Linux on Palm 192
thppt writes "PalmStation is reporting that a company called OSK Inc has ported Linux to the Palm hardware platform; they're dubbing it as a kind of "LinuxCE". They have some screenshots of bootup, running apps, telnetting to the Palm, connecting to the Palm's web server, and multitasking. " They've actually got a WindStone ROM Image for evaluation on their web site. I haven't tried to download it yet, but has anyone else tried this?
Clarification (Score:4)
Show us the source! (Score:1)
Excuse me, but the product is...? (Score:1)
(On a side note, if the product is a ROM chip this would explain why they claim the ROM image is "for evaluation only" - because of course you can't load a ROM image into your Palm, duh)
Re:Excuse me, but the product is...? (Score:1)
This is uClinux, no OSK code, copyright violation (Score:1)
This is a copyright violation of uClinux (Kenneth and I hold that copyright) Look at the boot screen, they claim "all rights reserved" Hell no.
This is a copyright violation of PalmOS. If they are providing a ROM image, then it contains a copy of PalmOS. 3Com is going to be pissed!
We're on it, I assume they have just misunderstood the copyright issues as this is not fair use. People are welcome to use uClinux in commercial products, but you can't say "all rights reserved" or call it your own code any more then you can call Linux your own.
http://www.uClinux.org
http://www.uClinux.com
For the _same_ screenshot of the graphics demo,
http://www.uClinux.org/images/peng-pilot-sc.gif
D. Jeff Dionne
Re:For the Future (was Re: Cool) (Score:1)
PDAs are not laptops, they are PDAs. Stop trying to apply laptop/desktop "Add More MORE MORE" rules to the PDA market, it does not work. Ask the venturecapitalists and hardware/software manufacturers who dropped 1 billion US $$$ into that market with exactly that strategy if you doubt.
"I don't believe that there is one, single, perfect spiritual way and, in realizing that, obviously you become a lot more open."
Re:It's all in the ROM (Score:1)
Re:Some linux progs do make sense on palm (Score:1)
For the record, I have a GoType keyboard for my Palm III whenever I want to take notes in class (for reasons already discussed here) and yes it is rather sizable. Roughly the size of a WinCE H/PC, except I don't always have to take it along.
The point is, tho Graffitti is a rather nice system, I type far faster than I even write on paper with pen, so I like having a keyboard when I'm entering rather large amounts of information. I don't carry it around with me all the time, this would be a Stupid Thing To Do(tm) for the reasons you mention (too damn big
And besides, there's a company called Think Outside or somesuch that's about to start shipping a keyboard that folds up into a package not much larger than the Palm itself..... vixiewantbadohyes*drool*
"I don't believe that there is one, single, perfect spiritual way and, in realizing that, obviously you become a lot more open."
No Practical Application - Don't be so sure (Score:2)
I am working now on an industrial application that requires handheld units to be interfaced via radio modems to a network, all for the purpose of factory floor automation. Obviously, there is a use for Linux on the palm pilot - I'd much rather work with a system where I've got full source code availability, than with PalmOS - which looks good, by the way, but is not open
However, we won't use palm pilots this time round - the technology is just a little to immature. One big problem is that all the radio modems available for the Palm seem to be oriented towards connectivity with cellphone networks. That's not what we want, we need a wireless LAN connection. This is where the consumer orientation of the Palm really shows. Maybe in another year that will change. In the mean time, we'll use older, uglier, heavier, keypad units that have been around for a while.
Re:Now what? (Score:1)
Why moderate this down as "Troll"? I think this is a completely valid point, and worth discussing about. Can a moderator with some common sense please moderate this post up?
Psion! (Score:1)
See Calcaria Linux7k [calcaria.net] project.
Will this work on a Visor? (Score:1)
Re:It's all in the ROM (Score:1)
Benefit? (Score:2)
Re:Already dont (Score:1)
---
Re:It's all in the ROM (Score:1)
If you overwrite the flash on a Palm it will not return to the default. For example when I upgraded me OS to 3.3 it gave grave warning about not interupting the process.
But having said that if I were putting this thing together I would put on some form of load in a protected area that couldn't be overwritten for safety.
Re:Please to enlighten me... (Score:1)
I would think you wouldn't be able to...
"I don't believe that there is one, single, perfect spiritual way and, in realizing that, obviously you become a lot more open."
copyright violation (Score:1)
Cool... (Score:1)
PalmOS is very good for what it does.
