Nokia heeds the call for open source

11/4/2005 5:20:41 PM, by Ryan Paul

Is open source software the next big thing in the mobile computing market? Nokia certainly seems to think so. Linux is scalable, portable, free, and extensible, which makes it an ideal operating system for embedded platforms. From toaster ovens to orbital death ray cannons, Linux does it all.

Nokia's new web tablet is finally available for purchase in Europe, and could potentially reach shelves in the states late next week. The 802.11b/g enabled, Linux-based Nokia 770 features an ARM port of Debian GNU/Linux, and a powerful user interface based on GNOME technology. Though the product just recently became available to the general public, Nokia distributed a number of them at a GNOME development convention earlier this year. The eight ounce 770, which features a three hour batterey life and 64 MB of RAM, is Nokia's first attempt at a Linux powered portable. With an 800x480 pixel four inch screen, the 770 was designed specifically for mobile web browsing. Integrated bluetooth and USB support make the 770 appealing, but the absence of an internal hard drive is a real disappointment, particularly since the 770 comes with support for a wide variety of media formats.


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