Table of Contents
PDAs
The “Personal Digital Assistants”, devices which dominated the 1990s and early 00s with their portable computing capabilities. A large variety of architectures and OSes are found in this realm. MIPS, ARM, and m68k are just some of the architectures found here, with OSes ranging from PalmOS, Linux, Windows Mobile, and more.
Agenda VR3
Operating Systems (MIPS)
Linux
It is possible to telnet, FTP, and make remote X connections to the device.
One of the first, if not THE first Linux-based PDA. Since it supported Linux natively, it’s not surprising to see various EOPs available for it, such as games and typical PDA software.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agenda_VR3
https://web.archive.org/web/20180823070322/https://sourceforge.net/projects/agos/
Apple Newton series
Internet
PocketWeb
runs with Newton OS 2.0/2.1 on a MP120, MP130 or MP2000; It also should run with a MP2100
Supports GIFs, and covers various OS versions across a few models. Unsure if it still works.
https://web.archive.org/web/20210923044148/https://www.teco.edu/pocketweb/
ARM-based WinCE devices
Operating Systems (Various ARM)
NetBSD
Many PsPC machines are used by the developers for active development
Quite like the NetBSD port to MIPS-based WinCE PDAs, the NetBSD port for the ARM-based WinCE PDAs is both robust and concise. This port is still supported as “Tier 1”.
bSquare Power Handheld
Operating Systems (ARM)
Linux Kernel, Windows CE...
Not working: - Keyboard
Just one hack done for this thing, which is a weird smartphone/PDA hybrid from the mid-late 00s. Normally runs Windows Mobile/CE (unsure of right term), but Linux was hacked onto it, complete with X.Org support.
https://web.archive.org/web/20121027230503/http://pdasite.pl/kitor/maui_linux/
Casio PocketViewer PVS1600
Operating Systems (SuperH)
Contiki
I started porting to the PV-S1600 platform a Web Browser (the Adam Dunkel's Contiki project
The most impressive part of this one is that it has the web browser. Not sure if it can actually get to the internet, though. May not be a full Contiki port.
http://hitmen.c02.at/html/tools_contiki.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20080522082422/https://xoomer.alice.it/simonapetruzzi/
Cybiko Inc. Cybiko
includes Xtreme (Hitachi H8S/2323)
Operating Systems (Hitachi H8S/2241 + Atmel AT90S2313)
CyBorn/SimpOS?
OS - roll out own. I started work on one and I am now reverse engineering the bootloader
Unsure if this even got ported onto the Classic, but there are actual files made for it. Even if it isn’t ported, there’s a lot of information at the dbzoo wiki page.
http://cybiko-reborn.sourceforge.net/
http://www.dbzoo.com/cybiko/cyborn
https://sourceforge.net/projects/cybiko-reborn/
https://web.archive.org/web/20050214075810/http://forums.cydevr.net/index.php/topic,2724.0.html
Linux
There is not enough RAM and flash to run Linux (at least not on the classic)
Postulations, seemingly not possible. Some useful talk about TCP/IP stacks, though.
Prex
enter commands on the keyboard, read the results on the screen via a framebuffer console
Successful operating system port, serving more as an example of what is possible. Slow, but works.
Stock OS
The stock system for the Cybiko. Fully featured on it’s own, with PDA, radio communication, gaming, and chatting abilities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12xCKrqlf4A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojatBoMZubk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38VEBOseAzM
http://cultureandcommunication.org/deadmedia/index.php/Cybiko
Internet
WAP via PC + CyWIG
Little on the internet actually demonstrates this, but the supplied link has some remnants.
HP (Compaq) iPAQ series
It seems that many Zaurus programs that depend on X11 can be made to work on the iPAQ. YMMV
Operating Systems (SA-1110, PXA250)
Classic Mac OS 0.x-7.5.5-8.1 (in Basilisk II ROM #?)
Since it works on X-Window , iPAQ has introduced it so far
Almost certainly based off the Zaurus port’s sources, as they both depend on using X11. Thus, this port of Basilisk II requires X11 + Linux to run on the iPAQ.
https://web.archive.org/web/20030612013836/http://iq3630.tripod.co.jp/mac/mac.htm
Emulation Nest
This device runs an operating system which is known to emulate various devices with EOPs. See the Classic Mac OS page.
Linux
Familiar GNU/Linux distribution is made up of packages that can be downloaded and installed
The baseline port for a significant fraction of EOPs for this device, but not all. Details and level of function are a bit hazy, but it is capable of running programs. However, it may not be possible for it to remain permanently on the device, ie. it will have to be loaded on upon every restart.
https://elinux.org/Flameman/ipaq
http://math.bme.hu/~lackac/ipaq/linux-ipaq/Linux-iPAQ-HOWTO-1.1.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/s2oe7/how_do_i_boot_linux_on_a_pda_hp_ipaq/
MIPS-based WinCE devices
Operating Systems (various MIPS)
NetBSD
Because of the hardware platforms it supports, NetBSD/hpcmips is an ideal platform to use
Appears to be the most concise port for these devices. Many processors and machines are supported, to the point where listing them all individually would be pointless. Check the page for device specifics and information.
http://wiki.netbsd.org/ports/hpcmips/
https://web.archive.org/web/20180826055229/https://www.linux-mips.org/wiki/Clio
Palm OS devices
Operating Systems (various m68k)
uCLinux
This information is OLD… take w/ a grain of salt
Various ports of uCLinux to various Palm OS handhelds. Many support framebuffer, boot, and shell, while others fail in some capacity.
PC emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these computers is unknown; it must be looked into further. PCs without meaningful OSes are not included.
