Maemo's 2.2 SDK (they are at version 4.0 but since I am running OS2006 on the 770, I have to use an earlier version of the SDK) seems very well thought out. I installed both ARM and i386 versions of the SDK and pretty quickly compiled a "Hello World" type of app that runs in the i386 environment.

Next steps:

-- Get something similar to hello world building on ARM, package it up, and install and run it on the 770.
-- Figure out how symbolic (e.g., gdb) debugging is done in the i386 environment
-- Download Mozilla's Mobile browser (wiki.mozilla.org/Mobile) and see if I can get it to build and run on the 770.

Recently, I sold all of my Zaurus on e-bay, with the exception of my well-used C-3100, and the SL-6000. I decided that if Sharp isn't developing the device, there is little point in maintaining interest. I kept the two above mentioned devices simply because 5 or 10 years from now, I am sure they will be fun to pull off out of the closet and play with them.

To fill the void, I bought an iPhone, 8GB model, the very day they went on sale. I also have in my possession a Nokia 770, and 800. All of these devices to me are potential paradigm changers.

The iPhone is full of potential, and has proven to be a very capable device. I am very excited about the developer SDK that will presumably be available in Feb 2008.

Nokia attracts me because of its support for developers, and its environment based on Gtk+. And my belief is that Internet tablets are going to fill a very important role sandwiched between mobile phones, and laptops. I did a weekend trip to Idaho a few weeks back for some fishing, and my Nokia 770 was all I needed to keep me connected (e-mail, web, IM). Of course, I brought along the iPhone as well. If the 770 could place calls...

Mobile is such an open field, especially with the possibility of more open access to the internet. It seems unlikely that I won't somehow get involved. So, time to crack open the Nokia device, and look at writing code for it. And when Feb comes around, you can be sure I will be looking hard at Apple's SDK.

And in the meantime, I am going to think about what the killer app is going to be. It surely isn't going to be a traditional desktop app. It has to be something that makes people more useful in the real world, unchained, environment. Like GPS navigation. So many possibilities, and both platforms are so young that it is anyone's game at this point.