Monday, November 12, 2007

Linux running on a Palm TX

The development of versions of Linux for Palm progressing well. For example, a distribution for Palm with good maturity is Angstrom , based on Gentoo Linux and versions for the Palm TX and Tungsten T5. As graphical environment uses Opie , a fork of Qtopia focused on the PDAs.

Opie ejecutándose en una Palm TX
Opie running on a Palm TX

If you ever used Linux, you probably have tried graphical environments KDE and Gnome . For example Ubuntu uses Gnome, and Kubuntu KDE. Well also, Qtopia is the basis of KDE graphical environment, so let Opie and KDE are "brothers". Although not used in Angstrom, it is worth mentioning the other PDAs running graphical environment for Linux, called GPE , which uses the libraries GTK , Gnome base, another well-known graphical environment for Linux. So if Linux PC in the main options we have KDE and Gnome as a GUI, in case the same com PDA Opie and GPE.

GPE ejecutándose en una Palm TX
GPE running on a Palm TX

Well, our friend Leo posted on his blog a video and screenshots Opie / Armstrong running on your TX. A charging time of the operating system, around a minute because you are reading from the SD, not in main memory, I was surprised how quickly that start applications, taking into account the complexity of Linux as compared, for example operating PalmOS. It makes me think that when developing a Linux vesion for Palm optimized for these devices, such as Palm Inc. ALP, the result can be more than satisfactory.

New stable version of Linux for the Palm TX, in one package with everything you need, you just have to unpack the contents to the root of the SD card, run the Cocoboot to appear in the Palm card and ready to use

Video The Angstrom Linux can be downloaded from the website of Linux for Palm . the instructions are simple:

  • Download the complete package (eg "Palm TX (all)").
  • Unzip the file and copy it to the root directory of the SD card from the Palm.
  • Make a backup of the information on our Palm case.
  • Run the program "Cocoboot" that appear installed in our Palm, and do tap into the "Boot". This program will reset the Palm charging've installed Linux PalmOS instead of bringing the factory Palm.
  • Linux boot. Enjoy it. In MobileTopSoft can read the opinions of those who have been tested.

To keep abreast of the progress of this Linux for the TX, I recommend following the blog of its creator .

Cómo se vería nuestra TX con Angstrom/Opie ejecutándose en lugar de PalmOS
How would our TX with Angstrom / Opie running instead of PalmOS

For those who want to try Linux on your Palm, Leo has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions that abusing your kindness, I will also include here, for those who have doubts to try Linux on your Palm:

  • Is it safe to load Linux: Absolutely, just as a program runs mas and a soft reset is exited.
  • I can go back to PalmOS?: Yes, just restart the Palm.
  • Do not lose information: No way, only you reset and go back to how you were. ADVISE BUT DO A BACKUP BEFORE TESTING.
  • I can use? "X" device files you posted to "Y" device: NO, each package is for a specific device TX, T5 ...).
  • Where do downloaded the most current version of Linux for my Palm?: Of Hack & Dev .
  • Can I install applications in Linux: No, but bring a good set of apps for you to play.
  • Can you work only with Linux on the Palm?: Yes, the Apps package is quite complete including.
  • By resetting the Palm where changes are made ​​in Linux, you lose: NO, are stored in the image of the card, and boot Linux again there will your information.
  • If it hurts my Palm you pay me: Hehehe, I'm afraid not, use it at your own risk
  • Is it useful to change the OS on my Palm?: It really depends on your point of view.
  • Is this system to submit Acces this year, the Ac Linux Platform: NO, this is a side project of porting Linux to Palm devices.

Happy hacking!

If you liked this post.


Related Articles


78 comments on "Linux running on a Palm TX"


Pages: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 »

Leave a comment


Tags valid: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <b> <code> <datetime = "" > <em> <strong> <strike> <i> <q cite="">

Akismet has protected this blog and thousands of comments fraudulent. But if you mistakenly filtered your comment please let me know via the contact email on the right.