linux distribution... when will they catch on?

Justice Strike · 09-15-2009, 06:21 AM

I'm really waiting for the first linux distribution for ereaders. Over time linux has been ported to a myriad of devices. Mobile Phones, PDA's, Mobile Internet Devices, Routers, video players etc.. etc.. When will we have a distribution that works with ereaders?

As i see it, there are so many functions that would suit a ereader well. It's only limited by imagination (and color and refresh rates

) I'm really waiting for the first distribution so i can work out some features i've been thinking of

Pablo · 09-15-2009, 07:09 AM

Sony readers run linux! The 505 has Montavista Linux, I believe, although it is not visible to the user.

wallcraft · 09-15-2009, 07:29 AM

All the current EInk readers are using Linux. There have been hacks of the Kindle 2 (Ubuntu linux running on a Kindle 2), but the iRex devices are the most friendly to adding Linux apps. This is in part due to the touch screen, which requires much less modification to existing GUI-based Linux apps than a keyboard-only device. There is a iRex DR1000 Development VMWare Image, and, apparently, GTK+ apps are relatively simple to port. The DR1000S is expensive, but presumably the DR800 will be similar from a porting point of view (Mainstream iRex 8.1-inch reader for 400$). Finally, OpenInkPot (has its own forum) is a complete Linux-based open source firmware for EInk devices. It is currently only for the Hanlin V3 and the Hanvon HandyBOOK N516. One thing that is often requested is ports of OpenInkPot to other devices. This requires low-level Linux skills that are rare in EInk enthusiasts, so I'm sure Open InkPot would welcome participation in that area (or in adding new features or apps to Open InkPot).

Justice Strike · 09-15-2009, 07:49 AM

i know that many products are running linux... but that doesn't mean it's a open linux distribution. Open inkpot seems to be closest to what i mean. I would gladly port the software to sony devices... alas i'm not going to buy and brick my sony ereader for those purposes. I'm not that rich

=X= · 09-15-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justice Strike

i know that many products are running linux... but that doesn't mean it's a open linux distribution. Open inkpot seems to be closest to what i mean. I would gladly port the software to sony devices... alas i'm not going to buy and brick my sony ereader for those purposes. I'm not that rich

Well if your willing to invest your time and are serious about contributing to the Open Inkpot project you can try to raise enough money from donations to buy a SONY ereader. You'd be surprise on the level of support you'd get from this community

frabjous · 09-15-2009, 12:32 PM

Indeed, if you indeed thought you had the mettle to do this, I'd chip in something small. And your timing couldn't be better....

09-15-2009, 06:21 AM	#1
Justice Strike Enthusiast Posts: 48 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: psr600	linux distribution... when will they catch on? I'm really waiting for the first linux distribution for ereaders. Over time linux has been ported to a myriad of devices. Mobile Phones, PDA's, Mobile Internet Devices, Routers, video players etc.. etc.. When will we have a distribution that works with ereaders? As i see it, there are so many functions that would suit a ereader well. It's only limited by imagination (and color and refresh rates ) I'm really waiting for the first distribution so i can work out some features i've been thinking of

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09-15-2009, 07:09 AM	#2
Pablo Guru Posts: 973 Karma: 4999999 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rosario, Argentina Device: SONY PRS-T2, Kindle Paperwhite 11th gen	Sony readers run linux! The 505 has Montavista Linux, I believe, although it is not visible to the user.

09-15-2009, 07:29 AM	#3
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,977 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	All the current EInk readers are using Linux. There have been hacks of the Kindle 2 (Ubuntu linux running on a Kindle 2), but the iRex devices are the most friendly to adding Linux apps. This is in part due to the touch screen, which requires much less modification to existing GUI-based Linux apps than a keyboard-only device. There is a iRex DR1000 Development VMWare Image, and, apparently, GTK+ apps are relatively simple to port. The DR1000S is expensive, but presumably the DR800 will be similar from a porting point of view (Mainstream iRex 8.1-inch reader for 400$). Finally, OpenInkPot (has its own forum) is a complete Linux-based open source firmware for EInk devices. It is currently only for the Hanlin V3 and the Hanvon HandyBOOK N516. One thing that is often requested is ports of OpenInkPot to other devices. This requires low-level Linux skills that are rare in EInk enthusiasts, so I'm sure Open InkPot would welcome participation in that area (or in adding new features or apps to Open InkPot).

09-15-2009, 07:49 AM	#4
Justice Strike Enthusiast Posts: 48 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: psr600	i know that many products are running linux... but that doesn't mean it's a open linux distribution. Open inkpot seems to be closest to what i mean. I would gladly port the software to sony devices... alas i'm not going to buy and brick my sony ereader for those purposes. I'm not that rich

09-15-2009, 12:32 PM	#6
frabjous Wizard Posts: 1,213 Karma: 12890 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Amherst, Massachusetts, USA Device: Sony PRS-505	Indeed, if you indeed thought you had the mettle to do this, I'd chip in something small. And your timing couldn't be better....

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