--
Max V.
Re:Linux on Palm. Great! So what? (Score:1)
That is Linux's real power.
Real
Re:Any HTTP server that might run? (Score:1)
Already getting /.ted (Score:1)
-------------------------------------------
A Psion 5 can be had for quite cheap (Score:2)
Re:Already dont (Score:2)
---
"'Is not a quine' is not a quine" is a quine.
Re:Now what? (Score:1)
Most likely, a new UI of some sort will be developed. The main hinderance to this is a lack of free hand writing recognition software. It sounds like the above company may have in fact already written some handwriting software, albiet not free stuff.
So, linux on the palm pilot isn't bad. But what might make it actually good? It does have some areas that are better than PalmOS, like networking. Plus, writing C code for PalmOS has some strange quirks. Linux on the Palmtop would probably be good for vertical market applications, as well as the usual group of people who want linux/free software on any computing devices that they use. Personally, I would love a PalmPilot running linux. It might inspire me to write my own hand writing recognition software (I think I know how, but I haven't had the motivation to make that the project that I spend my little shreds of spare time on.).
GPL Violation? (Score:1)
Re:Sheesh.... (Score:1)
Future Generation (more powerfull) palm + wireless net connection + good networking OS == portable web server, no traditional computer nescesary. What in that speculation is not forseeable in the future?
slashdotted already (Score:1)
Violation of GPL? (Score:1)
been there (Score:1)
"There is no spoon" - Neo, The Matrix
Re:sheesh.... (Score:1)
AdamL.
Re:been there (Score:2)
Re:Competition for CE (Score:2)
LinuxCE(gah) or whatever they wish it to be called can probably run PalmOS apps. This could be good.
Re:No Practical Application - Don't be so sure (Score:1)
Re:Now what? (Score:1)
Re:Will this work on a Visor? (Score:1)
TI-83 (Score:2)
Re:It's all in the ROM (Score:2)
Some might say this is a quite a daunting task you've set for yourself...
-------------------------------------------
Re:Already dont (Score:2)
---
"'Is not a quine' is not a quine" is a quine.
Re:Already dont (Score:2)
---
"'Is not a quine' is not a quine" is a quine.
Re:This is uClinux, no OSK code, copyright violati (Score:1)
Re:Now what? (Score:1)
Linux does not have this problem. Linux is a low-level OS which does not inherently include a particular user interface. You can access it with the Bourne Shell or with Gnome--or for that matter a Palm-OS look-alike interface.
This is the advantage ucLinux [uclinux.com] has over WinCE [microsoft.com].
The advantage ucLinux has over PalmOS is that it has a versitile architecture that will easily keep abreast with Hardware. PalmOS already has memory heap problems. When standard PalmPilot hardware includes hi-res colour displays, 1 GHZ processors, 512 MB RAM, wireless modems--and voice recognition is commonplace--PalmOS will be as kludgy and buggy as DOS/Windows is today. And ucLinux will shine.
Re:Violation of GPL? (Score:1)
Oh, they did more than that...R (Score:1)
If the Windstone ROM can actually be used, then they've done a lot.
Re:Now what? (Score:2)
Agreed on both points. But today, you can write Palm programs with gcc, and all the usual Posix libc goodies. You can't use X, you can't use Gtk. So this begs the question, what tangible benefits would Linux provide that PalmOS would not?
Exactly. As far as I can tell, using Linux rather than PalmOS wouldn't change either the programming experience or the end-user experience. In particular, there are basically no end-user Linux applications that will run on Palm Linux without first being redesigned to work with a completely different user interface.
Isn't the primary problem with Palm networking the networking hardware, not software?
Interesting, can you give some examples?
What does Linux have to do with that? Do you think it would be easier to write handwriting recognition software under Linux than under PalmOS? Why?
Planning On Using That Trick (Score:1)
for a few personal databases that I want to
have availible to me through the day...
