OpenEmbedded, a Linux Distribution for use on Embedded Operating System devices with Flash ROM chips, has released their first version of Open SimPad. Open SimPad version 0.8 is designed to replace the ROM image of Windows CE 3.0 Handheld PC 2000 or Windows CE 4.1 .net shipped with the SimPad Tablet PC's.

Using Linux is not for everyone, the Open SimPad team are clearly aware of that in their development work, however are keen to stress that users who are looking for something different from their SimPad may find what they are looking for in their product.

The idea of using Linux on a PDA is no new one. Devices such as the Zaurus are shipped with Linux already onboard. Replacing the Windows CE operating system in a Microsoft Windows Powered mobile device has been with us since the first Flash ROM devices became available. Distributions for the Pocket PC have been available for some time. The hybrid of the high specification hardware of Pocket PC's and the low foot print distributions is proving popular within the Linux user community.

This first release of Open SimPad does require some technical competency in order for you to successfully install and run Linux on your SimPad. As its a first release users should be aware that the distribution may not be as stable as it will be in future releases, and that the current pool of ported applications is limited. Again the developers say this will change as the distribution evolves.

This Linux distribution is designed for the Siemens SimPad devices only, as yet there are no ports for use on the Handheld PC. HPC:Factor estimates that with the recent release of NEC's flagship MobilePro 900 Handheld PC, a HPC port may not be too far off.

View: Open SimPad