Why Open Source Makes Sense For Handhelds

Guylhem writes "Are you still wondering why you should prefer an handheld running free software over one running Palm OS or Windows CE? Here's a short article to explain the main reasons you should consider. The most important are sustainability and freedom: you don't want your applications to break when you update your handheld OS or hardware, and you certainly want to decide what *you* may do with your data. Palm and Pocket PC's DRM protected and obscure formats stand in your way. That's another good reason to prefer free software: you have the source code so you can develop plug ins to read such obscure formats. Even better - you can stick to standards formats such as divx which are poorly supported on handhelds running proprietary software." On the topic of handhelds, tanmay submits brighthand.com's small chart of some upcoming handhelds and smart phones that may be launched in the coming months.

Comments

Re:Bad Platforms Make For Good Business

[wshwe]

I can do what I want only with Palm and Windows. Linux is intriguing, but fails the tests of functionality and compatability.

I do

[GomezAdams]

Freedom of choice is always better, Dude (or Dudette).

I just bought the Sharp Zaurus SL-5600 and it kicks the snot out of my Palm Pilot. It's a few years newer but is still a better machine than the most recent Palms. And when I get the addons sneaked in past the lovely but untrusting Morticia, then I will have far more than had I upgraded the Palm.

Mine came from Amazon.com @ $300.00 - new in the box. This is the best techno trinket I've had years.

Original poster has to be a troll - or his significant other won't let him get the better toy and it's just sour grapes talking.