Run Linux on a Palm Tungsten E

Bob Russell · 11-15-2005, 09:05 PM

These days it seems that Linux is busting out all over. And to my surprise I've just discovered that one of the places you can run Linux is the Palm Tungsten E! "Why should you run Linux on your Palm?...

* There's a lot of software for the PalmOS. But there's way more for Linux. Plus most Linux softwares are Open-Source : as a end-user, it means free. Running Linux on your Tungsten will let you use an IRC client, use a music player (MP3, Ogg, WMA, etc...), play videos, browse the web (with a full-featured, standard-compliant browser), use powerfull office tools (spreadsheet and typesetter).

* You'll gain access to a much more powerfull operating system (which, for example, uses protected memory, real multitasking, real filesystems, etc...)

* GNU/Linux is an Open-Source Operating System. That mean you can customize the way your Palm will run.

* GNU/Linux is actively maintained. The PalmOS also is, but newer releases are only made available to more recent PDAs. Since Linux will sit in the RAM, you can keep an up-to-date OS.

* Finally, you might just give it a try for fun :-)"

You will lose all your data, of course, so proceed with caution. This is not for the feint of heart. Fortunately for cowards like me, this OS surgery will become unnecessary when PalmSource/Access provides a commercial PalmOS for Linux.

Look here for the sourceforge project page with full instructions.

Chaos · 11-15-2005, 10:53 PM

DANGER WILL ROBINSON, DANGER!

This port is not complete, doesn't actually provide any sort of GUI, nor anything beyond just having the Linux kernel boot on it (just incase you got the wrong impression). Also as noted multiple places by the instructions, it will wipe all your data.

As such, unless you *really* want to see the Linux kernel boot on your TE, I advise just not trying this yet. Wait until it actually works (with a GUI, or at least an input method), wait for an actual Palm Linux release, or go buy a Zaurus...

Other than that... Have fun with... The Linux kernel, I suppose.

Colin Dunstan · 11-16-2005, 05:02 AM

Hmm if I had a Tungsten E, I'd definitely give it a try. Who needs a gui with Linux, anyways?

ignatz · 11-16-2005, 07:37 AM

Quote:

(with a GUI, or at least an input method)

But if you have no input method, you ain't got much.

I'll be very curious to watch this development, but I wouldn't jump ship on my T|E until I'm guaranteed an ebook reader!

11-15-2005, 09:05 PM	#1
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Run Linux on a Palm Tungsten E These days it seems that Linux is busting out all over. And to my surprise I've just discovered that one of the places you can run Linux is the Palm Tungsten E! "Why should you run Linux on your Palm?... * There's a lot of software for the PalmOS. But there's way more for Linux. Plus most Linux softwares are Open-Source : as a end-user, it means free. Running Linux on your Tungsten will let you use an IRC client, use a music player (MP3, Ogg, WMA, etc...), play videos, browse the web (with a full-featured, standard-compliant browser), use powerfull office tools (spreadsheet and typesetter). * You'll gain access to a much more powerfull operating system (which, for example, uses protected memory, real multitasking, real filesystems, etc...) * GNU/Linux is an Open-Source Operating System. That mean you can customize the way your Palm will run. * GNU/Linux is actively maintained. The PalmOS also is, but newer releases are only made available to more recent PDAs. Since Linux will sit in the RAM, you can keep an up-to-date OS. * Finally, you might just give it a try for fun :-)" You will lose all your data, of course, so proceed with caution. This is not for the feint of heart. Fortunately for cowards like me, this OS surgery will become unnecessary when PalmSource/Access provides a commercial PalmOS for Linux. Look here for the sourceforge project page with full instructions.

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11-15-2005, 10:53 PM	#2
Chaos Evangelist Posts: 418 Karma: 281 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canada Device: Assorted older devices	DANGER WILL ROBINSON, DANGER! This port is not complete, doesn't actually provide any sort of GUI, nor anything beyond just having the Linux kernel boot on it (just incase you got the wrong impression). Also as noted multiple places by the instructions, it will wipe all your data. As such, unless you really want to see the Linux kernel boot on your TE, I advise just not trying this yet. Wait until it actually works (with a GUI, or at least an input method), wait for an actual Palm Linux release, or go buy a Zaurus... Other than that... Have fun with... The Linux kernel, I suppose.

11-16-2005, 05:02 AM	#3
Colin Dunstan Is papyrophobic! Posts: 1,926 Karma: 1009999 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: USA Device: Dell Axim	Hmm if I had a Tungsten E, I'd definitely give it a try. Who needs a gui with Linux, anyways?

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