Can anyone suggest a Linux setup (VM Ware Player) to get me started on the mini2440. I am a visual studio 6 c++ / embedded vetran. My real question is can a linux setup compare to this eg breakpoints, call stack - all the debugging tools - not command line driven?
In my experience, no. I found it extremely tasking setting up the system using code sourcery g++ and the eclipse IDE, even though there is Qtopia, nothing I write using QTCreator just works, even after configuring it so. Maybe I'm being grouchy for no reason, but if I were you I'd continue sticking to eVC++/VS'05/VS'08 because of how easy it is to set up, and get productive quickly.
my targets are low volume and highly customized - i am trying to go down silverlight route so i can farm out the graphics as well
Well then, CE is the way to go.
As an addendum; There is however licensing to consider with CE. I don't know what the deal is with low volumes etc. I HAVE however seen some low volume (<50 units) devices use CE.