LimePC looks sweet - alternative to Intel MIDs

[ironik]

The LimePC offerings are based around Debian Linux derived OS and Freescale's MobileGT motherboard-on-a-chip (Power architecture, with 750 MIPs CPU, 2D/3D PowerVR GPU , audio/multimedia dedicated CPU) consuming about 2 watts of power.

http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2008/01/variety_of_limepc_devices_on_parade.html

Projected prices are in the $200-$500 range for devices sized from mini-PDA, MID and tablet PCs.

Freescale has more info at:

http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/overview.jsp?nodeId=02M0ylfWcbfM0yrBwp3h

[tso]

the real interesting bit is their choice of cpu. neither arm nor x86, but powerpc. yep, the same that apple at one time used in all their computers.

also, iirc these are not the only devices that they have. from what i understand they even use limeos on tv's and similar.

interesting times indeed ;)

[Rebski]

More info here
http://www.mtcera.com/os/Lime_OS/img/06.jpg

[ironik]

The LimeFree.org site currently redirects to LimePC, but after
searching around one can find pages with details about current
development status and other interesting information:

From http://www.limefree.org/page7/page7.html (LimeFree news page):

Today, LimeFree officially makes its public debut after weeks of closed preparation. The development manager of LimeFree OS is Ryan Quinn, the developer of Symphony OS, Mezzo, and Orchestra, upon which much of the LimeFree OS is based. Ryan will lead the combined efforts of development community members and the many contributing software engineers at THTF and Freescale. THTF and Freescale will continue to provide substantial behind the scenes staff and monetary contributions to the project. Together, we will see the dream of a lean, powerful, consumer focused next-generation personal computing platform develop under our combined hands.

Our first goal is to get initial cooperation underway between the open source community and our project. Functionally, we will all pursue getting the january 7, 2008 LimeFree OS Preview Edition release ready.

-----

Also, the current LimePC roadmap:

LimeFree OS Preview | January 7, 2008

LimeFree Preview will be a fully functional system stack, from chip to applications. It's purpose is to server as a simple, reliable demonstration system showing how our unique approach to hardware-software integration results in a fast, easy-to-use PC environment for casual users. The targeted hardware platform is the Freescale MPC5121e Advanced Development System ODM Reference Board . The following features/functions will be enabled:

* Single-user Debian Linux ported and stable on the MPC5121e
* LimeFree Desktop Environment fully functional and stable
* LimeFree Frameworks fully functional and stable
* Multimedia player/manager application running and stable
* Web browser fully running and stable
* POP email client/manager running and stable
* Networking services (WiFi + Bluetooth) working and stable

The LimeFree OS Preview release will be available as a CD-Boot Load on January 7, 2008.

[scumgrief]

Videogame consoles are all powerpc's or at least the PS3 and 360 - ik ik the ps3 has the "cell processor" but it can run ppc64 linux on it... w/o a special kernel, and the 360 is just a triple ppc 2.4 GHz sys.... the Wii is a concept, not a powerhouse.. at like 900MHz broadcom chip by IBM... sorry had to point that out

The limepc has hardware 3d acceleration with opengl , a CD quality sound chip, and a dual core freescale processor. This is a huge issue for Nokia if you ask me since it has the potential to be a it clone, assuming that people can adapt to the low pixel density... its like half the pixel density...... WOW.... oh and it has some decent onboard storage, dunno if its gonna have SD slots or CF slots... btw the limepc comes in like 10 different flavors.. so happy picking...... I wish I had money to spend..... to buy one of every little device.. lol