Box of Unused VisionPlate Tablets - Help with OS

I bought a box of 16 unused brand new condition Hitachi VisionPlate tablets. They have no OS installed on them. I have been able to install Puppy Linux on a couple of them and get X working and WiFi internet. Have been unable to get the touchscreen to work. I have a usb keyboard and mouse connected to operate the tablet.

I have found threads on this forum from 2008 and 2009 describing some work being done to operate these tablets, but nothing that provides a true solution to getting the touchscreen operational.

This is a 2001 tablet with very limited drive space and RAM. It supposedly can run embedded Windows XP or Linux (some where shipped with Midori Linux OS).

I would like to get these tablets operational as a web browsing device, reader, email, and all around novelty item.

Here are some of the specs:

• Processor: Transmeta Crusoe Processor - 400MHz

• Memory: 64MB

• Storage: 128MB Compact Flash

• Display: 10.4 in. TFT 800 x 600 SVGA or 1024 x 768 XGA

• Video: SMI SM712 with integrated 2MB VRAM for 800x600 SVGA;4MB VRAM for 1024x768 XGA

• Audio: Sound Blaster Pro 3.01, 16-bit PCM sound source

• Wireless Communications: Samsung wireless Wi-Fi 802.11b

• I/O Ports: USB (2), PCMCIA Type II (1), MiniPCI Type III (1)

• Operating System: Designed to use Embedded Linux or Microsoft Windows XPe. Currently running Puppy Linux 4.00

• Size: 11.6 in. x 8.8 in x 1.3 in. (294 mm x 223 mm x 34 mm)

• Weight: 2.8 lbs.

• Regulatory: FCC class B, UL, VCCI, CE

• Interoperability: Wireless LAN ready, thin client connectivity

• Power: High-performance rechargeable lithium ion battery. Standard: 2-3 hours, Long Life: 5-6 hours

• Supports USB keyboard and mouse

• Has touchscreen capability and built in stylus storage

Below are a couple of links to VisionPlate information (most are from 10 to 20 years ago):

http://visionplate.blogspot.com/

http://linuxdevices.linuxgizmos.com/...reless-tablet/

http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/6793

https://www.scribd.com/document/9845...e-R2-Datasheet

https://archive.li/yYegJ

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Seeing as you lack an OS, have you considered the various Android options (Cyanogenmod, etc.)where you will probably find hardware support?

I have not considered the Android option. Do you have any suggestions as to which version will work with the Transmeta processor and such minuscule drive space and RAM?

The transmits CPU is an issue. But it was for mobiles, and you may find a compiler for it. probably the ideal would be a development system for Transmits Very Long Instruction Word code, but they did an x86 code interpreter.


Either you'll find an x86 code OS the Transmeta translator, & with drivers that matter, or you won't. Don't omit Android from the search, or the various mods. At least some versions of GCC support the Transmeta so a 'from source's distro is possible. You have considerable technical obstacles ahead whatever way you go, and bulk sale online was not a bad option for whoever you bought them off. That's an indication someone else has tried & failed. it's always an option for you also.