[ltp] [Fwd: [Fwd: A linux driver for IBM TrackPoint devices (GPL)]]

[Bill Mair]

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Harald Milz wrote:

> > And for what it's worth, after a petition from over 800 individuals, IBM decided to
> > port their complete "VisualAge for Java" to Linux. They realized that there was a real
> > market for this product.
>
> Errr - this was part of the global IBM SWG strategy to release all products
> for Linux. IBM PSG is a different story.

Scott Stanchfield organized it. IBM said nothing is planned. IBM released a tech preview
with no promises, and added "You wanted it, lets see how many people really download
it". IBM released it with the 3.0 drop, product level. Obviously enough people downloaded
the tech preview.

I'm not sure of this but I think that it is also the only IBM "product" for the linux
desktop.
The rest are all either tech. previews, betas or server sided thingys.

> > IBM seems to think that there is a potential for Linux on the server market, but they
> > are also now seeming to wake up to the idea that Linux is also a desktop system.
>
> Yep - as you say a large customer's word and it's going to be done if (!)
> IBM Legal hasn't got other plans with MWave.

Only IBM can answer that one. Keith ?

Keith, is there any way of getting the specifications for the DSP ? I mean something
that doesn't require any rev. engineering and guess work as to the inner workings of the
MWave chip ?

> > No other response. Nothing. Nil. Zip. Zilch.
>
> QED... :-(

I know. I know.

> Ummm - I'd say if you can show where the money _actually_ lies IBM will
> move. Give them a large business opportunity and off it goes. 600 or 800
> Thinkpads (all of which have been sold already, and there are no new models
> with MWave!) will hardly move this tanker except maybe if the customer is
> Deutsche Bank or SAP.

Where's my phone book, I'll give Deutsche Bank and SAP a call tomorrow...

There are and probably will also be a large number of students purchasing old
systems. IBM won't make money on this true, but it will get people onto the brand.
I personally own three of them, 701cs, 760cd and my 770x. I just love the trackpoint
and the general quality of workmanship. With respect to HW they are really hard to
beat. Now if we could only get the hard core specifications for MWave then the
community could really move.

> The bad news is that MWave is dead from a development standpoint. It will
> be very hard to convince somebody that there is actually an opportunity on
> new placements. IBM Sales isn't incented on old iron.

The good news: The hardware that is using MWave isn't.
The bad news: The hardware that is using MWave isn't.

As I said above, the only realistic argument could be getting people onto the brand

> Keith, any info on what sound/modem hardware will be in the 775? The thingy
> will be presented @ CeBIT anyway so ... :-)

Now you should know that IBM never, ever, says anything before a product is officially
released.
(Keith, you CC me on the reply too though...)

Any way, its about time that IBM released an adequate successor to the 770, the 600 thingys
are
just too small for power hungry users. [DUCK & WEAVE] ;-)) (Just joking dear ltp600'ers)

Bill.

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