iphone linux?

[eddie]

http://hackaday.com/2008/11/28/iphone-linux/

[Patrick]

What's the point? Apple doesn't want you to run non Apple sanctioned software on THEIR hardware. Yeah Linux will run on practically ANYTHING. Big surprise. Don't support closed companies like Apple. Instead support companies that get F/OSS and what it means to be supportive of community efforts. Don't buy iPods, iPhones, Zunes, Xboxs or Macbooks. Vote with your money.

[Claudio]

What's the point? Apple doesn't want you to run non Apple sanctioned software on THEIR hardware. Yeah Linux will run on practically ANYTHING. Big surprise. Don't support closed companies like Apple. Instead support companies that get F/OSS and what it means to be supportive of community efforts. Don't buy iPods, iPhones, Zunes, Xboxs or Macbooks. Vote with your money.

But why not? If people have a reason to install GNU/Linux on something, why not do it? Consider that people that are doing stuff like this with the iPhone are the same kinds of people that helped put GNU/Linux where it is today. Their hacker mentality is the reason why GNU/Linux can run on Sun hardware, Apple hardware (68K and PPC), and even gaming consoles. If it can bring another level of usefulness to a particular device, why not go for it?

Sure, currently that project doesn't have a practical purpose as its purely proof of concept at this point. But I think it's quite a breakthrough that this was even possible, considering the locks that Apple had placed on these newer iPods and iPhones. Where would something like RockBox be if people didn't attempt stuff like this even with closed hardware? It's projects like this that highlight the versatility of GNU and the Linux kernel when people think outside of the box.

[eddie]

I tend to agree. Everyone thought the world was flat once, Chris decided to go against all odds to prove that different. Not so long ago if Linus had just boycotted pc hardware instead of making his own os, we would not be where we are today. It is a double edge sword. Having a rudimentary linux on the ipods show that there are alternative options. The developers of ipod linux are just cracking a few eggs to make an omelet. I am in general not for acquiring closed systems, but if someone has the discretionary income to purchase such items to further the open source cause then more power to them. I would prefer to boycott the Novell who is allegedly truly misusing open source to make it proprietary. I no longer support lindependence as it is now. Just wait and see. Microsoft interoperability is for computer wimps.