Re: Familiar on Toshiba Genio PocketPC?

> On Thursday 16 August 2001 5:48, Jim Gettys wrote:
> > > Sender: familiar-admin_at_handhelds.org
> > > From: Kieran Rhysling <rhyslink_at_qmail.qwest.net>
> > > Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001 16:32:06 -0600
> > > To: familiar_at_handhelds.org
> > > Subject: [Familiar] Familiar on Toshiba Genio PocketPC?
> > > -----
> > > I'm really intrigued with the idea of running Familiar even though I'd
> > > need to buy a new PDA to do so.
> > >
> > > Toshiba is coming out with a new PocketPC that uses the same processor as
> > > the ipaq and has 32mb of flash rom. The really sweet things about it are
> > > the SD and CompactFlash slots and 65k colors.
> >
> > Sounds interesting.... I think you'll see interesting things from us as
> > well.
> >
>
> There isn't any way you can give us a tiny hint, is there? :-) The rumors
> have been of Ipaq's with faster CPU's and more memory in the 3rd quarter but
> no other differences. If you can't comment even vaguely on features, how
> about on timeframe?

No comment.

>
> The thing I really like about the Genio is it's got a good form factor with
> the expansion integrated. I think the Ipaq is a bit bulky with the CF sleeve.

There is a third party out there who slimmed down the CF sleeve further
from the Compaq one. I don't remember the name of the company, unfortunately.

And not everything is available in CF (or needs more battery), so personally,
I'm very happy with the choices made on the iPAQ.

>
> > > Is familiar likely to run on this beast or would lots of modifications be
> > > required?
> >
> > You'd have to work on some base drivers, but it sounds like a
> > straightforward port.
> >
>
> Is that something a moderately good C programmer who did some Minix kernel
> hacking a loooong time might be able to figure out? Or is this C guru level
> stuff? This assumes that Toshiba is cooperative with techincal docs. I don't
> know if they would be.
>

I'd say it would require people who know their way around kernel device drivers
and access to Toshiba's technical specs.

> >
> > I have reason to believe familiar runs on other hardware.
> >
> > Familiar is an open source project, and not controlled by Compaq;
> > we (Compaq) did not start Familiar, though we cast our lot in with it:
> > those who do the work get to say where it
> > goes. If you want to port, go for it. Don't expect Compaq people to do
> > the port for you, but we'll be as cooperative as we can be.
>
> So, this list would be an appropriate forum if I decide I'm crazy enough to
> try this port and run into problems?
>

Sure. If traffic gets high enough, we'll happily set up a separate mailing
list (analogous to the ipaq_at_handhelds.org list).

The right forum for general Linux questions would be linux_at_handhelds.org,
of course.

                            - Jim
Received on Fri Aug 17 2001 - 13:57:59 EDT