Linux on iPod

[DannyZR2]

Anyone messed around with LinuxPPC thought about putting linux on an iPod??

[SubFredZero]

Yes, of course, put linux on the ipod... how are you going to type your commands ? :-)

[Hes Nikke]

FireWire keyboard! :D

actuly, i'm sure there could be an elaberate way of doing it through the scroll wheel...

/me rereads 1st post...

/me wonders if ZR2 ment to STORE the OS on the iPod and then boot the mac from the pod...

[SubFredZero]

I think he means to actualy boot the iPod with Linux... What a silly idea :-)

[Meatmanek]

Its completely possible, the iPod runs off 2 ARM RISC processors. People are developing linux for that processor. The only trick is typing and getting past the mp3 player. It wouldnt be good if the iPod tried to play it as an MP3. ;-)

[Meatmanek]

heres the web page:
http://www.armlinux.org
or more specifically:
http://www.armlinux.org/~philb/

[OSeXy!]

Some people are VERY keen to get their Apple-brand PDA!

[Choppaface]

that would be interesting

'what does Linux SOUND like?'

[mischief]

Originally posted by Choppaface
that would be interesting

'what does Linux SOUND like?'

At one point they try to "play" a 5 1/4" floppy (de-cased) on an LP player. It made about the same noise i'd expect from running Linux through an MP3 player.:D

[Durandal7]

Originally posted by Choppaface
that would be interesting

'what does Linux SOUND like?'
Just pop a computer cd into your stereo to find out.

[AmbitiousLemon]

sounds like a good way of frying your stereo and blowing out your speakers.

[Taft]

Originally posted by SubFredZero
I think he means to actualy boot the iPod with Linux... What a silly idea :-)

Actually Linux is a perfect candidate for being embedded into electronic devices. Its not as though you would run the iPod by typing commands to navigate, create and copy files, etc... Instead you'd put a very slim Linux OS on the iPod and get it to boot up. Then on top of that you'd add an mp3 player and an interface for displaying on that little screen and getting input from the buttons/scrollwheel. And also you'd need Firewire capabilities (which would be built into the system).

Anyway, I have no idea if this would be possible, though I reckon that with some significant programming effort (mostly for the GUI, but also to port linux and mpg123 to the iPod) it would be possible. Just have the firmware load in a Linux kernal and boot it up.

It actually sounds like a fun little project. Though I won't be experimenting with my iPod thank you very much. She's just too precious to me. It would be like doing home surgery on your own kids just to see how things work. Demented!!!


Matthew

[Spock]

Why would anyone want to ruin an iPod with Linux?? Linux SUCKS ON ICE!!!

[Taft]

I don't know if anyone here would know the answer to this, but has Apple provided any compilers for the iPod. I would bet that they haven't. If not, the prospect of getting Linux running would pretty much be a moot point. Unless you want to write your own...

Rough.

Matthew

[Digidesign]

What Does Linux Sound Like?

A Zen master once told me that Linux sounds like...

- the gargle in a trekkie's throat when Jeri Ryan's onscreen
- the tear in the pants when squatting for fallen cheetos
- fists shaking in the wind at online enemies
- the sound of one hand typing :D

[Durandal7]

Originally posted by AmbitiousLemon
sounds like a good way of frying your stereo and blowing out your speakers.
That's odd, all I get is a soothing white noise.