A Gentoo-based Linux distribution for Via Epia mini-ITX boards may create an edition specifically for Via-based UMPCs (ultra-mobile PCs), according to an interview with EpiOS project leader Sascha Pallenberg. The EpiOS project plans to add developers, and collaboration with Boston-area hardware startup TipTouch, according to an interview at CarryPad.

EpiOS is a hardware-specific Linux distribution for Via Epia boards. It is based on Gentoo and KDE, and aims to support traditionally problematic Via processor features, such as hardware MPEG and cryptography acceleration, “out-of-the-box.” For example, the project relies on software from the OpenChrome project, in order to support Via's advanced graphics features.

In his interview at CarryPad, Pallenberg says he expects Linux to work better than Windows on some UMPCs, because unlike Windows, Linux can be trimmed down to support specific device capabilities. He notes that Linux drivers for many UMPC hardware features — including touchscreens, biometric fingerprint readers, and touchscreen drivers — are already readily available. Other drivers, for example Logitech webcams, are more problematic.

In time, Pallenberg thinks UMPCs will be best supported under Linux by hardware-specific distributions. He says EpiOS may create a “UMPC edition,” possibly in cooperation with TipTouch, a Boston-area startup founded by a Dutch hardware developer.

Find out more in the complete CarryPad interview, here.

Via chips targeting UMPCs include the integrated Vx700 chipset and ULV C7-M processor, as well as the lower-powered CoreFusion chips.

 
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