Linux On iPAQ 3600 Handheld

wruji writes: "Linux on Compaq's upcoming iPAQ PocketPC. handhelds.org has more info including install instructions" Cute little box.

Comments

Re:Why would you install Linux?

[YoJ]

Linux is actually a kernel. The command line you are talking about is really bash or csh or whatever. The ability to run Linux on a handheld is cool because you can write your own programs to control it. That's why I would want to run Linux on it, so that I could make my own clean, tight graphical interface. Installing Linux on it right now might not be terribly useful, but it gives you power and flexibility. You aren't locked in to WinCE or some other fixed, non-customisable OS.

nojw

Why would you install Linux?

[DranoK]

Before I get bashed or moderated down here, I need to say I love Linux. I exclusively run Linux on both my laptops even though I sacrifice sound to do so *damn A3D*

I must ask WHY you would want to install Linux on a hand-held device?? I mean, yeah, it's COOL. It's fun, you can impress your friends, but it doesn't seem very efficient. Linux is powerful as hell, but the interface is still done mostly through command line. This is a good thing. I think (and a lot of people might agree) that the command line is the most efficient way to work. On a handheld device like this, however, command line interface becomes a chore.

Linux is also powerful becuase it's a true multi-user environment. Runlevel 3 ceases to be important in a small device like this (I would think). And what are you going to install on it? Somehow I'm guessing tons of stuff would refuse to compile.

I mean, yeah, it's cool and all, but unless someone writes a distro of Linux designed to be fully graphical etc and perform like WinCE (without the instability and Microsoft patronage) I just don't really understand the usefullness of installing Linux on this thing.

Except, of course, for the coolness value =)

DranoK



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