Re: [Gumstix-users] Graphics support.... direct3D / OpenGL

[<tho...@bt...>]

>What would be the drawback of not having the source code of the linux
>drivers of something like the 2700G?

The problem is that the binary drivers (assuming you can find one) will
link against a very specific version of the kernel. If the kernel
version is different or has patches applied against it or even if
configuration options are not the same, the driver will probably not
function correctly. So, you'd have to use the same kernel version the
binary driver was compiled against with the same patches applied and the
same configuration options (probably... It depends upon what parts of
the kernel are changed).

There's also the issue of board configuration. E.g. The binary driver
will look for the 2700G at a specific address range. When designing the
add-on card, you'd have to match the address it is located at. Along
with things like any GPIOs the chip needs etc etc.

So, basically, without the source to the driver, you have to match the
kernel configuration & possibly even the hardware configuration to the
kernel & hardware the binary driver was compiled for. Technically, it is
possible, however it could be a real pain in the bottom requiring years
of tinkering.

These are (some of) the reasons why Linux people don't like binary
drivers.

Cheers,

Tom