Unlocking Linux on the Zipit Z2, a $50 hacktop
Submitted by Darren Kitchen on December 14, 2009 – 2:25 am11 Comments
The Zipit Z2 is an inexpensive wireless handheld instant messaging device by Zipit Wireless. It sports WiFi, a color 320×240 display, backlit keyboard and similar CPU and memory to that of a last-gen smart phone.
It’s also a prime candidate for some hacking. In this segment we’ll unlock the device and install Debian, X, and Pidgin. The Z2 also has potential for emulators, video streaming and more.
Rather than repeat what has already been well documented we’ll link to these helpful Zipit Z2 hacking resources:
- Hunter David’s blog – A bunch of well documented ZipIt hacks, many with videos
- The Zipit Wireless Yahoo Group
- Quantum Lime’s step by step Zipit Z2 Debian guide
Once again, fantastic episode! thanks!
I hate to be the spelling police, but the hacker mentioned in the first link below the video is in fact named Hunter Davis, not David. Otherwise, great show as usual (although I admit I didn’t watch all the segments – it was 3am.) I know what I’m asking for for Christmas
Also, I like the new player – I haven’t watched Hak5 in a while, so it’s probably not new, but it’s still good.
Merry Christmas/Happy Hackidays!
hey i just bought a z2 and now im doing it
epic level win got pidgin workin and im writing a python packet sniffer
You handed her a Yuengling Lager? That is awesome, I’m in Pa right outside Allentown, visited their brewery a few times. Great show, you guys have me hooked.
Keep up the great work!!
will this work if I use a 4gb micro sd? (igot the adatpter)
Alright… Yeungling!
if it just had a camera and microphone that would be the best hacking candidate in the world alot like a smartphone but just connect anywhere with a decent connection im sure some people will find out some great hacks for that
I see a lot of new zipits are called the Z2A, does this work on the newer ones also?
A question from the Linux-ignorant. Hunter Davis’ tutorial re: installing Debian on Zipit at http://hunterdavis.com/archives/227
Is very clear. Confusion arises, how ever at Quantumlimes site at
http://quantumlime.com/zipit. Quantum states that Aliosa’s keymap.map file will be needed, Hunter Davis does not mention that. Moreover, I’ve been unable to locate that file, which I assume is a binary? Questions: I know that key mapping has been an issue, not sure how it has been resolved. Can someone help me out here? At the least, can someone point me to the keymap.map file.
TIA
Greybeard
Best scene was Darren talking German,awesome. And By the way “Abrechen” means “Cancel”