Project Proposal: PocketTux

[dhns]

Hi all,

currently there are great projects handhelds.org / Familiar / OpenEmbedded that make a flash-image replacing WinCE on several of the Dell, HP, Compaq, ... models. There is even Xanadux trying to bring Linux to the MDA (a PDA-Phone).

But this approach 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 ("PocketTux") is to use the coLinux (http://www.colinux.org/) idea - making a Linux kernel to run as a PocketPC/WinCE user application (PocketTux.exe) and using the device drivers already 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 on ANY FUTURE PocketPC device!

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).

And finally the problems of different device drivers can be left over to MS and the HP, Dell, Toshiba, etc. as they already have solved them...

What are your opinions on such a project? Would you like to participate? Would you have need for a more up-to-date and future proof Linux for non-Sharp PDAs?

-- hns

[omega]

Sounds like an idea for non-Zaurus people....   I adore my Z though.

[boosalis]

A simplier method might be to port QT/Embedded to WinCE. That way  most applications written for the Zaurus could be ported over to WinCE. Actually this is something Trolltech should think about doing.  As right now there is very little reason for anyone to write a PDA app with QT since it basically just runs on the Zaurus.  

Windows CE is one of the last major OSes to be conquered by QT, since it now operates on Windows,Linux, BSD,Macs, and all Unixes.  With this done QT could really be what Java is supposed to be for the embedded and PDA space.

And then with Windows CE conquered that can solve the unified field theory by porting to Palm OS.

[Mickeyl]

A simplier method might be to port QT/Embedded to WinCE. That way most applications written for the Zaurus could be ported over to WinCE. Actually this is something Trolltech should think about doing.

They already have done this to some extent. They won't release it unless someone will pay for it though. And I'm not talking about one or two licenses here... I'm talking about a professional manufacturer or company interested in it.