I'd really like to get a portable Linux box for general use. I've
looked into PDAs, but they all seem to be a bit specific for my
purposes. Laptops/notebooks are probably what I'd want, but they're a
bit out of my immediate price range (instant gratification and all
that. :) So I've been looking into Linux-based handhelds, and
specifically, the Ipaq.
What I want: A small, portable Linux system for taking notes in class,
coding in non-conventional places, etc. I'd also like to run emacs,
since that's my editor of choice.
Anyhow, I've been researching the ipaq. Its RAM seems a bit limited
for something like emacs, but the 64 mb flash addons seem like a
possibility. How exactly does the ipaq's addon system work? If I
purchase the flash addon and several others, can they be attached
simultaneously? If so, and if the flash addon is inserted, does it
allow realtime access to the contents, thus allowing me to run
applications directly from the addon's storage?
I'm not a big fan of handwriting recognition; I'm much faster at
typing. Is the portable keyboard accessory decent?
Also, what type of distribution does the ipaq run? It seems to be some
sort of Compaq custom distribution. If so, how is new software
installed? I don't mind compiling my own sources, but it seems as if
this would be a drain on the ipaq's limited memory. Is it possible to
load Debian or Redhat instead? Or, if this isn't possible, how
difficult would it be to add dpkg/rpm?
And finally, is the ipaq worth it? I'd like a Linux box to carry home
with me on the weekends, when traveling, etc. I do lots of coding, and
it'd be great to code, write email, etc. and not be tied to my
box. But, I don't want to buy the ipaq and suddenly find that I've
pushed it to its limits immediately.
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