linux/ELKS on hp 200lx

Oct 30, 2004 2 Replies

Rate this thread:

SteveT 21 years ago

I am able to aquire an hp 200lx and would like to run linux on it. I have googled the subject and found some mention of MINIX on the 200lx. Many of the pages desribed indepth hardware hacks that I would rather stay away from. I have also perused the ELKS page. My question is: Can anyone give me advice on how to run linux on a 200lx. My prefered method would perhaps use loadlin.exe or simular to start linux from dos, or if it is at all possible set autoexec.bat and sysconfig.sys to point to the linux kernel.

Thanks in advance Steve

Vote

Lewin A.R.W. Edwards 21 years ago

Essentially the answer to this is that you can't. The 200LX has an

80186 CPU. Normal Linux requires an MMU, and the lowest x86 CPU that includes an MMU is the i386.

If you want Linux in your pocket, by far the best route is to get a Linux PDA, e.g. either a Sharp Zaurus (preloaded with Linux by Sharp) or reflash a Compaq iPaq with ARM-Linux.

Vote

SteveT 21 years ago

ELKS is a special distribution for the 8086/80186.

formatting link

Thanks for these other options. I am still inclined towards the 200lx because it is a palmtop computer rather than a PDA.

Steve

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required