Re: [iPAQ] Usefullness iPAQ?

> Sender: ipaq-admin@handhelds.org
> From: Cees van de Griend <cvdg@pobox.com>
> Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 21:42:34 +0200
> To: ipaq@handhelds.org
> Subject: [iPAQ] Usefullness iPAQ?
> -----
> LS,
>
> I am a new member of this list, so be gentle with me...
>
> I was wondering if the iPAQ is an alternative for a laptop.
> It looks like to me it can be, it is a real computer in a small size.
>
> Please correct me if I misunderstood any of the following points:
> 1 - the iPAQ uses a 'standard' kernel, so all the 'standard' devices
> will be supported in time

Whatever devices people check out that are compatible at the hardware level.

> 2 - I can create C-programs, cross-compile them om my desktop and
> install and run in them a terminal on the iPAQ

Yes, or compile them natively on the iPAQ.

> 3 - the iPAQ has a USB-port so should be able to use (in the future?)
> a USB-keyboard, USB-mice, etc.

Yes, and No...

The iPAQ has SLAVE USB, which means it is a USB device, but cannot
master the USB, so you cannot plug in USB devices.

It does have a serial port, however, and we certainly intend to
be able to use keyboard and mice with it.

And since it is on the network much of the time, you can also use
your Linux system's keyboard and mouse transparently with X applications,
since X is a network transparent window system.

                                - Jim

--
Jim Gettys
Technology and Corporate Development
Compaq Computer Corporation
jg@pa.dec.com