Various questions concerning install on tablet pc
 

I've posted some threads about this tablet pc, a Hitachi Visionplate and haven't quite figured out what I need to do to get Midori linux replaced with something thats worthwhile. The bios only supports initial boot from a USB floppy or the internal hard drive, a CF card that can be a maximum size of 256 megs.

What I'm trying to figure out, is if I can install a boot loader, probably Grub, to the CF card, then put a USB drive in the port and have grub look for the usb drive for the actual operating system. I have a 4gb drive and that is definitely enough to make a system on that will work. Problem is, I don't know if I'm even on the right track. This would provide a certain amount of security as the system would not boot without the USB. Then, in turn, if I could install a boot loader on the external USB drive that would enable it to boot on my desktop, I could easily share files.

Any other ideas are welcome. I have four of them and plan to send one to a family member once I get somewhere. Thanks for the help!

I thought this would be a pretty straightforward question to someone who knows their stuff...