Michael Hall, of AllLinuxDevices, submitted this excerpt from his feature article about the new Linux-based Freepad and its Microwindows innards . . .

“Curious about the upcoming Linux-based Freepad? Though release dates haven't been specified, German company Dosch-Amand and Norwegian company ScreenMedia have released specifications for a wireless webpad. Opera Software is subcontracted to provide the browser component for the unit.”

“Weighing in at a scant 1.2 kg (2.6 pounds), the device will come in two models: one bearing a 10.4″ LCD, the other with a roomier 12.1″ display. The screen is touch-sensitive, and won't require a mouse or special stylus. A Cyrix Media GX processor will provide the processing power required to run embedded Linux OS.”

“At the moment, not much more is available than a homepage for the project with links to the companies involved and some pictures of prototypes of the unit. Regardless, though, of whether the unit ever sees the light of day (or retailers' shelves), it runs in part on the strength of Microwindows: a graphical environment already making big waves in the embedded community. If you're curious about the building blocks of an embedded Linux device, or just want a peek at how one works underneath the friendly interface, Microwindows is as good a place to start as any.”

“As with the W Window system utilized by the upcoming Yopy's development team, Microwindows provides a complete and embeddable programming solution. Members of the Linux developer community who take the time to examine this open source package (it's MPL'd, with provisions to convert a modified distribution to GPL if an adopter so chooses) get the chance to play with the building blocks we'll see appearing on more and more devices. It's a free ticket to the Linux invasion of the consumer market. “

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Microwindows: a Graphical Windowing system for Embedded Linux
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Enabling embedded Linux graphical applications
The Microwindows and NanoGUI Projects
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