Embedded OS Recomendation?

[andyjz]

I am doing a proposal for a wireless video device to be used in NFL sports arena's. People would be able to rent them at the beginning of a game and then see instant replays throughout the game and oder consessions or souviner's right from their seat. The proposal is for a class project and is for a unit like the one already made my Scanz Communications. (www.microsoft.com/resources/casestudies/CaseStudy.asp?CaseStudyID=12141). I need to recoment an Embedded OS to the Class tomorrow and I am not a software guy. I have tried to read up on windows CE and Windows NT embedded and others like ConiX, LynxOS and Newton. We need to write the proposal for 500 units so cost is the biggest issue. We aren't actually making this thing so I just need to recomend one and tell why I recommend it and why the others are not recommended. Can anyone tell me which is best or good and why? -Thanks

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

Take a look at QNX.

 

[Nothinman]

I would recommend Linux because you'll have the source, it'll be simple to fix anything that isn't working or do your own drivers. I would avoid WinCE or XP Embedded because of licensing fees and the lack of source code (and if you do get it, I'm sure it costs more). I have no idea what license QNX is under.

 

[lowtech1]

My first thought was QNX, because it is very small & tight. But, Linux is the best way to go because of the excellent support & is opensource.

Today most CPU have more than enought power to run almost any OS software that we throw at it, and Linux work perfectly with the inexpensive disk-on-chip solidstate type memory. You can get as much as 1 GB on DIP that is bout the same size as your copmuter CMOS. Over a year ago I was working with 128meg disk-on-chip DIP that cost about $32.00 each.

There isn't much point making your own palm size device, because I was looking into doing it a year ago & it would cost about $700.00 for each compleate unit. While one could just purchase second hand ready made device at 1/3 that price & just reformat & install one desirer OS. One of my pet project is looking at way to turn cheap ready made pocket PC device into thin client that drive full size monitor. (imagin a silence & tiny computer that can be hiden under neath the monitor that could be quickly swap out for another in no time)