02-06-2004, 11:35 AM
|
|
Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,177
|
|
Lycoris Soon to Ship Mobile Linux, Pocket PC Edition
Lycoris is known for its desktop Linux operating system and they are just finishing a mobile version of their distribution. The operating system will be called "Desktop/LX Pocket PC Edition (DL-PPC)" and it will be made available to device makers and consumers directly. DL-PPC origins from the more known OpenZaurus and Opie.
"DL-PPC will initially support ARM-based PDAs such as the Sharp Zaurus and HP iPaq. However, it uses a standard Linux kernel -- version 2.4.18 initially, with updates planned soon -- making it relatively easy to port to other architectures, according to Lycoris Founder Joseph Cheek."
So, what is this "Pocket PC" all about? Well, founder Joseph Cheek is a former Microsoft employee. Lycoris was first called "Redmond Linux Project" before it was changed to Lycoris in a pre-emptive move. Joseph says they "performed extensive trademark research before choosing the "Pocket PC" name. "We couldn't find anything at the Office of Patents and Trademarks, and we couldn't find anything at Microsoft," he said."
Linux in mobile devices has been debated here before. Personally, I believe Linux will eventually make it to noticeable market share numbers. The critical issue is getting a major player, such as Motorola, to set the API standards and UI guidelines. Foster a developer community and attract more device makers. It won't happen this year or the next. But in three years? Likely.
|
| |
|
|
|
02-06-2004, 12:17 PM
|
|
Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 254
|
|
Interesting. Personally im no Linux fundamentalist. But looking at the nice screenshots of the GUI makes me wonder: :dilemma:
-What will happen if this (windows alike) OS answers all our current requests?
-What if alarms work the way they should?
-What if there is a good sync tool.... that let you sync your with Outlook and your windows pc as a partner?
-What if it got a good wordprocesseor (which can edit word files without chreding them)?
-What if even novices can install (flash) this OS to their Pocket pc's
-What if there are frequent updates, aviable for download and install by the end user?
-What if there is good network tools in it? With OS support for BT and WIFI?
-What if there is a good mail client?
-What if we can swich screen orientation easy without a reset?
-What if....
What will happen to Microsofts OS then? I think this is good news. Not because i nessesairily want to run Linux on my pocket pc, but because it gives me the freedom to chose. And because it might give Microsoft a few ideas what we like and dont like :wink:
__________________
In times of change, its the learners who will inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to handle a world that no longer exist.
|
| |
|
|
|
02-06-2004, 12:59 PM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 104
|
|
This screen shot looks at like the familiar installation with Opie I have to say.
As Ive mentioned in another thread, Ive installed linux onto two old ipaqs for testing (3870 and 3630) and although work has kept me from playing with them too much yet, one nice feature is the ability to switch between landscape and portrait on-the-fly. No soft reset required. Have to admit that it impressed me at least.
Once Ive had chance to play though, Ill be more than happy to post here what I find out if anyone is interested?
Atm Im having some trouble pulling down some of the packages though, most notably the one for bluetooth which I need to test the GPRS.
Andrew
|
| |
|
|
|
02-06-2004, 01:18 PM
|
|
Oracle
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 830
|
|
looks nice. Hopefully, it will be compatible with my 5555's wifi and bt.
|
| |
|
|
|
02-06-2004, 01:47 PM
|
|
Thoughts Media Review Team
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 1,004
|
|
Just recently I have been thinking of picking up a second hand Zaurus SL5500 on ebay (they seem to be going for about �100 in the UK) just to have a bit of a play with Linux and see whether a Linux PDA is for me.
This looks like a further interesting development, now I wonder if this release will work on a Jornada (after all it has the same processer as the Ipaq and Zaurus) if so then a future as a Linux PDA might be in store for it - rather than gathering dust in a drawer after I eventually replace it!
__________________
...waiting for the arrival of my Axim x50v...But I still love my Newtons!
|
| |
|
|
|
02-06-2004, 02:12 PM
|
|
Pupil
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 30
|
|
A Linux sync for WinCE would be worth it
If someone would write a highly functional Linux ActiveSync replacement it would make the Linux OS even more attractive to the public.
|
| |
|
|
|
02-06-2004, 02:50 PM
|
|
Thinker
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 383
|
|
I have to admit that I've always preferred the looks of PDA linux versions over PPC2003. Making the elements smaller for a smaller screen isn't as stupid as it might sound  . I've also liked the fact that the OS feels like there has been a lot of efford put into it.
But it's the same reason here why I use windows on my laptop instead of Linux. I have zero tolerance for having to install, tweak and hack something to get it work.
I wish this project all the best. If they get it functioning properly and most importantly easy to install and maintain, I just might leap over to this train that hasn't stopped at the station.
/jizmo
|
| |
|
|
|
02-06-2004, 02:57 PM
|
|
Pontificator
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,329
|
|
Linux's strong point, at least to me, has always been its robust hardware support. Its weaknesses are obviously its ease of use. Sure once setup and configured it�s a breeze but its that initial setup that has always been a PITA. I think handheld devices is one place where Linux can actually work well considering we aren�t talking as wide a plethora of hardware as desktops and laptops. If Linux distributors can get it to a point where upgrades are as easy as point and click firmware upgrades and can get the various software packages organized and easy to find/install/use I could possibly see Linux being a legit competitor in the PDA market. I think it�s a forgone conclusion that the only two real OS kings in the PDA world will be Pocket PC and Palm OS. Linux will always play, at least 3rd string, but I don't see that as a problem since may Linux distros for the for PDA are aftermarket installs. There is no real pressure on Linux to compete. It/They can just keep doing their thing improving their quality/ease of use/software offerings while Pocket PC and Palm battle it out.
__________________
PDA History: Palm Pilot 5000 -> Apple Newton 2100 -> Casio E-11 -> iPaq 3650 (64MB Upgrade) -> iPaq 3700 -> Casio EM-500 -> HP Jornada 568 -> HP iPaq hx4705 www.spreadfirefox.com |
| |
|
|
|
02-06-2004, 03:00 PM
|
|
Pontificator
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,329
|
|
PS- Does anyone know if there is any Linux distro for the HP Jornada 568 device? I'm prob going to upgrade to some uber Pocket PC this summer (PPC 2004 *knock on wood*) and would love to have an alternative Linux device.
__________________
PDA History: Palm Pilot 5000 -> Apple Newton 2100 -> Casio E-11 -> iPaq 3650 (64MB Upgrade) -> iPaq 3700 -> Casio EM-500 -> HP Jornada 568 -> HP iPaq hx4705 www.spreadfirefox.com |
| |
|
|
|
02-06-2004, 04:12 PM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 104
|
|
Hi, I didnt find anything for the 5x devices, but found this for the 7x, I never had a jornada so dont know how similar they are, but thought you may be able to adapt this.
http://handhelds.org/~gberenfield/Jornada/
Otherwise handhelds.org itself is pretty much the best resource for putting linux on a handheld.
When I put it on my 3870, it took me about 3 hours for the first time, but once I learnt how, I did it for my colleague here at work on his 3870 in under 10 minutes. If you do decide to try it, I highly recomend Opie, its more 'pda-like' than some of the others.
Regards
Andrew
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
