Linutop - Mini Linux Kernel Based PC

Check out this neat little device I came across. It is a mini Linux kernel based PC. It come with a USB stick preloaded with Xubuntu but you can change the distro to one of the more popular one like Mandriva, DSL, Puppy, etc. One suggestion would be more RAM (256 MB is standard issue) and wi-fi.

You can find more information on their website and their wiki. You can buy one for 280 EU.

Google Phone (GPhone) - Q1 2008

Has everyone heard about the new GPhone that is planned to be released in the Spring of 2008? It is rumored to run Linux on a Texas Instruments "Edge" Chipset. The initial carrier is rumored to be T-Mobile in the US and Orange in France and other countries. You can just image what type of software or AJAX apps it is going to run. Hopefully it will include a GPS. If not, their loss. All phones by next year should have a GPS. Who likes carrying a bulging BT GPS module in their pocket?

Nokia N800 - Cingular Blackjack BT Internet Setup

Here is how I got the Bluetooth setup working on my N800.

Connect to the internet sharing on the Blackjack (I use the search to look for 'intshr' in all files)

Installed xterm via application manager
Open xterm and run the following commands

#ssh root@localhost

At password prompt enter 'rootme' or whatever password you have setup for root
#password: rootme

#hcitool scan

In the X's below enter your phone's bluetooth MAC address
#pand --role PANU --service NAP --connect XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX --nodetach

Get an ip address
#udhcpc -i bnep0

Setup a DUMMY connection for the connection manager
#gconftool -s -t string /system/osso/connectivity/IAP/DEFAULT/type DUMMY

Go to tools/connection manager and select the connection for DEFAULT

Verify you have connection by
#ping www.google.com

You should now be connected.

Access Hidden Programs in Application Manager

Here is a link to the Maemo site for the complete instructions. Simplified instructions are here:

Go into Application Manager, Select 'Tools', 'New', type in 'matrix' in the web address field, select 'cancel', and at prompt select 'red pill', then close out. You should now have a list of the programs under red pill.

Nokia N800 - New Web Browser

If you have a Nokia N800 internet tablet you need to download (7.8 MB) the new MicroB browser available at the Maemo project site. It requires an upgrade to the 4.2007.26-8 firmware, released last month.  In addition it is supposed to support AJAX so we can use the Google Maps, calendar, etc. Now this will be great.  I'll probably be able to leave my laptop at home.  Once I get my N800 I'll report back with the cool new features.

Chumby - Hackable Clock with Wi-Fi?

Check this out.  A San Diego firm is working on an mini clock radio that has Wi-Fi and runs Linux.  The 266 MHz processor is faster than some of the PDA's of a few years ago.  This device comes with its own customized leather case and is completely hackable.  I am not sure what to think about this device but if it has the right price I'd probably pick one up.  News, weather and music right by your bedside. 

You can check out the device at the Chumby website.   You can apply to be one of the first 50 products testers.  I just signed up and I hope to get picked to do some hacking.

Linux Devices Forum - OESF

If anybody coming to this blog has not checked out the famous OESF site for Linux embedded devices you need to check it out.  It has a great community full of good information, tips and tricks with a heavy emphasis on the Sharp Zaurus line of devices.

Linux Wi-Fi MP3 Player

Check out the new MP3 player with a Wi-Fi connected radio. This new device from Freecom can play .mp3 and .wav tracks from a PC, how, you guessed it, by Wi-Fi. This new device is coming out in August, in Europe, for about $180. You can check out some photos and more information on the Engadget site.

OpenMoko - the Anti-iPhone

Anybody have any experience with the OpenMoko phone? I know they are releasing some phones to the general developer circle and should have some out to the public in October. I am interested in your opinions about this project and its future. You have to love the competition with the iPhone interface especially when it is going to have a GPS and be open source.

Waiting for my Nokia N800

I can't wait to get my new Nokia N800. I won the auction on E-bay. It is a so called "used" device so I hope there is nothing major wrong with it. It comes with an extra car charger (great for the GPS action) and a 2 GB SD card. Not much extra but saves me from having to buy on E-bay or send in those rebate forms which take months to get your money back. Although I am religious about sending them in. More to come early next week when it gets here.