Given the rapid emergence of Embedded Linux as a major "third alternative" to Palm OS and Microsoft's PocketPC (and Windows CE) for handheld personal computing devices, LinuxDevices.com has created this guide to Linux-based PDAs, which provides a continually updated overview of available and developing Linux-based PDA support. Below are brief descriptions of devices that have been previewed, or have come to market . . .
Enjoy!
Sharp SL-C3200 -- [Aug. 2006] -- Sharp's Linux-based Zaurus PDA was ahead of its time, and can still compete with modern Linux-based handhelds such as the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, writes MobileTechReview Editor-in-Chief Lisa Gade in a mostly-positive review of the SL-C3200 model. Details here and here Sharp Zaurus SL-C3100 -- [Sep. 16, 2005] -- Sharp Japan has given US-based Linux PDA fans one more reason to wish the dollar could hold its own against the Yen. The newly shipping (in Japan only) SL-C3100 is the second harddrive-equipped Zaurus model, and it also features English-language software aimed at Japanese students. details
Sharp SL-C3000 -- [Oct. 26, 2004] -- The SL-C3000, includes a tiny 4GB hard disk drive made by Hitachi. The Linux-based PDA is officially available only in Japan, but various international distributors will also offer the device to buys in the US and elsewhere. details here and here
Sharp Zaurus SL-C1000 -- [Mar. 14, 2005] -- The SL-C1000 is similar to the SL-C3000, but without an internal harddrive. details
Sharp Zaurus SL-6000 -- [Nov. 2, 2004] -- Sharp officially stopped distributing the SL-6000 in the U.S. However, the device is still available here, from a company that makes verticle market software for the rail industry. The SL-6000 has a 640x480 high-brightness VGA display, along with "laptop-like" performance and a ruggedized case. Details here and here
Sharp Zaurus SL-C7xx, C8xx Series -- [Nov. 12, 2003] -- Sharp calls the SL-C7xx PDAs "the world's first PDAs with a full-color VGA-resolution (640x480 pixel) LCD display." The SL-C7xx PDAs also provide a unique built-in QWERTY keyboard similar to that of a normal notebook keyboard (although smaller). As with previous Zaurus models, the software platform is based on embedded Linux along with a Java virtual machine for enhanced software portability and world-wide open source developer support. details: SL-C700 / SL-C750, SLC760, C860
Sharp Zaurus SL-A300 Personal Mobile Tool -- [Oct. 18, 2002] -- This model Zaurus Linux PDA, currently exclusive to the Japanese market, is claimed to be the world's smallest and lightest PDA among QVGA color LCD-equipped handhelds (as of June 2002). The device is based on a 200 MHz Intel PXA210 XScale processor equipped with 64 MB SDRAM memory, and offers USB, IrDA, and audio I/O, plus an SD card expansion slot. details
Sharp Zaurus SL-5x00 -- [Nov. 12, 2002] -- Sharp's first Linux PDA for the worldwide market features an embedded Linux OS supplemented by Qt and a Java runtime environment. The SL-5500 is based on a 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor with 64MB system RAM and 16MB built-in flash storage, while the SL-5600 uses a 400 MHz Intel XScale processor and has 32MB system RAM and 64MB built-in flash storage. Both models have a full-color 320 x 240 pixel TFT LCD with touch panel, plus a miniature built-in QWERTY keyboard (accessed via a sliding cover), and are equipped with CompactFlash and SD-card slots, IrDA, and USB interfaces. details: SL-5600 / SL-5500 / review of SL-5000D (developer edition)
Acer n30 -- [Apr. 2006] -- A thin, inexpensive PDA capable of dual-booting the Letux project's software stack. details
Archos PMA400 Pocket Multimedia Assistant -- [Feb. 18, 2005] -- this device combines PDA features with those of a personal video recorder/player (PVR/PVP). It boasts a 3.5-inch color LCD, 30GB hard drive, wireless Internet access, Trolltech Qtopia PDA application framework and PIM suite, and lots of other cool features, including a Linux SDK. Details here and here.
