Linux news

2007 07 12

Linux Devices Threaten to Replace the Laptop

Can Mid-Sized Portable Devices Replace Laptops?

There are laptops. There are handhelds. And there's the middle thing. Who wants the middle thing? Palm thinks you want the middle thing-the Foleo, which the company calls a "smartphone companion." [...] So far, two decades of failed products have shown that few people want the middle thing. But that doesn't mean it's an entirely bad idea. In fact, the middle thing might be where desktop Linux finally grabs more than a toehold. Here's what the middle thing needs to do, and where Palm and Nokia (and everybody else) are failing: It needs to be cheaper, lighter, and go longer than a laptop. This is where Linux reigns, with low-power processors and low-cost components.

http://s5h.net/u?ze2ab
Even a Windows fan (possbly shill) said so. See Ou reference below. Yesterday: First Look: ASUS Eee PC at HotHardware

Few details revealed: * Makes use of Intel's 910 mobile chipset * Offers a 900Mhz Intel Dothan Pentium M processor * Includes four USB 2.0 ports * VGA output * Flash card reader * 3 hour battery life * Runs the KDE desktop environment (screenshot of Eee PC's KDE desktop) * Includes an "Easy" mode mobile interface with quick tabs to: Internet, Work, Learn, Play, Settings, Favorites * Pre-installed Skype, OpenOffice, anti-virus, educational software, and more * Direct link to web storage (partner not specified)

http://s5h.net/u?z302e
Hands-on with a prototype Intel Mobile Internet Device

The particular unit I was looking at had been fitted with a fresh installation of Mandriva Flash Edition and a fresh build of KDE 4's development series. The device is still considered a technology development prototype, and the final version will not be shipped with the exact same configuration as the prototype.

http://s5h.net/u?zbb19
Related: Palm Foleo with Linux threatens the Laptop

The Palm Foleo is joining a list of MID (Mobile Internet Devices) like the Nokia N800 and Asus Eee that use a lightweight version of Linux but the main advantage of the Foleo is its instant on feature. While traditional "Linux" may be too difficult for the average user to handle, these highly integrated implementations of Linux have no problem being adopted by the masses. That could pose a problem for Microsoft in the long run if these devices ever get widespread adoption.

http://s5h.net/u?ze261
Palm Foleo First Thoughts

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video should be worth a whole volume. That's why Brian Beeler and I recorded a brief video overview of the Foleo, which will hopefully give you a better idea of what it will be like to use the first mobile companion yourself.

http://s5h.net/u?z3d08
Pair of Palm ISVs promise Foleo ports

Two ISVs (independent software vendors) have announced plans to port their commercial applications to Palm's forthcoming Linux- and ARM-based miniature laptop.

http://s5h.net/u?zc454