[Gumstix-users] Best distro

[John O'C. <sax...@gm...>]

> Hi Everyone,
>

Hey there.

>
> I'm new to gumstix but eager to learn more.  So, instead of lurking
> for a while, I decided to introduce myself out right and ask a few
> questions.  I am particularly interested in using gumstix to create a
> handheld device, but I'd like to use a larger screen than the one
> included in the package sold on the website.   So, here are some
> beginning questions:
>
> 1.  What is the best resource for 'newbies' to learn about gumstix and
> their implementation?

Honestly, the gumstix.net webpage.  It's the main developer resource, along
with this mailing list.  It really depends on what you're interested in
doing, but the site should have just about everything you need.

When you say "implementation", are you referring to the software, or the
hardware?  Or the applications that can be completed using the gumstix?


> 2.  Does anyone have any recommendations for larger screens that will
> actually work with gumstix - particularly the sold package on the
> website (just replacing the touchscreen LCD with a larger one)?


I'm looking for that exact thing right now, but we're using the Overo Earth,
so we're going to build a board to interface with the gumstix.   Most
touch-panel LCD's should work -- check out HannStar displays, and Liliput
electronics.   The one's I've found draw ~12W, which is decent (I guess) for
a display.  While OLED would be the ideal, they're way too pricey for our
application -- you may have better luck.

>
> 3.  Which distribution of linux works best?  *I'm thinking of Ubuntu.
>

Ubuntu has the MID version that's compiled for ARM processors.   However,
you're honestly probably better off using the Angstrom distribution and
building it up to meet your needs.

http://www.angstrom-distribution.org/

That's the one that comes with the gumstix (the Overo, anyway).  However,
Ubuntu is just a collection of packages -- you could easily create your own
Ubuntu-esque distribution based on angstrom.  Also, if you're really into
it, check out Linux from Scratch (http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/).

>
> I suppose this is a good starting list of questions and I hope you all
> don't mind offering answers/suggestions.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> -Leshell
>

Sure thing!  Any time.

-- John

-- 
Microsoft is not the answer.
Microsoft is the question.
"No" or "Linux" is the answer.