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For example, are there any phones I can install my own OS and software on (preferably something free and hackable...) and still have them work as phones?

There are a number of Linux smartphones that have been made, but I'm not sure any of them are actually available in the US. They seem to be popular in Asia.

Palm OS smartphones have plenty of software available for them for you to install, but the OS isn't open or particularly hackable. The next generation of Palm OS is being build on top of Linux, but the timetable and roadmap seem kind of up in the air right now.

In addition, there are a number that run Pocket PC. You can run and develop your own software on these, as well, but it's a version of Windows, so it's about what you'd expect from the standpoint of openness or hackability.

In principle, Linux could be ported to Pocket PC phones, since they are architecturally similar to (and run the same processor family, ARM, as) the iPaq, which has a Linux community.

blakespot

Sure, here you go. http://www.ipaqlinux.com/

But the OS just isn't there. I was going to start writing apps for it, but most of the cool features are supported through Sony-specific API extensions to PalmOS. With sony out of the market (the TH55 is discontinued) that's a dead end. I looked for Palm's API's, and it seems to be a mess - the various palm-based devices use different extensions for the same thing, and finding info on them is hard.

Finally I asked my office mate about it. He develops Palm software on the side. He said to ensure quality you have to posess each target device, because each has its own quirks and the emulator isn't accurate. That killed it for me.

There's a bright side to more PC-like handhelds - they're much more likely to get Linux ports. I love the idea of a small, sleek, Linux-based PDA, but the commercial market isn't there and it won't happen. The Zaurus is just too big and heavy, whereas the smaller iPaqs are even quite a bit thinner than the Tungsten T3.

Finally, I should add that I recently tried a co-worker's new IPaq and the handwriting recognition blows away anything I've seen for the Palm.

I saw it comming years ago. Did you?

A combination of :
1. the epoc operating system
2. handwriting recognition style software on the iPaq WinCE or handwriting recognition software for iPaqLinux.com
3. moore's law reducing the size of hardware

http://www.ipaqlinux.com/ do have a lot of info on running linux on ipaqs. I doubt there is any release (yet) that supports the phone, wifi etc. though.

Related info:

www.iPaqLinux.com

blakespot

While it's always nice to have more choices, I think this new PDA is somewhat unasked for. There are two Zaurus models (5500 is already cheaper than $300, and 5600 is heading that way). Most of the iPaqs can run linux on them (IPAQLinux.com), and they are way cheaper and been around awhile, so all the quirks were worked out. Will the new $300 device be more attractive than currently available models, be it not for the "it comes with linux" factor? I am not sure. Those who want Linux on their PDA are usually skilled enough to get it already :)

• Debian Effort
  
• iPacking it
  
• Handhelds.org sports all these Platforms
  

Why? So you can compile programs and walk around with them and have access to all the free software goodness you might need. Oh yeah, it also makes sure that you own your handheld rather than donate it to the cause.

But if you are impatient, you could drop by Office Depot and buy an Zaurus today. I got one and like the form factor. I have not used it enough to really comment on it, but the interface is slick and works well enough. I liked my handspring visor's graphiti system, but I'm told that I'll get proficient with my thumbs on that keyboard. Having compact flash and SD interfaces rocks. Work out your program, what have you, on your laptop then drop it into compact flash and it's in your pocket.

One things for sure, I'de wait for a Linux port (if indeed there is none yet) before purchasing one of these. The WinCE and Pocket PC handwriting sucks eggs and the Windowz interface did NOT scale well at all. Hard to use big, impossible to use small, you gotta toss it out.

You can already install Linux on an iPAQ, other hardware can't be too tricky.

At Ipaq LINUX, the familiar project, or at Intimate Handhelds.

(Just in case somebody isn't aware of this)

Wow, just 4 megs of memory? Good heavens, they're actually going to back down from their current fairly common configuration of 8 megs for the next generation of Palms? Well, I guess with memory prices so high, and ever increasing(!), you must be right. Combine that with the inherent limitation in ARM processors which only allows 22-bit addressing? You're right, only a celibate "fart-knocker" would run X-Windows on a Palm-sized device.

If you don't want a normal modem link, you can get digital data service on a GSM phone. With a vibrating phone/battery, you can get paged by the phone. Then to call back you connect the iPAQ to the phone (wire or IR).