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Originally Posted by da_jane
I wonder why these e ink devices can't run windows ce? That way you could load ereader, mobipocket, ms lit.
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Well, for one thing, Linux is free for the companies to develop on. I know Sony uses Linux because the cost of licensing Windows cuts into their bottom line while giving cash to one of their competitors.
Another reason is that Windows would have (at least) to have Eink drivers developed for it. In fact, though, it would have to have a lot more work done - given the slow refresh speed of Eink screens, the UI would have to entirely change, and many design decisions within Windows would have to be reconsidered.
Then there's the fact that they'd only be allowed limited access to the Windows software - with Linux they can see everything, and change anything they need to. With Windows, they'd be dependent on Microsoft for at least some of that. This way they can also hide proprietary drivers and so forth from Microsoft.
Windows CE gets you compatibility with a lot of apps, but Linux gives the potential for many as well... If the reader companies desired, they could port their apps to Linux for free! ;-)