[sclug] GNU on handhelds

Fri May 28 16:01:05 UTC 2004

Just thought I'd let you all know I'm now running Familiar Linux 0.72 unstable on my iPAQ and it's working pretty well.

I got connected using PPP over serial through my Debian box, routing traffic through with iptables, so I was able to upgrade to the latest kernel etc.

My todo list:

Work out how to get Targus Stowaway keyboard kernel module installed/loaded
Find out if I can mount an SD card, and if so how... I know MMC is supported but there may be problems with SD - Graham?
My WiFi / bluetooth is built in and the latter seems to work nicely, but I've not had the opportunity to try the WiFi yet.

Either get multisync for Evolution for syncronization and make it work, or just use my IMAP server to grab mail.

Erik

-----Original Message-----
From: sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk [mailto:sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk] On Behalf Of Graham R. Balharrie
Sent: 20 May 2004 18:58
To: sclug at sclug.org.uk
Subject: RE: [sclug] GNU on handhelds

Really hadn't seen one of those PCMCIA expansion packs with a hard drive!
I wanted to do this a while back!   It would defiantly be cool :-)

I recently bought a Kingston 512MB SD Card off of Ebuyer for ~?30 which was WELL worth it.

I would very much like to see my wifi card and Bluetooth backpack running under linux... but really have no idea on how to set it up properly.  Apparently some people have some ideas but aren't too willing to share them with the community :-S

Try the TDK Systems BluePAQ, its smaller, looks cooler and it cheaper!

I might have to have a look into Qtopia, the only one I really haven't
tried on its own yet!   I tried GPE and Opie, must try that now!

Yea, theres a tool on the Familiar site which allows you to back up your rom and stuff.. pretty nifty.

-----Original Message-----
From: erik.chakravarty at accenture.com [mailto:erik.chakravarty at accenture.com] 
Sent: 20 May 2004 09:43
To: graham at hollymoon.co.uk; sclug at sclug.org.uk
Subject: RE: [sclug] GNU on handhelds

I was thinking about buying the PCMCIA expansion pack and the new Toshiba 5GB PCMCIA hard drive, to add good mp3 facilities and also maybe a more comprehensive Linux installation on the hard drive. However I changed my mind 1. cost and 2. extra bulk of the jacket. So I found a 512MB SD card for ?64 which I bought. This should be fine for a few albums.

I think you're right that I should probably go with Familiar - this project is supported by HP. Compaq originally tried to release their own version of Linux on the iPAQ but found themselves quickly overtaken by the Familiar project. This, I feel is the major benefit with this distro. So often do you find manufacturers unwilling to release hardware specification to the Linux development community - at least HP are actively working to get all the hardware up and running under GNU.

I need to get a Bluetooth adaptor for my mobile phone now... (another
?40)

Opie / GPE : Yes, Opie does seem to be a little better looking - but it's all based around Qtopia which looks just as good. I know it's not completely free (as in freedom) but if it's good enough for Sharp it's good enough for me. I'll be trying all the options anyway.

So my iPAQ should arrive by tomorrow, or else I won't get my hands on it until Monday. Can't wait. (Mental note to self: Back up original installation before you start hacking about with ROM chips...)

-----Original Message-----
From: sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk [mailto:sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk] On Behalf Of Graham R. Balharrie
Sent: 20 May 2004 01:33
To: sclug at sclug.org.uk
Subject: RE: [sclug] GNU on handhelds

Qtopia - Never really played with it.  Seen the Zaurus tho.. nice kit Opie - Played with this... VERY nice looking, features pretty good... some unfinished bits tho :S GPE - Very comprehensive from what I can see... but not as "pretty"

I'd say the coin flip is opie/gpe... or try both?! I Did!

Familiar is defiantly a very simple option, and for the hardware you are
using it is a VERY good starting point.   Theres a page on the Familiar
site that lets you customize what you download to suit your hardware.

I haven't had any joy with the emails - I have a TDK Systems BluePAQ,
which is a Bluetooth jacket for the iPAQ, but with a CF slot.   I then
have a D-Link 660W Wifi Card.   The wifi is supported, but as the jacket
is not, the wifi doesn't work so I don't have any networking!

Not tried the FVS.. cos my pda doesn't have it! *sulks*

-----Original Message-----
From: sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk [mailto:sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk] On Behalf Of erik.chakravarty at accenture.com
Sent: 18 May 2004 09:54
To: sclug at sclug.org.uk
Subject: RE: [sclug] GNU on handhelds

I have been looking much at handhelds.org... I was just comparing some of the application environments

Qtopia - Commercial, but they have released their source code under GPL. Sharp uses this on their Zaurus line OPIE - Fork of Qtopia, doesn't seem quite as comprehensive or bugless GPE - this looks pretty good actually

I think it'll be a coin flip 'twixt Qt and GPE what do you think?

I've read that to install these environments and for hardware support, Familiar Linux is the best option... would you recommend this? Or should I just build my own environment up from scratch using Debian.

One of my main concerns though - is synchronising emails and whatnot between Evolution on my laptop and whatever mail client I go with. Do you have something like this working?

There's also a project called FVS (Fingerprint Verification System). Hoping for somebody to plug this into some userspace daemon (PAM?) for biometric authentication soooon.....

-----Original Message-----
From: sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk [mailto:sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk] On Behalf Of Graham R. Balharrie
Sent: 17 May 2004 23:02
To: sclug at sclug.org.uk
Subject: RE: [sclug] GNU on handhelds

Hey Erik.

I have an iPAQ 3850 here, slightly older than yours... yea, but I've installed Linux on it. Really nice to play with actually.

I would suggest going on http://www.handhelds.org   there is a great
wiki there.
If you have any other issues, I would be happy to try and help as much as I can, as I am interested in Linux Handhelds too!

Graham

-----Original Message-----
From: sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk [mailto:sclug-bounces at sclug.org.uk] On Behalf Of erik.chakravarty at accenture.com
Sent: 17 May 2004 17:45
To: sclug at sclug.org.uk
Subject: [sclug] GNU on handhelds

Hey folks

I've just bought an iPAQ 5450 with the intention of installing Linux

I've done all the appropriate background reading - seem to be some very good howtos on this stuff

any one had any experience converting a Windows CE device to Linux?

Cheers  

___________________________________
Erik Chakravarty
Technical Architect
Accenture Consulting UK

Mobile: 07720 850521
erik.chakravarty at accenture.com

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