Re: [iPAQ] Usefullness iPAQ?

Hello Jim,

On Mon, Oct 09, 2000 at 01:12:29PM -0700, Jim Gettys wrote:
> > 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.

Doesn't the compiler suite needs a relative lot of space?
 
> > 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.

Ah. I missed that.

But a handy removeable storage device is always usefull. I can think
of a lot of uses already.

> 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.

I understand all about networking, it is my job <grin>. From this answer
I deduce that the iPAQ is already a lot more than a fancy toy.
If it has neworking capabilities already and even the programs to use
it, the iPAQ can be quite usefull to me.

One area of huge intrest to me is: is it (already) possible to use the
iPAQ as a console for rack mount computers?
I understand not by the USB-bus, but by the serial port?

And does anybody run Perl on it <grin>?

Here in the Netherlands, we have something called a PC-Prive project.
In short: I order a computer, my boss lends my the money, which I pay back
in 3 years, my boss and I get both a tax-reduction (which is always nice
to have...).

It does sounds to my that the iPAQ can be called a 'real' computer in an
economical size.

> - Jim

Regards,
Cees.
Received on Mon Oct 9 14:59:36 2000