ibook G4 post-july 2004 model

[volvoguy]

On 10/15/05, Michael Moore <stuporglue at gmail.com> wrote:

> I don't know that Apple would bother publishing specs even if they
> could, but I'd put money on them not being able to due to them not
> being theirs, but Broadcom's. Apple may not be very helpfull in this
> case, but Broadcom is the real culprit.

Actually, I emailed Broadcom about it (whom I realize could just be
passing the buck), and they had this to say about it:

"Broadcom is currently evaluating our support strategy for Linux
users. As the chipset supplier, Broadcom provides Linux support to our
customers - the manufacturers of wireless devices - that ultimately
provide products to end customers, such as wireless LAN vendors, cable
modem vendors, and notebook providers. It is up to these manufacturers
to provide Linux client support to their end customers. Broadcom does
not make a Linux client version available for end users at this time,
however this may change in the future. In the meantime, please contact
the manufacturer of your wireless device for Linux drivers. Linux
support for certain products may also be available from Linuxant, and
third party provider at http://www.linuxant.com/driverloader/"

Indeed, they talk about linux support quite a bit on their website
quite a bit. Still, it seems as though they might be able to provide
some information about the chipset to open-source driver hackers
unless this particular chip is unique to Apple and they've agreed not
to. That doesn't seem to be the case though based on this site's info:

http://bcm43xx.berlios.de/

So it's hard to know who to point the finger at. Personally, I suggest
that the technically inclined also email Broadcom if they know what
specific information is needed. My email was more of a "please help
us, you'd be a hero of lots of people if a linux driver could be made
for this chipset.".  Since they're "evaluating" right now, lots of
nice friendly letters could go a long way toward making it a good PR
move for them to help. :o)

Just my $.02

--
Aaron

Ubuntu SVG Artwork - http://www.volvoguy.net/ubuntu
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere. ~ G.K. Chesterton