4P DAT500 rugged handheld -- [Dec. 8, 2000] -- This is an industrial strength handheld computer, intended for use in mobile point-of-sale and inventory management applications. In addition to all the expected functions of a consumer palm-top computer (graphical user interface, touchscreen, handwriting recognition), the DAT500 is highly rugged and reliable, and has successfully passed testing for compliance with commercial aviation safety standards. The unit includes a built-in bar code scanner, credit card reader, smartcard interface, and printer. details
AML M5900 and M5900i -- [Sep. 2006] -- A handheld data terminal based on embedded Linux, the basic M5900 and ruggedized M5900i for industrial applications target batch data collection applications, including inventory control, factory floor management, price verification, shipping/receiving, and asset tracking. details 
AML M7100 wireless data collection terminal -- [Oct. 18, 2002] -- This handheld device for the retail market is powered by a StrongARM SA-1110 processor, equipped with 16MB RAM and 4MB Flash ROM. Its input/output interfaces include multiple scanner inputs, RS232, USB, infrared (IrDA), and a built-in IEEE 802.11b radio. Details here and here
CDL Paron 'secure PDA' -- [Nov. 6, 2003] -- This unique device is claimed to be the world's first handheld wireless device with built-in biometric user authentication. It combines the functions of a PDA, Bluetooth wireless access, cellular telephone, and biometric fingerprint recognition, along with a security-oriented hardware/software architecture. The device has a 320x240 pixel color LCD and is based on a 206MHz StrongARM SA-1110 processor with 32MB or 64MB RAM and 32MB Flash, and uses a Linux 2.4.x kernel and provides a PDA app suite and web browser. details
CIIT multimedia PDA -- [Aug. 31, 2001] -- Based on an Intel 206 MHz StrongARM SA-1110 system-on-chip processor with 32MB of DRAM and 32MB of Flash storage memory. I/O connections include USB, serial, and Ethernet ports, and there is a CompactFlash slot for additional expansion (memory or I/O). The display is a 240 x 320 pixel, 4096-color LCD. details
Compaq iPAQ -- [Jun. 23, 2004] -- Though not natively equipped with Embedded Linux, there are now multiple projects to develop Linux implementations for the iPAQ, including one from the Compaq-sponsored handhelds.org site. The iPAQ has a 240 x 320 pixel backlit color LCD screen and is powered by a 206MHz Intel StrongArm processor with 32MB of RAM and 16MB of flash memory. External interfacing and expansion are via IrDA, serial (sync/async), USB, and PCMCIA. Multiple sources of Embedded Linux support for the iPAQ are available, and discussed in the references section of this guide (below). In particular, the Familiar Project provides comprehensive free and open support for the iPAQ. Lycoris also offers an iPAQ distribution.
Empower PowerPlay 1x -- [Oct. 27, 2004] -- Empower plans to ship a $200 Linux-based PDA with a color display by December, 2004. The PowerPlay 1x is based on a dual-core RISC/DSP Texas Instruments OMAP5910 processor, along with the company's LEOs (LinuxDA Embedded Operating System) software platform. details.