It's not so much of a novelty, but that I don't
want joe average to stumble upon this before
it's ready, but I do want to be able to
run remote tests..... seems like
a cheap way to alpha test a site....
mirror (Score:2)
May not have all pics yet; still trying to d/load some. Also, may not be the best quality, working in solaris from school in 8-bit mode. Hope I don't get
-Will
Re:Will this work on a Visor? (Score:1)
Re:Show us a brain (Score:1)
From the GPL license:
3. You may copy and distribute the Program (or a work based on it, under Section 2) in object code or executable
form under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above provided that you also do one of the following:
a) Accompany it with the complete corresponding machine-readable source code, which must be distributed
under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above on a medium customarily used for software interchange; or,
b) Accompany it with a written offer, valid for at least three years, to give any third party, for a charge no more
than your cost of physically performing source distribution, a complete machine-readable copy of the
corresponding source code, to be distributed under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above on a medium
customarily used for software interchange; or,
c) Accompany it with the information you received as to the offer to distribute corresponding source code. (This
alternative is allowed only for noncommercial distribution and only if you received the program in object code or
executable form with such an offer, in accord with Subsection b above.)
------------------------------
I don't have to ask...*they* must tell me how to get it.
> And what are you gonna do with the code
> anyway?
None of your fucking business!
Re:Benefit? (Score:1)
We had a half dozen people working on that machine, and didn't thing it was too limited to to useful work.
Re:mirror (Score:1)
-Will
Remove "nospam." from my e-mail address or else it won't work, genius.
Re:Show us the source! (Score:1)
Competition for CE? (Score:1)
Re:The ROM broke my co-pilot (Score:1)
virtion is missing parts of the hardware emulation that plam os dosen't need but linux dose.
Re:The ROM broke my co-pilot (Score:1)
Another thing peculiar about the PalmOS flash memory is a 32K write-protected area at the beginning, used to store the serial number, and probably some proprietary stuff. I don't know whether this ucLinux-derivative OS avoids this area, or if they have a custom memory card completely replacing that chip.
Re:Now what? (Score:1)
Sounds cool [NOT]. Try to type kill -9 (or perl )on your silkscreen. They must be masochistic.
I often use my PalmIII with Ricochet [denver.co.us] as a terminal to read mail at home or build software at work. Typing "kill -9" never was a problem with graffitti.
Multitasking and usable networking stack (Score:1)
Re:Please to enlighten me... (Score:1)
don't Moderate this +1 (Score:1)
Multitasking and palm (Score:2)
A lot of the power of the linux kernel is page files and swap space and all that jazz. If your volatile and nonvolatile storage are identical, well, as people have already said, there's just not much point.
PalmOS wireless LANs (Score:1)
Re:./ effect (Score:1)
Any site that can talk HTTP/1.1 provides information in the header of each document requested indicating whether or not it should be cached. Rob could use this information to programmaticly determine whether or not to cache a given site without asking a human. See RFC-2068 for details.
Re:Oh yeah (Score:1)
Re:It's all in the ROM (Score:1)
That is true for the Palm IIIe, but the other Palms have flash ROM. Switching to linux should just involve a quick flash.
--
Not so fast... (was: show us a brain) (Score:1)
IF, as I understand it (and I haven't checked, as the server is busy), they are not distributing source with their ROM image, nor giving instruction on how to obtain a physical copy of the source, nor placing source code in the directory from which you download the source. Note that part (c) of the above doesn't apply if they have modified the source. It only applies if they are mirroring the binary image, essentially.
As to the question of what the original poster is going to do with the source, who cares? He has a right to it under the GPL. If he wants it, he must be given it. If they can't give out the source, then they can't distribute their image.
Now, IANAL and I'm not a member of the GPL gestapo, but the original poster was right (assuming they really aren't offering source). Due to the /. effect it's not possible for me to check the veracity of his statement, so the above may be for naught.
Re:It's all in the ROM (Score:1)
You could also build a replacement for the PALM ROM that contained a smaller loader ROM that did nothing more than talk to the PC and a larger amount of RAM to hold the new OS.
This isn't a particularly new concept. In the old Apple ][+, you could load a new OS into a RAM card that replaced the original OS installed in the ROM that came with the system. This didn't work exactly like what I mention above, but you get the idea...
Where's the source? (Score:2)
I would like to propose the name lince :) (Score:2)
Re:It's all in the ROM (Score:1)
Palm, make sure you save the original copy of the OS if you ever want to revert back.
Speaking of which, is there a flash utility that runs under Linux so that you can revert back?
Any HTTP server that might run? (Score:1)
Might be interesting to try out...
EC
Will this run on Handspring Visor? (Score:1)
-Cyberllama
Re:not sure if this is the right place for linux (Score:2)
As an embedded systems program who designs "o-scopes and logic analyzers" (well, communications service monitors, which have 'scope and analyzer functions built in) I am very glad to see people saying this.