Amstrad CPCs – CaPriCE, CoPaCabana
https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Emulators
CHIP-8 – PalmChip8
https://web.archive.org/web/20060516001319/http://tc.palmgear.cn/soft/showsoft.asp?softid=44914
Phillips brand
Operating Systems (various MIPS)
Linux
Don't dream about completely replacing winCE with linux
Ported to various devices, such as the Velo 1. All ports appear to be dependent on the Windows CE subsystem, but they still will run on these devices.
https://web.archive.org/web/20180823065947/http://atrey.karlin.mff.cuni.cz/~pavel/velo/
https://web.archive.org/web/20050428193811/http://www.realitydiluted.com/projects/nino/
Planet Computers Gemini
Operating Systems (MediaTek MT6797P/X)
postmarketOS
The easiest way for now is to use the Flash Tool from official flashing guide
This device, being a modern take on the PDA (a phone without cellular and with a keyboard), understandably runs postmarket. Of course, with it’s keyboard and practical function not found in typical devices, it’s worth listing. Not everything runs perfectly, like the Wi-Fi.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Planet_Computers_Gemini_PDA_(planet-geminipda)
Popcorn Comp. PocketPC
Operating Systems (Allwinner A64)
postmarketOS
Similar to the PlanetComputers Gemini. It runs something, and it came out only in 2021. Details are minimal for now.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Popcorn_Computer_PocketPC_(popcorncomputer-pocketpc)
PSION EPOC32 series
Operating Systems (various, some ARM)
NetBSD
primarily the Series 5(CL PS-711x), Series 5mx(Windermere) and Series 7(StrongARM)
An experimental port that requires a custom executable meant for the OS, which appears to be available online. While the original EPOC OS for these devices is based off of an ancient Debian version, this NetBSD port is supported up to the most recent NetBSD version. Not all PSION devices are supported, and the touch screen + sound do not function yet.
http://wiki.netbsd.org/ports/epoc32/
https://www.reddit.com/r/NetBSD/comments/e3iuri/epoc32_loader/
SH3-based WinCE devices
Operating Systems (Super-H 3)
NetBSD
Many kinds of H/PC, H/PC Pro, and PsPC systems are supported by NetBSD/hpcsh
Similar to both the ARM and MIPS ports for WinCE PDAs, this NetBSD port is concise and supports a large group of PDAs with this architecture. More details are on the linked page.
Sharp Zaurus series
Operating Systems (Intel PXA27x ARM)
Classic Mac OS 0.x-7.5.5-8.1 (in Basilisk II ROM #?)
I have kept both bin files incase Basilisk II 1.0 breaks something that 0.9 ran
One of the most functional PC operating system emulators for the Zaurus. Confirmed to run OSes, thus it is given a separate listing.
https://web.archive.org/web/20030803023527/http://www.mmhart.com/macz.htm
Console emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these consoles is unknown; it must be looked into further. Consoles without meaningful OSes are not included.
https://web.archive.org/web/20070804034103/http://killefiz.de/zaurus/showapps.php?cat=15
Nintendo Entertainment System – InfoNES, ZNester
Super Nintendo Entertainment System – snes9x, snes9x SDL
Nintendo Game Boy (Color) – Qtopia Gnuboy, GameBoyZ, Zgnuboy
Sega Genesis – DGEN SDL
Emulation Nest
This device runs an operating system which is known to emulate various devices with EOPs. See the AmigaOS, NEC PC-9801 series, and Classic Mac OS pages.
NetBSD
SL-Axxx, SL-Bxxx, SL-5×00, and SL-6000 series are not supported
Still in existence, this port of NetBSD appears to support all SL-C Zaurus models, and no others. Most peripherals work, with a few hardware features non-working.
OpenBSD (to 6.0)
The OpenBSD/zaurus port was discontinued after the 6.0 release.
Stable, functional, with internet, X, touchscreen, and much more. One of the smaller SSH capable machines at the time of porting.
PC emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these computers is unknown; it must be looked into further. PCs without meaningful OSes are not included.
https://web.archive.org/web/20070804034103/http://killefiz.de/zaurus/showapps.php?cat=15 (atari 800z, bochs(2), castaway, frodo, c64 java, pc98, Qco, Zapple, Zjasper, ZJEMU, zTi, ZX4Za, xtrs)
https://web.archive.org/web/20030716210122/http://mmhart.com/zaurus_on_mmhartcom.htm (amiga, atari, commodore, x86, xtrs)
Amstrad CPCs - ZJEMU
Apple IIe - ZApple
Atari STs – Castaway 0.1
Atari 8-bits – Atari 400/800/XE, Atari800, Atari800Z
Commodore 64/128 – x64/128, Frodo, Java Emulator
Commodore Amigas – UAE
NEC PC-9801s – PC98 for Zaurus
Palm OS – Qcopilot
Sinclair ZX Spectrums – Zjasper, ZX4Zaurus
Tandy TRS-80s - XTRS
Texas Instruments 85 (calculator) - zTi85emu
x86 – Bochs (3 versions)
Sony CLIÉ series
Operating Systems (Dragonball m68k or ARM)
uCLinux
it uses Burr-Brown ADS7846 touch screen controller, but I do not know what ports
Successfully ran Microwindows (x11), with no touchscreen function (albeit possible). Some commercial offerings have been made in the past for this port.
Sourceparts Pocket PC
Operating Systems (Allwinner A64 / Cortex-A53)
postmarketOS
This is a handheld computer from the modern age that can run postmarketOS, alongside (presumably) a ton of other OSes. You just put it on the SD card and boot!
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Sourceparts_Pocket_P.C._(sourceparts-pocketpc)