iPod Linux lock-out defeated (PC Pro)

Posted Sep 17, 2007 15:55 UTC (Mon) by xuxa (guest, #29601)
In reply to: iPod Linux lock-out defeated (PC Pro) by muwlgr
Parent article: iPod Linux lock-out defeated (PC Pro)

I totally agree that we should do our best to spend our money in line with our ideals. But don't be too hard on these hackers... there's good in what they do too.

Most people new to the free software movement come with locked devices. It's a fantastic thing when these new members' devices can be freed.

Reverse-engineering also empowers the reuse of older devices. There are now a lot of first and second-generation iPods that the latest-hottest-coolest-device-seeking consumer doesn't want anymore, but that can be put to good use as linux audio recorders, for example. To me, these redeployments of old hardware through reverse-engineered software are the very best, most revolutionary options -- all the freedom without so much of the consumption.

iPod Linux lock-out defeated (PC Pro)

Posted Sep 18, 2007 5:13 UTC (Tue) by muwlgr (guest, #35359) [Link]

To my mind, one thing is to port&boot, say, RockBox or Linux kernel on an iPod. That I would call a reverse engineering feat which as a result brings more liberty to everyone using (not everyone selling, though) the device.

And completely different thing is to bend along latest Apple's software changes. This is like bullet vs armour competition : one day you solve and defeat Apple's locking trick, next day Apple invents a new trick against you.

I would compare this news item we are commenting now with something like 'Hack OSX to make it boot on plain PC'.