Htc Universal, ... running Debian EABI Options

[datathief]

I've been using an HTC Universal for a month now, and I've all but forgotten about my poor Zaurus.

Pros:

• Runs Debian EABI, including X.
• About the same size as a clamshell Zaurus.
• 640x480 screen.
• I get about 9 hours life with the extended battery.
• Was sold in Europe, and it's still easy to get accessories.
• No touchscreen jitter.
• Backlit keyboard.
• Built-in Wifi, Bluetooth and GPRS/UMTS for internet access almost anywhere.

Cons:

• Stuck at 2.6.21 (not a major problem).
• Wifi driver is unstable.
• Running from an SD card is slow.
• No USB Host, CF or SD (SD socket is occupied because you can't install on the internal flash).
• Takes some hacking to get everything working.

Does anyone else here have one of these? Would there be any interest in creating a Debian "distro" for it?

Update: See here for progress so far.

Update 2: I've uploaded a Debian package to install the keymap, power management, sound and phone functions here.

[ZDevil]

In terms of specs the Z and the HTC Universal have edges over each other:

Pros for the Z: CF slot, internal disk space, better quality screen.

Pros for the Universal: a full range of connectivity options, SDIO (and higher SD interface?), keyboard w/ backlight, faster processor (PXA270@520MHz), dual-camera, microphone, Transflective TFT, more power options (up to 4800 or even 5200 mAh!)

Otherwise, their weight, form factor, dimensions, pocketability and now compatibility with linux are very similar.
Then again, personally the Universal has more cool factors and feels more geeky. The Z just seems to be getting older and older now...

[datathief]

Some notes on Linux support for the HTC Universal:

a full range of connectivity options

I haven't tried bluetooth yet. Wifi works, but the driver is flaky (can be worked around). GPRS/UMTS works nicely.

SDIO (and higher SD interface?)

The SD card slot is occupied when running Linux (there's no way to install to the internal flash yet).

keyboard w/ backlight

One of my favourite features.

faster processor (PXA270@520MHz)

cpufreq works, too.

dual-camera

No camera drivers yet. Apparently a Motorola phone uses the same camera, and there's a driver for that somewhere. My next project, I think...

microphone

Works under ALSA.

Transflective TFT

I'll see how this works out when summer comes...

more power options (up to 4800 or even 5200 mAh!)

I had some apm problems when I installed a 3800mAh battery, but once I charged and discharged it completely (to re-calibrate the charging controller) it works fine.