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VTech Linux PDA To Benefit Open-Source Projects

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the well-isn't-that-special dept.

Bocaj writes: "LinuxOrbit.com has news from VTech on their plans to upgrade the Helio PDA to Linux. But thats not the interesting part: Quote: Programs chosen by VTech/Helio for special attention will receive incentives that include special donations to the Linux Open Source Foundation in the name of the developer of choice, or a cash grant for further development of Linux programs for the Helio OS or other Linux systems, open to the developer's choice."

5 of 46 comments (clear)

  1. "First PDA to run Linux" - this is false? by GoodPint · · Score: 3
    From the article "This operating system, according to Mark Padgett of VTech/Helio, will be a modified Linux kernel -- the first of its kind to run on a PDA." and "[...] VTech/Helio is making a bold move in this surge towards providing the Linux community with its first PDA running a Linux kernel."

    Is that true? I thought Linux was up on the Palm already. At least it is according to the guys at uClinux. They must mean first to run Linux on standard hardware.

    GoodPint

  2. Can they do it? by dsplat · · Score: 3

    Even the article in question points out that they may be making a play to be the PDA of choice for Linux users. Okay, I can respect that. But that alone is not a large enough market to sustain them I suspect. They are up against Palm, and WinCE PDAs. Palms are good, and they can allegedly be synced with Linux. WinCE is drawing the I-absolutely-must-be-able-to-interface-with-my-fav orite-windows-apps-and-don't-know-how-
    unless-spoon-fed crowd, but seem to be getting beaten on price by Palm. VTech has a tough fight ahead.

    --
    The net will not be what we demand, but what we make it. Build it well.
  3. The WHAT Foundation? by Bruce+Perens · · Score: 3
    The "Linux Open Source Foundation"???? What's that?

    Bruce

    --
    Bruce Perens.
  4. btw, VTech needs Linux/Mac programmers by Snocone · · Score: 3

    Very synchronious, this showing up right now, because just yesterday the VTech people got in touch with me about porting their Windows "syncing software something like Palm Desktop" to the Mac. Not only am I really too busy to take it on, this sounds like they're having Linux problems too:

    Hi Alex,

    Thanks for your quick response. Seems any techie guy, not just Macintosh is really busy. We're looking for Linux people and it's been just as diffficult it seems...

    Anyways, can you give the PDA manager "Wendy Siu" a call to discuss more about possible sub-contract work? The phone number is XXX-XXXX, ext. XXX.

    If you're a good Linux and/or Mac programmer who wants to help them out, email me and I'll pass the number along if you sound competent.

  5. Re:What I am looking for by harmonica · · Score: 3

    Use the Psion 5mx pro in combination with its Java Virtual Machine and mindterm, the GPL'd Java secure shell app. I guess that should work... Mindterm is linked on freshmeat.net and EPOC is one of the platforms the program was tested to run on.