Re: [PATCH] Direct /dev/psaux driver and relevant Kconfig changes

["E.Rodichev" <er@sai.msu.su>]

On Wed, 21 Apr 2004, Dmitry Torokhov wrote:

> The driver is not ready for kernel proper - it will not work for machines
> with active multiplexing controllers (4 AUX + KBD port) and these are quite
> common.

Dmitry,

I'd like to add some arguments for includind a compatibility /dev/psaux
driver into production 2.6.x series.

- you argue that the driver is not ready for kernel because it doesn't
support all hardware. But it is typical - every driver may work only for
some defined subset of hardware availiable. There are many drivers in
linux kernel now, which are specific for some notebooks and/or controllers.
IBM ThinkPad is rather wide-spead notebooks, and IMHO only this reason is
sufficient argument not to reject suggested compatibility driver.

- it will be very inconvenient for _many_ users to modify this patch for
every new release of 2.6.x kernels. I'm not going into several discussions
concerning new input level approach. It is a good thing, and the development
of new approach will be continued, but why we have to reject optional
compatibility solution?

- if this driver will be included in mainstream, it will be additional
challenge for many people to extend its hardware compatibility.

Best wishes,
E.R.
_________________________________________________________________________
Evgeny Rodichev                          Sternberg Astronomical Institute
email: er@sai.msu.su                              Moscow State University
Phone: 007 (095) 939 2383
Fax:   007 (095) 932 8841                       http://www.sai.msu.su/~er