

If you read that thread, they're looking at chips that can run vista by 2010. . .

The PocketPenguin-One, Pocket-Penguin Two. . I can see maybe dealing with that sort of processor.

The current idea for the PPZ is just to create a powerful hardware platform on which people can run the software needed for that level of productivity.

I am more productive on my Zaurus Sharp Rom 5600, than I am on any of my Desktop PC's.

More in point, the PPZ is more POWERFUL than any of my PC's. It's designed to basically be everything the 3200 SHOULD have been instead of a 3100 with an extra 2GB. I can't put up witth dodgy ports and reverse engineering for another 3.5 years until intel release a good enough chip to make it worthwhile, and to be honest? I can't STAND x86. I've been moving to ARM for a while now, with RiscPC's, the Zaurus, I've been looking at Iyonix gear. . .

If everything goes ok with the current generation, and we get it built, and a few people actually BUY the ruddy thing, then I doubt very much that we'll hesitate for a moment before releasing the PP1, the PP2, or the PP3.

Currently, every single PDA manufacturer, from Sharp, to HP, to Dell to Acer to Sony to HTC are selling us out with incompatible closed source gear which does only the bare minimum needed to sell it to the punters and I HIGHLY doubt that will change just because Office 2011 (Office BFD?) can run on Microsoft's pet project 4 years from now. After all, we've got OpenOffice right now!

The PPZ supports several components of the proposed GPLv3, including End-User-Modification support. By Early next year, we should have a Top-Of-The-Range device with the Full phone capabilities and full gaming capabilites and the full anything else you can imagine that Sony, Sharp, HTC and the rest are keeping from us so they can keep us in our grasp.

Maybe one day, we'll go to x86. But it won't be as fast as with getting the PPZ out. And even then, since when have Intel been good about getting Open Source support? We'll have to work with shoddy sources from big companies who sign deals with them etc etc etc.

Besides, I like freescale. They made the Amiga chips. 68060 baby YEAH!

EDIT: This one's a big note.

We're not using XScale. XScale sucks big time. We're using Freescale chips which have good Manufacturer-Provided support, better quality, and higher specifications than the XScales.

I mean come on! The closest thing to the iMX31 currently available from the Intel side is the 270/624. And what do we have over that? Better support for just about everything, an FPU, an integral 3D accelerator, DDR266, and 800x600 external monitor support!

Intel, can Go. . To. . . hell.

[koen]

Intel, can Go. .  To. . . hell.

You mean Marvell?