It’s great to see Linux running on a device in a way that was never intended. [tangrs] has successfully run a Linux kernel on the ARM based Nspire CAS CX graphing calculator. He’s developed an in-place bootloader that allows a kernel to be loaded from within the stock Nspire OS. It also allows for peeking and poking at memory for debugging.
[tangrs] also managed to get USB host mode working on the calculator. This allows for a USB keyboard and Wifi dongle to be connected. At this point, the calculator can connect to the internet and browse using a text-based browser: Links. The calculator runs a SSH server for remote access, and graphical browsing is in the works.
It looks like this calculator is on the way to being a handheld Linux device. All of the source for the kernel and bootloader are available on [tangrs]‘s Github and updates on his blog. After the break, check out a video of text-based browsing using a full keyboard.
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Really, wow…
Now, is TI going to get angry about this, or get behind it?
Let me put it this way: the only reason people still buy those is because they are locked down and lack wireless.
Exactly, they only sell because they are “unmodifiable” so can be permitted on exams.
and now runa Nspire CAS CX Calculator emulator just for fun
I would buy one, put this linux port on it, and sit in my class using it to type notes XD
You can already type notes on it by default, it even has an equation editor in notes and a file structure and my documents folder. I think there’s even an external keyboard you can get for it.
Isn’t the text browser called Lynx?
There’s links and links2, which support things like tables that lynx doesn’t.
Links2 even has svgalib and X graphical render modes.
lynx, links and links2 are all browsers!
And don’t forget ELinks and Linkx!
I have one of those TI Nspire CX CAS! Great to hear those News!
I like playing those old NES and GBC games with the GBC and NES emulators for the nSpire (with nDless).
Woukld be great if they could get all those calculating stuff back and it would be a perfect handheld PC!
so, when will x be ported?
it’s done! these guys deliver without a fail!
Let’s wait until these calculators get bluetooth or wifi.
There is actually a wifi dongle plugged into the Nspire :)
first a linux powered desk phone and now calculator? i like where this is going! linux on everything!
The phone had a native linux image on it (not a good one), this did not, and to be honest you already could put Linux on everything, sometimes it just takes magic fingers(programming). Also, even though I’m a Linux advocate, Linux would not be suitable for everything.
Can you run applications on that?
If so I am going to install linux and minecraft on my calculator so I can use this graphing calculator
I want it to run Octave!
or maxima
Is it possible to get this to work on the normal (b/w) nspire?
I have the CX (non-CAS). Can I use Linux, or do I need to buy another $150 calculator?
Yes, the CAS doesn’t matter.
OK, now grab the internal code and write an Nspire emulator, running on a TI Beaglebone via a Web interface.
can you install the cas on a regular cx?
This is an amazing project. I plan on using low memory apps in it :)
Minecraft isn’t low memory, kids :)
Actually, yes it is. :3