Linux-Powered, WiFi Handheld?

rgovostes asks: "I've been looking around for a (hopefully low-cost) Linux-based handheld device with WiFi capabilities for some network testing and security evaluation. I need to be able to ping, list nearby WiFi signals, and run Ettercap. I'd also like it to be Mac OS X compatible without much work. I found handhelds.org (Coralized), which has some information, but I'm not very handheld-savvy, so it isn't too helpful to me. Am I asking for something unrealistic or is something like this possible? Any advice on the matter would be appreciated."

Comments

Suggestion number one

[Anonymous Coward]

Sharp Zaurus with CompactFlash WiFi card?

Zaurus

[MazTaim]

You can always check ebay for Zaurus handhelds. SL-5500, SL-5000D, SL-6000, C7xx, C860, etc.. They all run Linux natively.

The SL-6000 and C series handhelds are a little pricey, but you can find cheap SL-5xxx's for around $150 used. Not sure what the current price is for a new SL-5500.

As all Zaurii have CF slots, you can run many different Wireless CF cards.

Have questions, check www.zaurususergroup.com.

How about a Zaurus and a CF WiFi card?

[SeaEye420]

My zaurus [a 5000D :), but you can only get the] is pretty much a handheld linux PC. Slap a WiFi Compact Flash card in and you should be all set. Your only worry is going to be battery life, as even with the "low power" WiFi cards the battery in these things won't last more than a few hours. I guess you can just carry a couple of spare batteries and swap them out when they get low...

Anything is possible.

[FreeLinux]

Anything is possible. In fact there are numerous palmtops and PDAs, that can satisfy your needs and desires, already available today.

However, somethings, though possible, are improbable. The likelihood of finding your dream PDA for cheap is one of those things that falls under the heading of highly improbable. If, on the other hand, you consider $300-$1000 cheap then have a look at the Sharp Zaurus, HP iPaq or Dell Axim They are all very nice PDA/palm tops.

As others have mentioned,

[MoOsEb0y]

use a Zaurus Handheld. It works with linux, running a Qt-based GUI. You can get multiple packet sniffing and wireless finding utilities going. I found it to be quite fun for road trips. However, it isn't a substitute for a real laptop if you want to be able to easily run any off the shelf apps (as they either need to be compiled for the zaurus processor).

Sharp Zaurus 5500

[Anonymous Coward]

I purchased a sharp Zaurus 5500 with a D-Link WiFi card and It works great for war walking. I'm writing an article for Linux Journal about Open Zaurus. Open Zaurus is a replacement Linux Distro for the Sharp Zaurus' original Embeded Linux Distro. Anyway, you can probably pick one up at Amazon for $200 bucks.

-Victor

Re:Sharp Zaurus 5500

[Fweeky]

I use pdaXrom on my Zaurus C860.

Zaurus

[gabe]

I used a Zaurus SL-5500 with an Ambicom CF WiFi card for a few months before I got bored with it. It worked great with both my Linksys AP and the Airport APs at work. Be sure to load the OpenZaurus OS on it as there is better, more up-to-date software, and handy features like making the display vertical or horizontal.

Well, if you're a REAL nerd...

[Dr.Dubious DDQ]

This is probably not quite what you had in mind, but if you can come up with a display for it, perhaps you could build your own off of one of the gumstix computers.

Hmmmm...anyone know if there is anyone making external versions of synaptic's cPad unit? Might work as a combo display/input device for a gumstix unit.

Sure, a Sharp Zaurus is probably a better match for what you need (heck, I know *I* want one), but SOMEBODY has to suggest something else in this thread...