[lug] cell phones with linux

[siegfried]

What are the ramifications of having a linux cell phone? Does it mean that
(1) You have all the source code to the cell phone?
(2) You can alter and recompile any/all the source code and redeploy it to
your phone without permission of the manufacturer? (I heard stories about
how nokia/brew developers have to have special permission from nokia to
develop applications).
(3) You can subvert the pricing structure where the carrier charges double
or triple for data transfers (compared to voice) and develop wireless
embedded applications that transmit their status every 15 minutes.
(4) If the answer to #3 is yes, will linux cell phone become a favorite of
terrorists?
Thanks!
Siegfried


>Check out the openmoko http://www.openmoko.com/ released on july 4th.
>
>I ordered mine a week ago! It has built in wireless, bluetooth, usb,
>gps, linux kernel 2.6.24, etc ->
>http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/FreeRunner_Overview
>
>It works on gsm networks, I'm on t-mobile. The 850 is the north
>american phone. The 900 is for the rest of the world (sold out in
>openmoko shop). Both phones are $400. They are gearing these phones
>for the technically inclined, untill the project becomes more mature
>and then they will target the general consumer.
>
>If you like freedom and are sick of broken phones, this phone is for you:-)
>
>Jason
>
>
>On Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 11:01 AM, Matthew Beldyk <matt at beldyk.org> wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> My current phone is slowly dieing.  I was wondering if anyone had any
>> experience with syncing cellphones under linux.  I'm likely going to
>> purchase a phone at the ATT store (GSM) and renew my contract.  Does
>> anyone know of any new phones that work under linux (I want to be able
>> to copy photos, themes, ringtones, and contacts between the phone and
>> my computer).  I'm somewhat eyeing the iphone because the magic blue
>> smoke came out of my ipod a couple months ago, but I don't know if it
>> will talk to linux (ie. I can mount it with htfs and make amarok talk
>> to it).
>>
>> Anyhow, if anyone has any wisdom they'd like to share with me about
>> this, I would be grateful.
>>
>> -Matt
>>