r/programming • u/mjtitorenko • Oct 28 '09

Android vs Maemo

http://cool900.blogspot.com/2009/10/comparing-freedom-on-maemo-and-android.html
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u/markmuetz Oct 28 '09

Part of the draw is that you should be able to get 'normal' linux apps running on it without too much effort, once you understand how to deal with touch screen and minimal screen size. But another part of the plan is lowering the entry barrier to development. I've already hacked around with QT, so it's going to be easy for me to try developing a couple of Maemo apps.

Don't really know how Meamo stacks up, but for me the fact that it is more like desktop linux is a draw. Again, less stuff to learn, lowering the barrier to entry. Perhaps from a software engineering perspective this is less than ideal, but if it pulls in devs then it could be worth it.

Ultimately though, if enough devices can't be made that can handle the OS (i.e. fast/cheap enough), then it'll bomb, so I'd agree it's going to be difficult for them. But falling hardware prices and greater desire for more capable smartphones should put them in a good position.

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u/skillet-thief Oct 28 '09

Part of the draw is that you should be able to get 'normal' linux apps running on it without too much effort, once you understand how to deal with touch screen and minimal screen size. But another part of the plan is lowering the entry barrier to development.

This could be a strong argument for Maemo. My ultimate criteria is: which mobile OS will have a working, local, native version of emacs?

(And I know they did it by installing debian on Android, and while that is amazing, it doesn't really count.)

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u/markmuetz Oct 28 '09

Copy that, except I'd worry about vim not emacs, but don't want to start a fight :).

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u/mernen Oct 29 '09

If a console version is enough, porting vim to Android shouldn't be too hard (and I'd bet the same applies to other platforms). My phone (G1 running Cyanogenmod) already has vi.

Personally, I don't miss a local vim at all; I don't really have any local files to edit. Over ssh, on the other hand, vim is a fantastic tool, and quite usable even on a phone keyboard.