Empower PowerPlay -- [Mar. 11, 2002] -- The PowerPlay III and PowerPlay V PDAs are manufactured in Taiwan and sold online by Empower Technologies, a vendor of Embedded Linux for intelligent appliances. The devices are claimed to be Palm IIIxe and Vx compatible, respectively, from a hardware perspective. But unlike Palm's PDAs, the PowerPlay PDAs run Empower Technologies' Linux DA O/S implementation of Embedded Linux for the Dragonball processor. PowerPlay III / PowerPlay V
Esfia PDA reference design -- [Jul. 21, 2002] -- Based on a Samsung ARM7 system-on-chip processor and a uClinux embedded OS, this reference design supports a color or monochrome backlit 320x240 pixel LCD and is available for license to companies wanting to distribute low-cost Linux-based PDAs in either the China or worldwide markets. Resources include up to 32MB SDRAM, 8MB NAND Flash, IrDA, RS232, USB, stereo-audio, and CompactFlash and SD card slots. details
Eurotech WWPC (wrist-worn PC) -- [Mar., 2006] -- A wrist-worn wearable computer that runs embedded Linux or Windows CE, Eurotech's WWPC ("wrist-worn PC") offers standard PC interfaces, along with several innovative wearable-specific features. It targets emergency rescue, security, healthcare, maintenance, logistics, and "many other" applications. details
G.Mate Yopy -- [Oct. 18, 2003] -- The Yopy integrates the functions of Internet and email access (via mobile phone), digital voice recorder, MP3 (audio) and MPEG (video) player, video games, plus a full set of PDA applications. The YP3000 has a full-color QVGA (240 x 320 pixel) display, is based on a 206MHz Intel StrongARM processor equipped with 64MB RAM and 16MB FLash, and provides both RS232 serial and USB expansion interfaces. The YP3500 adds a display backlight plus increased memory (128MB RAM, 32MB Flash) to the YP3000, while the YP3700 adds increased memory and a built-in CompactFlash and MMC sockets. YP3000 / YP3000 review / YP3500 / YP3700
GSPDA V-2002 -- [Nov. 22, 2002] -- This Linux PDA for the Chinese market is based on a 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor with 32MB RAM and 32MB NOR Flash memory, plus USB, audio in/out, built-in BlueTooth, and an SD Card slot. details
HanGil C3224 multimedia PDA -- [Nov. 11, 2001] -- Based on a 206 MHz 32-bit Intel StrongARM SA-1110 system-on-chip processor plus 16MB RAM and 16MB Flash. The display is a 3.8-inch full color Quarter VGA (240 x 320 pixel) TFT LCD, with touchpad, and the device offers built-in USB, IrDA, and RS232C interfaces along with CompactFlash expandability. details
HNT Exilien -- [Mar. 23, 2001] -- The new Linux-based HNT handheld multimedia PCs will be made in two form-factors -- a PDA-sized unit with a 3.8-inch 320x240 LCD, and a heftier sized device (one inch thick) with a backlit 4-inch TFT 640x480 LCD. The larger unit differs from the smaller one in several features, including LCD type, memory capacity, and type of expansion card slot. Both are based on a 206 MHz 32-bit Intel StrongARM SA-1110 system-on-chip processor along with a generous supply of DRAM and Flash memory. details
IBM e-LAP reference design -- [Jan. 21, 2003] -- Dubbed the "embedded Linux application platform" (e-LAP), this ready-to-use (and easily modified) PDA reference design based on IBM's PowerPC 405LP processor includes 32MB SDRAM, 32MB NOR Flash (NOR), 64MB DiskOnChip Flash, a 4-inch 240x320 pixel color LCD, a TCPA security chip, USB host/device, SDIO, and sound, plus a full Linux embedded software stack including a browser and a J2ME VM. details
Intermec CK-1 batch data terminal -- [Mar. 16, 2004] -- A low-cost batch data collection terminal based on embedded Linux, the ruggedized "CK1" key-entry handheld runs a 2.4 uClinux kernel, supports off-the-shelf use as barcode scanner and linear imager, and is extensible through several application development environments. The CK1 targets parcel pickup and delivery, retail inventory management, medical/pharmaceutical applications, or light industrial use. details
Invair Filewalker -- [Jan. 10, 2002] -- Invair Technologies (Stuttgart, Germany) unveiled a new Linux-based PDA at CeBIT 2002 in Hannover, Germany. The device was designed to be operated with one hand, weighs a mere 0.2 lbs, and is small (though somewhat thick), at 3.4 x 2.2 x .74 in. It's based on an Intel StrongARM processor clocked at 133MHz and includes 32MB SDRAM and 16MB Flash ROM, has a 160 x 240 pixel grayscale LCD display, and provides IrDA and USB interfaces plus an expansion slot for SD and MMC cards. details
