Originally Posted by dav7 * If I flash corrupt or improperly "built" firmware onto an N810, is there a magic trick I can perform that I can use to tell tell the CPU to wait for a new flash image to be written to the device (like plugging in a special cable or flicking a switch inside the case), in order to fix it? Or is the device dead? Ok, Im assuming you only made changes to the kernel, right? In this case, I am 95% sure you could just reflash the kernel.
* If I flash corrupt or improperly "built" firmware onto an N810, is there a magic trick I can perform that I can use to tell tell the CPU to wait for a new flash image to be written to the device (like plugging in a special cable or flicking a switch inside the case), in order to fix it? Or is the device dead?
Originally Posted by dav7 * I assume the N810 somehow "boots" the firmware, so how do you flash this firmware onto the device? And if anyone can share how an ARM CPU boots, that'd be interesting to learn. There is a flasher tool for linux (and mac?) that can flash kerne; images and such. I'm sure you can do whatever you want.
* I assume the N810 somehow "boots" the firmware, so how do you flash this firmware onto the device? And if anyone can share how an ARM CPU boots, that'd be interesting to learn.
Originally Posted by dav7 * If I considered an application (a situational type of application) that has the N810 as a kind of "status device" that sits in my pocket and tells me of updates to different things, is there any way the N810 can notify me without me seeing it? For example, I've heard that it doesn't have a vibrator. Is there anything else it might be able to do to get my attention? Yes. There is a programmable status LED, and built in speakers. Physically, Sound = Vibration. So a low pitch, loud sound would cause the vibration you are looking for. Or just some high pitch chirps or something....
* If I considered an application (a situational type of application) that has the N810 as a kind of "status device" that sits in my pocket and tells me of updates to different things, is there any way the N810 can notify me without me seeing it? For example, I've heard that it doesn't have a vibrator. Is there anything else it might be able to do to get my attention?
Originally Posted by dav7 * Does the system fire events or modify a file in /proc or /sys if I slide out the keyboard or slide it back in? Can I `cat' a number or string to a file somewhere to turn the LED on or off, or make it change color? Or are these locked down by complex API calls? I don't know HOW it works, but yes. Every single button, slider, light sensor, temperature sensor, blah blah blah, can be used by 3rd party programs. I know this because apps such as autolock and sliderotate use these. And mail and chat programs frequently use the LED. Red, Green, and Blue are the colors on the n810 I think.
* Does the system fire events or modify a file in /proc or /sys if I slide out the keyboard or slide it back in? Can I `cat' a number or string to a file somewhere to turn the LED on or off, or make it change color? Or are these locked down by complex API calls?
Originally Posted by dav7 How does X work? Does it work much like X on a desktop would, except it outputs to the integrated screen? From my experience, yes. Its a full X server. So things like SSH X forwarding work and XVNC work, and there are experimental USB->VGA adapters that work.
How does X work? Does it work much like X on a desktop would, except it outputs to the integrated screen?
Originally Posted by dav7 From a software perspective, if I push the architecture difference(s) aside, can I see the N810 pretty much like a PC in that if I write an app that uses the GNOME libraries (for example) will it run on the N810 (if I put uArch on it)? What toolkits compile for ARM? Can't really help much on this one. I think apps have to be rewritten a little to cohere to Hildon standards. Otherwise it does not fit into the "Theme" of the tablet. Alternatively, you could use another window manager such as KDE, Openbox, ICEWM, etc... If you are developing for the tablet (opposed to porting), I think there is a lot of good documentation and libraries available.
From a software perspective, if I push the architecture difference(s) aside, can I see the N810 pretty much like a PC in that if I write an app that uses the GNOME libraries (for example) will it run on the N810 (if I put uArch on it)? What toolkits compile for ARM?
Originally Posted by dav7 Can I stuff both Arch Linux and OS 2008 into the internal memory, once I have everything sorted? Nope. Don't try. Its pointless. The internal ROM on the N810 is pitiful. A MUCH better option would be to install it on a SD card, and boot from it, much like Debian and Android work on the tablets. Or a chroot, or something.
Can I stuff both Arch Linux and OS 2008 into the internal memory, once I have everything sorted?
Originally Posted by dav7 The Linux kernel is open source, but are Nokia's changes also open source? Specifically, can I recompile the kernel if I want to, or am I locked into using Nokia kernels with closed-source changes? You can change the kernel and still use the closed source binaries if you want. I think only a few things are closed (because of NDA) like WiFi and Bluetooth, GPS, etc... Remember, these things all have Open Source API so you can fully interact with them, but the drivers are closed... This is also one reason why we don't have graphics drivers.
The Linux kernel is open source, but are Nokia's changes also open source? Specifically, can I recompile the kernel if I want to, or am I locked into using Nokia kernels with closed-source changes?