A list of platforms (computers, devices) that we find interesting as potential target for HelenOS. The devices which are open or at least Linux-based, should be reasonably hackable. Many believe that we should primarily focus state-of-the-art platforms instead of porting HelenOS to interesting ancient machines. However, supporting ancient machines, if time permits, can be used to demonstrate solid software design and openness.
Device class | Media box / mini-PC
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Dimensions (w x h x d) | 181 mm x 145 mm x 37 mm
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Weight (incl. batt) | 780 g
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Hackability | Linux-based
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CPU | 800 - 900 MHz Loongson 2F (MIPS64 architecture(1))
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Availability | Available from some distributors
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Approx. price | 200 EUR (excl. VAT)
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Device class | Handheld game console
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Dimensions (w x h x d) | 121 mm x 61 mm x 18 mm
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Weight (incl. batt) | 136 g
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Hackability | Linux-based
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CPU | 533 MHz MagicEyes Pollux SoC (ARM926TEJ-S, ARMv5 architecture)
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Availability | Readily available from distributors worldwide (even CZ)
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Input | D-pad, action buttons, touch screen
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Approx. price | 3,600 CZK (incl. VAT)
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Device class | Handheld game console / PC
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Dimensions (w x h x d) | 140 mm x 83 mm x 28 mm
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Weight (incl. batt) | 335 g
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Hackability | Linux-based, community-based, but no schematics readily available
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CPU | 600 MHz OMAP3530 (Cortex-A8, ARMv7-A architecture)
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Availability | Difficult to obtain - long waiting time a.t.m. from official site
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Input | Keyboard, d-pad, action buttons, nubs, touch screen
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Approx. price | 330 EUR (incl. VAT, excl. accessories)
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Device class | PC
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Dimensions (w x h x d) | 426 mm x 430 mm x 173 mm
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Weight | 8.4 kg
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Hackability | supported by Linux
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CPU | 1.8-2.0 GHz IBM PowerPC G5/970FX (PowerPC64 architecture(2)))
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Availability | no longer in production, only from second-hand sellers
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Input | USB keyboard and mouse
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Approx. price | 50 - 100 EUR (eBay)
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Device class | Workstation
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Dimensions (w x h x d) | 280 mm x 413 mm x 337 mm
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Weight | 24.3 kg
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Hackability | partially supported by OpenBSD
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CPU | 2x 250 MHz MIPS R10000 (MIPS64 architecture(1))
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Availability | no longer in production, only from second-hand sellers
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Input | PS/2 keyboard and mouse
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Approx. price | 50 - 100 EUR (eBay)
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Device class | Game console
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Dimensions (w x h x d) | 230 mm x 28 mm x 152 mm
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Weight | 900 g
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Hackability | partially supported by Linux (heavily modified 2.4 kernel), universal bootloader in development
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CPU | 200 MHz Emotion Engine (MIPS64 architecture(1))
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Availability | Readily available from distributors worldwide (even CZ)
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Input | USB keyboard and mouse
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Approx. price | 2,500 CZK (incl. VAT)
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Device class | Game console
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Dimensions (w x h x d) | 325 mm x 97 mm x 274 mm
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Weight | 5 kg
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Hackability | supported by Linux (up to the 3rd generation and firmware 3.20)
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CPU | 3 GHz Cell (PowerPC64 architecture(2))
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Availability | 3rd generation no longer in production, only from second-hand sellers
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Input | USB keyboard and mouse
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Approx. price | 200 - 300 EUR (eBay)
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(1) Uses MIPS64 architecture which is currently not supported by HelenOS.
(2) Uses PowerPC64 architecture which is currently not supported by HelenOS.