iRex Iliad eBook Reader -- [Aug. 2006] -- An electronic paper display (EPD) helps save power in this portable, Linux-based reading device, available now for personal and business-to-business applications. The iLiad's paper display "reads just like paper, and is perceived as such by the human eye," according to the company. details 
Infomart Kaii -- [Oct. 2, 2002] -- This new Linux-based PDA was created to fill a gap between high-end, high-cost Pocket PC PDAs and low-end, low-cost Palm PDAs. The device attempts to offer a high level of software compatibility with the Zaurus, by employing a similar software platform. Unlike the Zaurus, however, the Kaii uses a 160MHz Hitachi SH3 processor and provides an on-screen, rather than physical, keyboard. Includes 32-128MB RAM along with 32MB of ROM (or Flash), depending on version. details
MasterIA PDA -- [Nov. 7, 2001] -- Like many recently introduced PDAs, this device is based on Intel's 206MHz StrongARM SA-1110 system-on-chip processor, and has a full-color 320x240 pixel TFT LCD screen plus expansion slots for CompactFlash Type II and SmartData (SD) cards. Internal resources include 32MB RAM for program operation, and either 16MB or 32MB of Flash memory for program and data storage. details
MiTAC CAT -- [Mar. 22, 2001] -- The Linux-based CAT will initially be available only in Taiwan. The device is based on a 66 MHz NEC VR series processor with 8MB system memory and 4MB Flash, expandable via a CompactFlash slot. It has a 4.1-inch, 240 x 320 pixel, monochrome backlit STN LCD with and provides multiple connectivity options including IrDA, RS232, USB, and Bluetooth. details
Mizi Linux PDA developer kit -- [Jul. 19, 200s] -- The PDA bundled with this kit, called the EnDA C3224, is based on a 206 MHz StrongARM SA-1110 processor and has a 240 x 320 pixel TFT LCD. Other resources include 32M RAM and 32MB Flash memory, a CompactFlash slot, USB and IrDA interfaces, internal digital FM stereo radio, and a built-in speaker. details
NexGen City NexPaq -- [May 6, 2004] -- NexGen City has embedded Linux into the first VoIP (voice over internet protocol) push-to-talk (PTT) handset for emergency workers and "first responders." The "NexPaq" is currently undergoing testing in the first NexLink mesh network, which is nearing completion in Garland, Texas. The Garland network covers 57 square miles, and is the first deployment of mobile mesh networking technology for use by a public safety organization, according to NexGen. The NexPaq also includes basic PDA features. details
Node Explorer v2 -- [Sep. 28, 2004] -- A rugged handheld computer and GPS unit intended for location-aware interactive exploration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The Explorer v2 is based on a 400MHz XScale processor. details
Nokia 770 Internet Tablet -- [May 25, 2005] -- A PDA-sized Internet tablet designed for email and web-browsing, the 770 boasts a large, WVGA (800x480) screen, plus built-in WiFi and Bluetooth wireless. In addition to a full Opera browser, its software suite includes an email client, Internet radio, news reader, media players, image viewers, and more. details
Olympus Tough Digital Assistant -- [Feb. 1, 2005] -- the slim, light-weight TDAs run Linux 2.4.18 (with Qtopia v1.7.0) on a Freescale MXL processor, come with up to 128MB RAM and 256MB Flash, and offer built-in Bluetooth and optional 802.11b wireless. details
Q-Reader Ebook -- [Jul. 24, 2002] -- This Linux-powered electronic reading device targets the education market in China. As well as reading capabilities, the multi-function device includes Web connectivity, email, and other PDA features, including support for both English and Chinese languages. details
Royal LineaLX -- [Sep. 16, 2003] -- This PDA features software compatibility with Sharp's Zaurus PDAs. The first is scheduled to ship in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2003 for less than $300. LineaLX will be based on a Motorola i.MX1 MDragonBall processor running at 200MHz. It will come with 64MB SDRAM plus 32MB Flash memory and an SDIO expansion card slot, and the device will feature a 3.5-inch LCD screen with 240 x 320 pixel resolution and 65K colors. details
