I’m exploring the possibility of running NetBSD directly on Palm OS devices, particularly early models like the Palm III and similar hardware that utilize the Motorola DragonBall processors (68EZ328), which are m68k-based but lack an MMU. I understand that NetBSD typically requires an MMU, yet I’ve noticed successful experimental builds of uClinux running on these Palm devices, accessible through PalmDB’s uClinux page.
Given that uClinux has proven viable on these devices by adapting to MMU-less architecture constraints, I’m curious if there’s room for an equivalent NetBSD approach or a minimized implementation that might allow basic functionality on Palm’s DragonBall-based systems. While I recognize there would be limitations, perhaps leveraging uClinux’s approaches (especially around memory management and low-level IO) could inform a potential NetBSD configuration or modification.
Is there any known precedent or theoretical pathway within NetBSD for adapting the system to run on MMU-less m68k processors like the DragonBall? Any insights on kernel configurations, memory management workarounds, or community projects aimed at adapting NetBSD for similar hardware would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, and looking forward to any thoughts or guidance on this.
Best regards,
Eric