This is effectively....
Again: NO. Its a third option I would like to call PocketTux.
I think I have to explain my idea in more detail:
handhelds.org / Familiar / OpenEmbedded want to make a flash-image
replacing WinCE.
This leads into large issues and effort for identifying and adapting to different hardware models, device drivers etc. It usually takes several months alone until the boot-loader of a new device is cracked and the device addresses are identified. Well, is much fun to do so but it does not help the spreading of Linux on handhelds because until then, the model might not be anymore on sale.
My idea is to use the coLinux idea - making a Linux kernel to run as a PocketPC/WinCE user application (PocketTux.exe) and using the device drivers written by MS and others. If this kernel is made 100% compatible to the Zaurus system calls, we can install a Zaurus (OE/OPIE/pdaXrom) file system and run Zaurus applications.
The only issue for a coLinux approach I am aware of is the memory management and that the underlying architecture (x86 or ARM or something else) must be the same as the Linux to be installed. There is NO CPU emulator involved (which would be much too slow).
The problems that arise are things like device specific hardware and different flash/RAM configurations.
These problems can be left over to MS and the HP, Dell, Toshiba, etc. as they already have solved them...
-- hns
