VisorCentral.com - ARM, OS, Springboard

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VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- ARM, OS, Springboard (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=20943)

Posted by kgruscho on 01-20-2002 07:24 AM:

ARM, OS, Springboard

Visor product line is going to be phased or dragged out.

Treo will remain, there may be new product lines as well.

Namely, new processor platform and the potential for a non-palm OS are still out there.

I think one of the death sentences for the HS visor may be the StrongARM, the Springboard, as I understand that, is practically a direct bus to the processor. Could you make the springboard on the StrongARM without a bridge (such a a ISA PCI Bridge, or the old VLB bridges used to out VLB on the first pentiums)?

This is an honest question, I have no clue what the answer is.

KG

Posted by dkessler on 01-21-2002 06:01 PM:

Re: ARM, OS, Springboard

quote:
Originally posted by kgruscho
the Springboard, as I understand that, is practically a direct bus to the processor.

That is correct.

quote:
Could you make the springboard on the StrongARM without a bridge (such a a ISA PCI Bridge, or the old VLB bridges used to out VLB on the first pentiums)?

The hardware is actually less of an issue than the software. Keep in mind that most Springboard modules contain software and that software is native 68000 code. That means Springboard software on an ARM based PDA would have to run in some kind of a 68000 emulator. But since emulators typically don't give the code access to the physical hardware - which most Springboard software is going to need. It becomes a very messy problem.

However, I don't think you'll ever seen Handspring make the jump to ARM hardware and PalmOS 5+ (especially in light of the statements coming out of Handspring right now). Maybe if the Treo proves extremely successful you'll see an ARM based version with the latest OS, but such a device would be at least 18 months away and by then Sony/Ericsson will probably be playing that game and putting the squeeze on Handspring's communicator business.

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