Hoyt wrote: > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Jeremy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Friday, March 17, 2000 7:47 PM > Subject: Re: [expert] Unconnected at any price (The PIA ~ The Corvair) > > > Civileme wrote: > > > > > RAM and a 2G or larger HDD. And the Price tag was an astounding $199. > > > > There is this saying, "You get what you pay for" > > > > This is a prime example of it. > > > > My video card alone was 3/4 of this price. > > > > I think I would be wary of any computer at this price, unless it was > > pre-owned. > > > > Well, then look at http://www.linux-hacker.net/iopener/ > for a $99 computer. > ] = quoted from http://www.linux-hacker.net/iopener/ ] What's inside of the I-Opener: ] CPU------WINChip C6 180MHz not too powerful, but I didn't expect a PIII! This is basically a pentium. ] MEM------32MB Dram (SODIMM) upgradable to 64mb max, if you replace the memory stick ] Storage--16MB Sandisk Flash On Board At least it has an onboard IDE controller so you can add that 2.5" laptop drive, and the custom bracket you'll create. To add this you have to cut the heatsink so you can access the controller. And you must MAKE YOUR OWN IDE CABLE (in faq) thats not something I'd look forward to. Oh I guess you can have some guy make one for you for $20 I don't know if the IDE controller supports a second drive so you can add a CD. You could get a parallel port CD-ROM. There is NO floppy, and apparently no controller for one. They the best way to install the OS onto the hard drive is on another machine. ] Display--10" color lcd 800x600 16bpp / Cyberblade i7 Video Chip UMA XF86Config This is the most impressive thing here. Bit small though. I was expecting a RF modulator to be honest. ] Sound----Yamaha YMF715 Stereo Speakers I Used The OSS Drivers $20.00 ] Modem----56k internal modem on Com1 not a softmodem 8) ` I was suprised its not a softmodem ]Keyboard-Net KB with built in mouse PS/2 Comp. No ESC KEY 8( ]See below hot to make a cable to use a standard PS/2 kb and mouse Yeah, that keyboard looks like it leaves alot to be desired. And no escape key? I think you'll need the PS/2 keyboard, mouse and the time to fabricate a cable. ]Printer Port--Standard LPT Port ]USB--1 Usb Port ]To get in setup use control+alt+esc I bet thats fun to do since it DOESNT COME WITH AN ESCAPE KEY. Ok, so to use one of these as a desktop you're gonna need to pimp it out a bit. This will require additional costs, here are some approximations: I-Opener $99 1st month internet $22 required, then you can cancel 8-10 gig 2.5" HD $200 lp port cd $100 can this be used w/ linux yet? cable (premade) $20 64mb memory replacement $80 guess, not familiar w/ this kind real keyboard $15 real mouse $15 Mandrake 7.0 Powerpack $50 of course! Total $600 and it still has a weak processor, no floppy, and no expansion. I'll admit this is impressive for $99, especially when compared to a WebTV. It comes with a unix-like OS too, maybe this could be turned into a cheap X terminal running that or a stripped down linux with the 16mb flash only. But 16mb isn't much space! It's obvious that this company is expecting to make their profits with the internet service @ $22/month. This is similar to how game consoles are so cheap because they make money off the games. ~Jeremy
