Is there a good PDA / Palmtop that runs (or can run) Linux, has a Compact Flash slot as well as WiFi (preferably internal)?

There are plenty of devices that have a mixture of the above, but I really need something that has all of those features.

The Zaurus meets all those specs, but the WiFi takes up the CF slot, so that may not be what you want.

That was one of the ones I was talking about that almost has all of the features.

I have a 5500 sitting here that is perfect, and works just fine, aside from the fact that I can't have the CF barcode scanner and CF WiFi card in it at the same time.

How about the American Microsystems M7100, which has builtin 802.11b and a builtin scanner?

That would definitely work, although the ~ $2k price might scare my boss. A fairly small laptop/tablet PC could be had for that price. I'm trying to find something that is smaller than a laptop, but still has all the features and is ~ $1k or so. Think that's asking too much?

I'm using a zaurus (SL-C700), wireless networking *and* keeping my CF slot open. How? There are actually 3 IO ports on the Zaurus, the CF slot, the SD slot and the zaurus connector, which contains USB-client, serial and power connections. There's a product called AirCable which is a serial port to Bluetooth bridge, that snaps right onto the zaurus connector. So, with the zaurus, the aircable and a T610, I've got wireless (but slow) internet access, anywhere the phone can get a GPRS connection.

http://www.aircable.net/

-brendan

Bluetooth != WiFi (802.11)

Interesting, but not exactly what I'm looking for. If there was a device that plugged into the connector and provided a PS/2 or USB port I'd be set.

> Bluetooth != WiFi (802.11)
True, but it works for me.

> If there was a device that plugged into the connector and provided a PS/2 or USB port I'd be set.

What are you planning to connect to it?

-brendan

A barcode scanner.

I know it's not Linux but I've got a project on in work at the moment - I'm going to be using a Palm based PDA. The one I'm using is a Tungsten C (or it could be W - I always get them mixed up) it's got WiFi built in and an SDIO slot which a barcode scanner from www.socketcom.com should fit into nicely, as soon as it's available!

I take it you've already seen their products though?

Yep, actually, I have the barcode scanner from them. It works great with the Zaurus, but the problem is having both the barcode scanner AND WiFi at the same time. The whole point of this is to be able to walk around and use it to do inventory counts, etc live into the database.

if linux is not a hard requirement, then the Symbol SPT 1800 looks to be exactly what you need. i think there are other manufacturers in the same product space, with choices of pocketpc models, too.

don't underestimate the importance of a ruggedized unit for use in a warehouse environment. something like a tungsten c/w/e is not built to handle a drop on a concrete floor, and it wouldn't last very long in the hands of a typical warehouse worker.

disclaimer: my dad is a reseller/integrator of symbol products (and some competing lines), and his firm works with applications like this all the time. i've even written some custom code for some of their clients who lacked in-house development.

good luck,
--dan.

Yep, we use those (and other Symbol models) in our warehouse.

This won't be for a warehouse environment, it'll be in-store. I've tried to push the idea of using these in other areas as it would make support and maintenance that much easier, but they seem to want to go with something different and I haven't really heard a straight answer as to why. My guess is cost.

This might interest you:

ISTR you can install linux on an IPaq.

EDIT: oops...it has SD not CF...sorry. I suppose it could be paired with this SDIO barcode reader