Has a group ever been started to try to get linux onto the Blackberry? Now with the pearl and 8800 having xscale 320s, there is more than enough horsepower. Maybe a version of uClinux like they're running on the iPod(maybe that's just for ARM processors, IDK I'm a n00b.) I'm sure this is more dreaming than reality, but it would be cool if it would work somehow.

I hope this belongs in this forum, especially since I figured most linux programmers would be reading stuff here.

(obviously this is a pure opinion statement)

I just don't see the need to try and run linux on it -- don't get me wrong, I'm a linux nerd and all that, but sometimes you just use the right tool for the right job. I look at other projects in the same vein (putting linux on a Treo, e.g.) but beyond the intrinsic value of 'gee whiz!' it's just not that useful. Sometimes the whole "does it run linux?" goes just a little too far, IMHO.

But, when the device *was* designed to run linux that's a different story! I own a ROKR E2 (man I need to stop buying phones!) I bought it in Hong Kong solely with the purpose of playing with linux on my phone - and it's really cool. (see places like Motorola ROKR E2 Modders - Home for more info) This is a case of where the device was meant to run linux and is actually still a useful device - I mean come on, I get Samba and BusyBox on my phone!

Even though I'm no lover of java I think RIM has done a great job with this J2ME-based device, and I don't see myself trying to run linux on it for any reason...but I bet eventually someone will just because.

$0.02 USD. ¡viva las penguinistas!

Ya I definitely see your point. Now I want a ROKR E2 . I guess I just think it would be cool, but probably not worth the time.

I agree with rivviepop.... I think RIM has this system down to a science...

Now having said that and fully understanding the freak I am.... I would most probably plop Linux on the BB is it was available

The problem of running Linux on things is getting the specific hardware functions to work at least as well as the original maker's software does. Once basic functionality has been established (which is the most difficult part) then any variety of Linux apps can be recompiled and tweaked for the new environment. (It would need to be since attempting to run X.org and GNOME would be a ridiculous idea... the UI should be better suited to the existing hardware.)

And again, once that huge hurdle of gaining acceptable functionality is achieved, things like syncing and email and other fun apps become instantly open for development and exploitation, unlocking all the power of the devices often kept hidden or restricted for a price by the phone service provider.

Probably because the phone service providers wouldn't have a clue when it would come to support

LOL AND How true! They can't figure things out as it is never mind adding Linux to the mix

I do however *think* most of RIM's techies could deal with Linux

true, very true !!

I am just now starting to use LINUX but It would be sweet to have it on a BB then I would have more oppurtunity to use and learn it

I think step 1 is surely to get RIM to actually acknowledge that Linux desktops (and servers) exist and start providing support for them. For example, supply (or point to) the Barry project on the CD, provide a Linux port of their Windows syncing/etc. desktop apps and so on.

What irritates me quite a lot is that RIM seem to think that only Windows boxes exist - the server side is equally bad. Why isn't there Blackberry Server software for a plain SMTP server (e.g. running UNIX or Linux)? Why do businesses *have* to have either Exchange or Lotus to use the full Blackberry mail facilties (BTW, the ludicrous "POP3 solution" where all your corporate e-mail ends up on your mobile providers "internet server" is totally unacceptable because no company wants their corporate mail to be sitting on a third-party server surely?)?

I agree that RIM could do far more for Linux based users based on the fact that a great many governments and companys use Linux. Personal use is low and probably not a concern for RIM... However as long as Microsoft keeps pumping JUNK like Vista out the door, Linux / Unix will continue to gain ground...

I hope a time will come where us freaks can at least function on a Linux / Unix box with the BB....

Barry IS an awesome project, and I always tell everyone to donate!!!

You mean IMAPr4, not really SMTP (but that is a component of it as a solution). I know of one solution which is actually a plugin (?) of sorts to the BES server:

http://www.consilient.com/products/consilient2/

But I agree, the BES server should A) be able run run in Linux/UNIX, and B) support standards compliant IMAP/SMTP servers.

you could run skype if any one had linux on one

http://www.shapeservices.com/en/prod...?product=skype
http://www.webmessenger.com/products/mimskype.htm