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Dec. 11, 2000

Ever hear of MyLinux PDA? It's a "grass roots" project to create a Linux-based PDA. Underlying the project is this utopian vision statement . . .

The MyLinux PDA must be a reflection of the needs of the individuals of the Linux Community because it serves each individual's needs.

Building on that platform, some specific goals of the project include . . .

The MyLinux PDA must represent the high-end in features and the low-end in cost
The MyLinux PDA must . . . be developed using the contributions of Open Source of literally hundreds of Linux developers worldwide
The MyLinux PDA must be and remain 100% completely Open Source
The MyLinux PDA must be extremely high quality

According to project founder Rob Wehrli, prototypes of the MyLinux PDA are currently scheduled to be shipped to developers in April 2001 and to the general public by August 2001. Its features include . . .

133 MHz Hitachi SuperH 7709A 32-bit RISC CPU
64 - 128 MB SDRAM
64 MB Flash
2 PCMCIA Type-II slots
1 CompactFlash slot
Epson 1376 graphics controller with hardware screen rotation (90, 180, 270 degrees)
Sharp LQ084V2DS01 HR-TFT Active Matrix 240x320 3.9" Color LCD Panel with integrated touchscreen and LED front light

"Early development" prototype using Hitachi SuperH
Project status

"Our first set of boards were huge 'early development' beasts, designed to spread things out so we could poke and probe to our heart's content," says Wehrli. "Our next round of prototypes (20), due out 08 January 2001, are currently in CAD layout. These will be 'form-factor correct.' We'll populate a couple of them initially, perform the perfunctory 'smoke test,' and then solder up the rest. Once we have the bootloader, basic kernel, and drivers burned into the Flash, we'll send at least 12 of these out to the various developers who are assisting with the project. Our plan is to complete a build of another 200 'Developer Edition' PDAs by the end of March or beginning of April. A few of them will go to our various sponsors and for booth duty at ESC, while most of them will go out to developers who register their interest in working on open source code for the project."

"We're planning on having a booth at all of the US Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) shows this year, so look for us to be there should you have any questions or just want to play around with the device," adds Wehrli.

Related stories:
   MyLinux PDA Insider's Home Page
   Exploring Linux PDA software alternatives
   Linux sets its sights on the PDA market
   The Embedded Linux GUI/Windowing Quick Reference Guide
   Graphical Windowing systems for Embedded Linux
   Using the X Window System in Embedded Systems
   Insights into ViewML development: history, status, and plans
   Linux + Microwindows: challenger to WinCE

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