Royal Lin@x -- [Jan. 10, 2002] -- Royal Consumer Information Products unveiled a prototype of a new Linux-powered PDA at CES in Las Vegas, NV in January, 2002. The device was based on a 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor with 32MB system RAM and 16MB built-in flash storage. It had a full-color 320 x 240 pixel TFT LCD with touch panel, and was equipped with a CompactFlash expansion slot, USB, IrDA, and an RS232 serial port. The device's software stack was based on Century Software's PIXIL PDA software suite, which includes the Microwindows GUI. However, this device never reached production. details
Simputer -- [Apr. 14, 2005] -- The "Simputer" was first described in a concept paper presented at the first Bangalore IT.com conference in 1998. Later, a "Simputer Trust" was formed dedicated to realizing the concept as a "platform for social change," a computer with price and technology appropriate for rural Indian villages. After three years of development by two competing companies, Pico Peta has released the Amida, the first Simputer. Details here and here
Softfield VR3 -- [Apr. 25, 2002] -- The Softfield Technologies VR3 (originally introduced by Agenda Computing) is a full-function handheld computer with a 160 x 240 pixel (2 x 3 in. viewable area) backlit LCD. It is based on a 66MHz 32-bit NEC VR4181 MIPS processor, and has 8MB or 16MB of system RAM and 16MB of built-in Flash storage. For I/O, the device provides an RS232 serial port along with an IrDA interface. The VR3's operating system is Linux-VR. details / review
Sony MYLO ("My Life Online") -- [Nov. 2006] -- A Linux-based, WiFi-equipped multifunction handheld based on an ARM9-based i.MX21 SoC (system-on-chip). It features a built-in Qwerty thumb keyboard and Skype voice messaging client. Details here, here, here, and here.
SK Telecom IMT2000 WebPhone -- [Sep. 19, 2000] -- This device is a combination cell phone plus PDA. It has a 4-in. LCD screen and a built in video camera, and looks like a PDA. The PDA functions of the device are based on a StrongARM SA1110 206MHz CPU, and the device contains 32MB of RAM plus up to 32MB of internal flash memory. The operating system software is PalmPalm's Tynux embedded Linux, with Qt/Embedded for GUI support plus Opera's browser. A separate microprocessor controls the cell phone functions. details
TDS Recon -- [Apr. 2, 2005] -- An extremely rugged military-grade PDA ported to Linux by SDG Systems, a vertical market software company serving the rail industry, the TDS "Recon" PDA, which meets MIL-STD-810F standards for drops, vibration, and temperature extremes. Details
Tripod Data Systems Recon-X -- [Sep. 2006] -- This Linux-ized version of a ruggedized, "military-grade" PDA was ported to Linux by SDG. It is based on a 2.6.15 kernel, and comes with technical and warranty support. Tools, training, and customization services are also available. Details here and here 
Tripod Data Systems Recon -- [Nov. 30, 2005] -- A rugged PDA targeting military, transportation, industrial, and public service applications, the Recon was ported to Linux by SDG Systems, which resells the device pre-installed with Linux. details
Unication Magpie -- [Jun. 14, 2005] -- A Linux-based PDA from Taiwanese pager maker Unication, the Magpie offers unique and sophisticated features, including an integrated FM transmitter, WiFi, and full Opera browser. Details
VTech Helio -- [Apr. 21, 2001] -- Though not natively equipped with Embedded Linux, there are several implementations of Linux for the Helio in development. The device is based on a 75 MHz 32-bit RISC processor, with 8 MB of SDRAM and 2 MB Flash memory. It has a 160 x 160 pixel backlit LCD display with a 1024 x 1024 cell touchpad, integrated audio record/playback, and both standard and high-speed serial ports. details
WebLink Wireless Sun Telecom S-935 -- [Mar. 19, 2003] -- this Linux-based two-way pager is a "clamshell"-like device that provides full PDA capabilities, syncing, secure wireless communications between work groups, and encrypted access to company email/data. A J2ME VM is included for the PIM suite, syncing, and custom application support. detailsMore coming soon . . .
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