Linux-powered handhelds, Ipods, mini-TIVO's, etc.

William Kendrick scratched out in the sand

> In comp.sys.palmtops filesiteguy <abuse@127.0.0.1> wrote:
>> 1. DirecTV has a Tivo-like thing that does HDTV and runs Linux (don't
>> know which distro).
>
> TiVo has a TiVo-like thing that runs Linux, too. It's called a TiVo. ;^)
> (In case anyone out there didn't know that yet)

Actually no I didn't. I have one sitting in a box right next to me. I need
to get ahold of DTV so I can finally get rid of E* after three years. :)
--
kai - kai at 3gproductions dot com
www.gamephreakz.com || www.filesite.org
"friends don't let friends use windows xp"

Yep, been in the industry for nigh on four decades now. I remember when:
1) It wasn't normal for computers to crash regularly and any that did
were fixed promptly or scrapped.
2) It wasn't normal for an application failure to lock up the system
forcing a reboot.
3) It wasn't normal for operating system bugs to require reinstallation
of all applications.
4) Backups were necessary to protect from hardware crashes or human
error; not because of unstable operating systems.
5) Some of that old iron would run for years without even a warm restart.
6) Some would even allow hardware and software maintenance and upgrades
without being shut down.

Christopher Browne wrote:
> In an attempt to throw the authorities off his trail, Russell <russell@mitre.org> transmitted:

>>------------------CUT-------------
>
> bootstrapped, but beyond that point, some of the "user expectations"
> WAY greater than are the case for (for instance) Windows. I routinely
> expect uptimes, for instance, that some versions of Windows could
> never actually achieve.
>
> If it's crap, I sure won't be paying for it...

> 4) Backups were necessary to protect from hardware crashes or human
> error; not because of unstable operating systems.
> 5) Some of that old iron would run for years without even a warm restart.
> 6) Some would even allow hardware and software maintenance and upgrades
> without being shut down.
>
Our Linux server had an uptime of almost three years (it's internal a
very small company so security is a non-issue). I royally screwed up our
Linux server with a badly thought out upgrade installation. A quick trip
to single mode, restore off the tape and back to full operation and I
still haven't had to reboot it.

That's the way things are supposed to be.

On Thu, 09 Sep 2004 07:27:42 -0700, filesiteguy <abuse@127.0.0.1>
wrote:

>On 8 Sep 2004 21:35:06 -0700, jollyrogership@yahoo.com (Ranger West)
>pecked out:

>
>>What would be the best way to build a Linux-powered ipod-like device?
>>Can this be done with off-the-shelf hardware?
>
>Build one.

Where do I get the parts?

Christopher Browne wrote:
> I would suggest taking a look at the article "The Hard Way / How Not
> to Build a Linux PDA"
> <http://www.linux-mag.com/2004-05/hard_01.html> written by someone
> involved heavily with the Zaurus efforts, which have essentially
> failed.

Almost two years ago I posted on why I hadn't yet bought a Zaurus
(<URL:http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=slrnb2u470.ugk.ylee%40pobox.com>).
Sadly, every reason still holds in late 2004, including the advantages
a truly-usable Linux PDA that also filled my needs would have.

I've owned a Sony Clié UX50 for a year. I thought hard about buying a
Zaurus C760 instead, but am glad I didn't take the plunge.

> I can sync the main apps against JPilot, as well as GNU Keyring, and
> can happily use either Palm or JPilot GUI to control them.

[...]

> _None_ of the "Linux-based" PDAs have provide the equivalent
> functionality of:
> - Syncing against a 'desktop' for calendar/todo/address/notes

Amen. While I respect the fact that not everyone needs synching (I was
like that as a student), those of us who need synching need it
*badly*.

--
Yes, I'm to blame for comp.sys.palmtops.pilot instead of .palm or .palmos.