Quote:
Originally Posted by ManDay
My concern is that I don't expect the default software configuration to provide what I need (i.e. a map, let alone with a good user interface) so I expect that I will hace to write my own program. By FOSS I just want to make sure I don't run into any unexpected problems due to closed-ness (e.g. I need a different kernel but I can't compile a working kernel because all the drivers are compiled in and propriatary).
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The vast majority of e-ink reading devices out there run either on Linux or Android.
However, ALL of them are closed. Some more than others.
One of the most open traditional devices out there is PocketBook.
I currently own PocketBook Touch Lux 623.
It is relatively open device - you do not have to hack it to install third-party binaries, dictionaries, fonts, backgrounds, complete GUI revamp, alternative reading software, terminal emulator (with access to system, including Busybox userland binaries inside reader), FTP server that provides full access to system parititions, I have even installed full version of Vim on it.
There is even semi-official SDK available. I say semi-official, because Once Upon A Time (TM) they have released an SDK and haven't updated it for the newest firmware for a long time. But, it is obviously Good Enough (TM) to produce the aforementioned terminal emulator, Vim, third-party Coolreader, ftp server, a few games.
But! PocketBook developers have always jealously guarded the boot-loader and kernel (with proprietary drivers and libraries binaries) and other stuff, so that users and/or competitors couldn't get their software and install it on other Netronix based devices. Long time ago PocketBook used generic Netronix hardware that was also used by other OEM e-ink device "manufacurers" to produce similar devices with inferior software. Nowadays their hardware is custom-built by Foxcon I think.
To sum it up: I think that PocketBook is one of the most open [traditional Linux] devices out there, yet it is far from openness that you require.
Android devices are a minority among e-ink reading devices. Most of them, such as Sony PRS-T2 and T3 have been locked down real tight (no jailbreak or root at the time I last bothered to look). Some were easier to break into, such as Nook Simple Touch, the old Nook color, but they have a very old Android version (something like 2.2).
Recently a very interesting device has been introduced and started to sell here in Europe - Onyx Boox T68 with Android 4.something, full Google Play Store and other goodies. Have a look at recent posts in this thread:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=225652
I am waiting for Onyx Boox Midia Inkphone E43 - a mobile phone with 4.3 inch e-ink diaplay, Android 2.3 (I know it *is* old, but at least you can install software to SD card, unlike on Nook Simple Touch), full Google Play Store. They have announced release for May 2014, then corrected the release date on their page for "May-June 2014", but I have a sinking feeling that they are not going to deliver in the next week or so ;-(
I am hoping they have postponed the release so they could provide better Android version or something.