I think people are being very negative here...
I'm prettu sure it's not very difficult to run another OS from the Empeg Hardware.

What you will need:
- A system that supports the Strongarm SA-1100, mem etc
- A driver for the IDE disks
- A driver for the serial port

- Knowledge on how to install your kernel

That should be enough. You could from there work your way through developing drivers for all the other hardware...

(Actually, you probably don't need the IDE driver either, if you develop your own OS that can reside in the flash space designed to hold the kernel)

There exists coding examples on how to use the screen without any (linux) kernel changes, (I think) I do not know how difficult it is to use the front-panel buttons, but the code is open.

But... Two points I agree on:
1) This should probably not be your first attempt at embedded programming.
2) I can see no reason whatsoever to use another OS than linux. It is much more "hacker friendly" and much more "installer friendly" than anything you could come up with yourself.

PS. Also remember that the empeg (I assume) does not have a BIOS the same way as a normal x86 PC, so writing a "stand alone kernel" is more work.

Marius (Escort Cab + 2CV)