Linux, a free open source operating system (OS) favored by network administrators and deep geeks worldwide, seems to be taking over the wired world. The latest waddling move by Tux the penguin (the penguin is the symbol/mascot of Linux) is towards the handheld market.

In May, Samsung plans on releasing a $400 handheld PDA called YOPY which runs the Linux OS. Like other devices running the Palm or WinCE operating systems, YOPY is small enough to fit comfortably into a suit pocket and light enough to carry with you anywhere. But what Samsung is putting into this little powerhouse is what distinguishes it from the rest of the crowd. The specs read like a high-end desktop PC of a few years ago: 32-bit 206MHz ARM RISC processor, 64 megs of RAM, a display that can support 65,536 colors and even play videos. Add to that voice recording, stereo MP3 playback, Web browsing and email through the high-speed infra-red port to your cell phone or through an optional wireless modem, GPS, TV tuner, or digital camera add-ons, and you have a little Penguin that can kick some serious butt.

On top of its sheer power, the YOPY is expected to have rechargeable Li-Ion batteries, a Compact Flash slot, a vibrating alarm, RS-232 and USB ports, and all of the organizer features of a typical handheld. On top of all this is the advantages that come with the OS. Linux is open source, meaning that the operating system is constantly being improved upon by droopy-eyed hackers working ‘round the clock in their parents’ basements. This distributed approach to software development has proven (despite what you might think) to actually produce better and more stable software. For the user, this means no more dumbed-down software that does half as much in twice the time as a desktop system. Instead, YOPY will sport an OS that will run all the best programs (read: Quake III) fast, be able to emulate either a WinCE or Palm OS devices, and run the most efficient, powerful and crash-less software being developed today.

A lot of early adopters of this device will likely be computer weenies looking for the street cred that will come from owning a Linux-powered handheld. But given the stunning track record and reliability of Linux software (and open source products in general), and the impressive feature set of the YOPY, we may all be carrying a penguin in our pocket before we know it.

Links: Samsung Home Page