[iPAQ] Kernel for iPAQ 2210: 2.4 or 2.6?

Hello,

I'd like to start a discussion on the choice of the mainstream kernel
version for the upcoming Linux port of the iPAQ 2210...

Could you help us writing a list of pros and cons against each version,
please? That would be help us in making a decision. Some of you have
very valuable experience on this topic, and this for sure will be a lot
of help to us!

Here's my initial list. Of course, "2.6 pros" translate into "2.4 cons"
and vice-versa! As I have a severe lack of experience in this topic, I
put lots of "?", asking for details from more knowledgeable people.

2.6 kernel pros:

    * Maturity: getting more and more stable. Should be definitely
      mature when we complete our work in a few months.
    * Interest: learning with this new kernel, rather than using
      something that will get obsolete when our work is complete. Will
      have to get familiar 2.6 sooner or later anyway.
    * Drivers: more and more new devices and peripherals will come only
      with a 2.6 driver in the future. If we chose 2.4, will have to
      backport drivers to this version.
    * Power management: is said to be easier to implement than with 2.4
      (does anyone have details?)
    * Better bluetooth and wireless lan support?
    * Better sound support (ALSA in 2.6)
    * No need to use kernel handheld ("hh") patches? The standard 2.6
      kernel can be built with no mouse or keyboard support. (I don't
      really know much about this... feel free to elaborate or correct
      me)
    * Enjoying all the other improvements in the kernel (please mention
      them if you're familiar with 2.4 and 2.6!)

2.6 kernel cons:

    * Not as mature as 2.4
    * Any development tools not available yet for 2.6?
    * Existing devices and peripherals: will have to rewrite drivers for
      2.6 (will have to be done sooner or later anyway)
    * Fewer experienced kernel hackers than with 2.4 (so far)

All your inputs are welcome. I will post a consolidated list tomorrow
evening and the following days if needed. In particular, we're
interested in the feedback from the Axim project saying " I have started
porting kernel 2.6 to Axim and will not return to kernel 2.4* *since
that would just make things more complicated...".

Thank you in advance,

Cheers,

        Michael.
Received on Sun Dec 07 2003 - 22:16:35 EST