Now, make yourselves heard to the marketing people at companies like HP (now Agilent Technologies), Tektronix, Anritsu, Yokigawa, and (if you buy spectrum analzyers or communications service monitors) IFR Systems (my employer). Tell them you'd rather see penguins than broken glass. PLEASE!. They look at me like I'm on drugs when I suggest this (actually, things are getting better, and we are actually considering a Linux-based design within my department. Now, to get approval...)
Re:Already dont (Score:2)
You can already develop Palm apps on Linux: see the Palm Development HOWTO [orbits.com]. Then you can debug it in XCopilot [cuspy.com] and never actually try it on a handheld until it's finished...
Now, if you insist on everything being the same as on Linux, meaning you want the Palm to use all the same libraries you're already used to, like Xlib and Gtk, then I think you're going to be disappointed even if you get it. Try this: pick your favorite Gtk program and launch it with --geometry =160x160 and see how well that works... Then try to find the middle-button on your Pilot's mouse!
Apps for handhelds have to be written differently, because the input and output devices are so different from what's available on desktops and laptops.
Re:TI-83 (Score:1)
TI-82,83,83+,85 and 86 are based on 6mhz Z80s
which are 8 bit cpus. Linux is natively 32bit, so have fun converting everything.
Their memory amounts are too small for Linux at all.
The TI-89, 92, and 92+ are based on 10 (now 12) mhz M68k Cpus. Specifically, the classic 68000 cpu. No MMU or FPU. So uCLinux would definitely be an option. But these, once you remove TI-OS become fairly useless.
These also have a lot more memory, but a plain 92 couldn't do it. you'd need a 92+ or an 89.
Re:Some linux progs do make sense on palm (Score:1)
I've had my palm for a year and a half now, and I love it. The small size and nifty apps have really made a difference. At times (like when travelling), I do, however, want to be able to write larger pieces of text (notetaking during sessions, working on a paper in flight, that kind of thing), and using graffiti is just too much work once you move beyond a few sentences. At the same time, I hate the idea of having to tote around a laptop just to write some text. A psion would fit perfectly here, but I find it too big for everyday use (won't fit my pockets). Having the ability to bring along a small keyboard during travels (esp. one as small as that new one) would mean I still only have to bring the palm with me.
Re:I would like to propose the name lince :) (Score:1)
Re:It's all in the ROM (Score:1)
Re:Now what? (Score:1)
Remember that sig used frequently here on
For me, that says it all. I for one can't wait to play around with this!
Re:This is uClinux, no OSK code, copyright violati (Score:1)
> Dear Mr. Dionne,
>
> To make things clear, I'd like to introduce myself: I'm CTO of OSK, Inc and
> work on WindStone Project.
Got to hear from you...
>
> We always thanks you RT-guys' contribution to Linux world. But we need to
> clarify copyright issues you claims.
>
> First, we do not use any code or any binary image from Palm OS rom. We
> implements all the PalmOS API from scratch. As you know, PIC code has 64K
> size limits. So we build all the Palm compatibility stuff using other
> processes and merged them into rom image. WindStonePE, 5k code you have
> seen, is just a glue that activate these palm stuffs.
Of course that is just a stub... It's the rest of the code I'm concerened
about. It looks to be smack in the middle of the uClinux kernel. If you've
linked Palm code in there, that's a problem. If you've linked proprietary
code in there, that's a problem. It looks an awful lot like Palm code to
me... Kenneth can tell for sure. And I'd really love to be completely wrong!
>
> This is a point of honor with us. You must point out which part of our rom
> image from PalmOS rom. Or you commits a serious libel on us.
Take a look around 0x0000B100 Again around 0x000475E0 Why is this stuff
in the middle of the kernel? If you tell me that's your GPL'd mods to
uClinux, that's great! Otherwise it looks like... well, it doesn't look
good. Make me look like a fool, I really want to be wrong. We have
to raise the uClinux flag to keep it safe and to keep _us_ from getting
into trouble if something is not right!
>
> Second, I cannot understand your copyright claims. It's our mistake not to
> refer uClinux project in our press release, but we mention that our product
> based on "uClinux" in our Product page on web. We will publish our source
Fair use of the term "uClinux" is using it for things which are derived
from it (at least that's what I call fair). That applies here. I'd like
people to help wave that flag... If it's derived from uClinux, please call
it that.
> code based on uClinux kernel and you can get the diffs as soon as possible
> after we clean up the source and make documentation what we have done. The
> only thing worse than no release is a bad release as you know.
