Just Wondering

[RandyJCB]

Hey all, I am looking into some things right now and was wondering how difficult it would be to put together an OS based on linux (but with a specialized interface) for a handheld device. (Like how long it would take for a few people)

These are the components of the device I'm envisioning:

• touch-screen (basically because i don't want a keyboard)
• wi-fi
• USB connectivity (to USB drives and computers only)
• small speakers and a mic
• headphone jack as an option
• battery (obviously)
• microSD card slot

I know that the above would need a few adjustments to say the least, code-wise I would imagine I'd need specialized code for the on-screen keyboard, the USB connectivity, and the battery meter; not to mention drivers (which should be decently easy to get ahold of anyway)

Anyways what do you think? Is this at least reasonably possible for me and/or some other people to put together?
(It's not about having something like that, I know there are such devices for sale but I want to build my own [maybe a few])

[GNU-Fan]

There are some projects like this. And a couple seems to be successful, too. For example, there is a handheld gaming console that can't serve the orders fast enough.
Pandora (console - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)


This seems to be biggest obstacle in this market: All parts need to arrive in time so you can deliver as promised. But sometimes your suppliers goes out of business, whatever. To manage around these "business" problems could be a bigger problem than the actual technical problems.

The good thing is that your customers seem to be more patient with you when the product is developed closely to the community. The Pandora people can also sell the boxes for a good profit, because noone else sells in that rather small market of Linux fans.

Just make sure you don't aim for the mainstream market where the big fishes will have you for breakfast.


EDIT: If you are not so much concerned about the hardware and are looking only for fitting software, look for OpenMoko and Android.