I agree, others here will (and have) disagreed. But it's inappropriate to
release binaries only first of previously GPL'd code. That's not allowed.
>
> The most wierd part of your claims is that Kenneth and you holds uClinux
> copyright (in SlashDot). Which kind of copyright do you have in uClinux or
You may be a little confused by the whole GPL Copyleft thing. Each and every
person who has worked on a piece of GPL code can (and often do) retain
copyright on that code. They grant you a license under the terms of the
GPL, it's still their code. The GPL says you can change it, and you
can add your own copyright for your changes, and in the end everyone who
has worked on it owns the copyright. But it's still GPL. Most of the
patches to Linux that make it uClinux are copyright Kenneth Albanowski
and D. Jeff Dionne, but the list of contributors (and therefore copyright
holders) grows all the time
> even in Linux Kernel. As far as I understand, uClinux is an GPL'd software
> and we have right to use it in our product in any form if our product has
> GPL license.
Yes. That's not the issue.
>
> Third, you point out that "All rights reserved" on our splash screen is
> copyright violation. But this means that other part of WindStone like
> WindStone PE and WindStone GE does not have open source licences. If this
No, that's not what the spash screen says. It says, and I quote...
"WiNDSTONE
Palm OS clone
Based on linux kernel 2.0.33
OSKinc
(C) 1999 All rights reserved"
We'd like you to say uClinux (it was a lot of work and we want people to
know about the project). Even if we want that, you can call it Smelly Dog
and you're still fine (please don't)! You can add a copyright statement
for OSKinc, that's fine. But you can't remove the copyright statements that
print on bootup that others have put there. And lastly, you can't
reserve all rights, the GPL forbids that.
> causes misunderstanding that uClinux is our product, then we will modify the
In the form it's in in your ROM image, it _is_ your product. Please _do_ add
(C) OSK inc. But it's also mine, and Kenneth's and Alax Cox and Linus and...
> copyright section on slash to make things clear.
>
> With regards,
> ----
> Kim, Sung-Ryong
> http://www.oski.co.kr
> teoh@oski.co.kr
>
Re:For the Future (was Re: Cool) (Score:1)
I've gone through crappy digital organizer after crappy digital organizer (this was not too recent btw) and I have to say, all I really want is something portable with a bit of power that I can hack. The palm cost enough that I wouldn't THINK about buying one if I couldn't run Linux on it.
In fact, to date, the only PDA that looks reasonably useful to me is the Sony Viaio (or however you spell it ;) The little pentium-powered handheld sublaptop. So you say, "but it's not a PDA". WHO CARES? It's what I want. A little system that can do some processing on the road, that I can uplink to my main computers.
End of story
Re:TI-83 (Score:1)
--
Re:For the Future (was Re: Cool) (Score:2)
The Vaio's a nice machine, but it hasn't crossed the size quantum. There are three sizes of computers that are interesting: ``it sits on my desk,'' ``it fits in a backpack,'' and ``it fits in a pocket.''
Now I've got big pockets, but the tinier Vaio still doesn't fit in them. And the keyboard is so small that my thumbs rub together when I'm on the home row. Also, it doesn't have a serial port, only USB (which means you can't use Ricochet with it.) (The bigger Vaio has a plug-on port-replicator thingy that gives you a serial port, but not the smaller version.)
Re:Now what? (Score:1)
Linux is a cool OS and it's cool to see what you can make it run on. If linux on the palmtop ever actually becomes usefull, it will probably be what I use if/when I get a palmtop. It would be a good development for everyone.
I don't think anyone will be saying 'you have to use linux!', I think it will just allow users more freedom of choice.
P.S. They will probably come up with a new UI which doesn't involve typing or X. Which would also be good--more freedom of choice. I say go for it, and then port the UI back to the desktop and see what happens.
Re:Where's the source? (Score:2)
Re:Show us the source! (Score:2)
They HAVE a system that runs the Pilot binaries that is completely seperate from the OS. Most likely, this is what is happening with pilot binaries.
Also, they do not need to distribute the changes, they merely need to give you the source IF YOU REQUEST IT.
Competition for CE (Score:2)
If Micros~1 doesn't assert their platform dominance early on in this market space, they risk missing the "next big thing", and their precious profit margin.
I'm curious about the "binary compatibility with PalmOS" that it claims. While I haven't the faintest clue about what it took to port Linux to the Palm, I'd like some more info about this aspect of the technology.
Also, anyone know about the licencing of the product?
Anthony
^X^X
Segmentation fault (core dumped)
Now what? (Score:3)
Exacly which of the two makes more sense than WinCE does? Graphics mode? (fit that in 8Mb) or the console mode? Sounds cool [NOT]. Try to type kill -9 (or perl )on your silkscreen. They must be masochistic.
We have a rather decent palmtop OS, and now we have to replace it with Linux? Why?
----------------------------------------------
not sure if this is the right place for linux (Score:3)
Re:Show us the source! (Score:2)
':Java:M::\xca\xfe\xba\xbe::/usr/local/java/bin
support for Java Applets: ':Applet:E::html::/usr/local/java/bin/appletviewe
or the following, if you want to be more selective:
':Applet:M::!--applet::/usr/local/java/bin/appl
LinuxNT (Score:4)
Linux would be better on that other PDA (Score:2)
Re:I would like to propose the name lince :) (Score:2)
Please to enlighten me... (Score:2)
1) Is this something that would be installed over the palm OS ? (ie. you would replace the palm os with this ?)
2) IF I install something over the plam os, can I re-install the plam os at a later time ?
The ROM broke my co-pilot (Score:3)
Another thing I can't figure out is, if it's Palm compatible
Anyway, it looks cool I guess even if it was dog slow, has a HUGE footprint, and broke my co-pilot when I installed an app.
Re:GPL Violation? (Score:2)
They only have to give out the source code to anybody who asks for it. Using the GPL dosn't meen that you have to give your source code to anybody who asks. Using the GPL meens you have to give the source code to anybody who requests it who you have supplied your product to.
You can't stop the people who have got the source code off you distributing it in any way they want (within the terms of the GPL)
Besides, it sounds like the Porting the Kernel is a small part of what they have done. The other modules of their product sound like they have nothing to do with the Linux kernel.
Re:Already dont (Score:2)
However, I can see where a webserver would be handy in the palm of your hand afterall... for the total geek factor, hook up a bunch of sensors to various parts of your body, maybe add in a webcam (though the Palm certainly doesn't have the CPU speed to drive a webcam effectively), and then someone can live vicariously through you on the web. :)
Also, I have no problem with having a web *browser* on the Palm. That's what AvantGo is for. AvantGo is a very good browser, considering what it has to work with. (Hint: PalmIIIs only have 2 megs of RAM total.)
Now, what I'd be interested in is making a wearable computer based on the uCsimm/uCgarden. Most geeks I know have a dead SIMM on their keychain... I'd have a fully-working wearable computer. :) (My idea regarding a wearable is have it as simple as possible, and basically be a thin client. As long as it has ethernet of some sort, preferrably wireless, and the ability to run screen, ircII, TinyFugue, w3m, and some simple PIM-type programs locally, I'm happy.)
---
"'Is not a quine' is not a quine" is a quine.
How about using it as a remote .... (Score:2)
First I have a PIIIx (4M of ram expandable to 8M and OS3.3), This is one tool I find very useful. I'm also a home automation (HA) enthusiast and I've been pondering/considering using inexpensize items to interface to my HA systems. I have a gameboy, a TI-85, an HP28C, a TRS model 100 and the Palm Pilot. Each has it's limitations, the PIIIx/Visor has several things going for it. But it also has limitations, one of which is you can not task switch an application. You can only do 1 thing with it at a time (this is not a limitation of the processor, I think). By adding multitasking you can send and receive messages (not limited to mail, other types of messages also) run an app, have another app interrupt you to let you know something else is going on (not just appointments or timed todos). If I can get an 802.11 interface connectivity/flexiblity would be further increased. There are still lots of problems to overcome and most of what I am describing sounds very silly but the Palm Pilot provides an simple to use and flexible system to interface to other things. And with the cost of the Visor these devices may just replace the TV remote as a simple device found in just about every home (at least in the US).
One other thing, has anyone noticed that the Palm Pilots are only a little larger than the report pads used on Star Trek?
--
Linux Home Automation - Neil Cherry - ncherry@home.net [mailto]
http://members.home.net/ncherry [home.net] (Text only)
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/lig htsey/52 [fortunecity.com] (Graphics)
Linux on Palm. Great! So what? (Score:3)
Mike Eckardt
meckardt@yahoo.nospam.com
http://www.geocities.com/meckardt
Re:./ effect (Score:2)
Of course, another option is when
It's all in the ROM (Score:2)
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