After a very long absence I've a huge number of ALUG items to look through, so now I'm back online (c/o a Vodafone broadbean dongle) I'll be going through the backlog of more than two years and maybe asking questions which have been covered before if they come up before I get to their discussion.
The first of these questions is, has anyone written a script to drop into Linux of any flavour to allow it and the aforementioned Vodafone dongle to talk to each other?
I have an Asus Eee, and am not overly chuffed with their dumbed-down version of Linux - 'My Network Places', 'My Computer', 'My this, that and the other'. Yeeuch! And MSN? I ask you!
And the book of destructions states that 'Removing the pre-installed software is not allowed'
Hmmm. We shall see about _THAT_!
I shall be investigating the specially developed version of Ubantu, and a script that will mate that with Vodafone would be most useful innit.
2008/5/13 Anthony Anson tony.anson@zetnet.co.uk:
After a very long absence I've a huge number of ALUG items to look through, so now I'm back online (c/o a Vodafone broadbean dongle) I'll be going through the backlog of more than two years and maybe asking questions which have been covered before if they come up before I get to their discussion.
The first of these questions is, has anyone written a script to drop into Linux of any flavour to allow it and the aforementioned Vodafone dongle to talk to each other?
Vodaphone have a python GUI to do just that. I can't remember the url off the top of my head but googling should find it. I'm actually using it under debian on my EeePC with the same dongle but supplied by 3.
I think the only real magic is a program supplied with the script which somehow coaxes the device to show it's usb serial devices. The rest of the script just sets up normal ppp to a GSM serial modem.
I guess you could extract that part from the tarball and then just use the normal dialup stuff on the standard Xandros Eeepc install if you wanted.
JD
The message c1854a7c0805130443m6b035940if9e4a153b21be498@mail.gmail.com from "Jon Dye" jon@pecorous.co.uk contains these words:
Vodaphone have a python GUI to do just that. I can't remember the url off the top of my head but googling should find it. I'm actually using it under debian on my EeePC with the same dongle but supplied by 3.
I think the only real magic is a program supplied with the script which somehow coaxes the device to show it's usb serial devices. The rest of the script just sets up normal ppp to a GSM serial modem.
I guess you could extract that part from the tarball and then just use the normal dialup stuff on the standard Xandros Eeepc install if you wanted.
Thanks - will investigate.
Same dongle but with a very different chip, if specialists are to be believed.
This dongle works quite nicely on Win 2000, though the destructions with it are older than the software, and it took me several attempts (and the BSOD) to install it properly. Works a dream now. (touches wood)
Anthony Anson wrote:
I have an Asus Eee, and am not overly chuffed with their dumbed-down version of Linux - 'My Network Places', 'My Computer', 'My this, that and the other'. Yeeuch! And MSN? I ask you!
Are you sure you didn't buy the Windows XP version by mistake? ;) The default Linux distro is a modified version of Xandros. It's been described as a "Fisher Price OS" and it annoyed me after about a day.
Do you have a 700 series or the 900 series?
And the book of destructions states that 'Removing the pre-installed software is not allowed'
Hmmm. We shall see about _THAT_!
I shall be investigating the specially developed version of Ubantu
You have a couple of options here.. In actual fact, the Eee is perfectly capable of running standard vanilla Ubuntu. Although there is Eeebuntu which uses the XFCE desktop environment instead of Gnome.
I have an Eee 900 and I've installed Ubuntu on it as per instructions found here: http://help.ubuntu.com/community/EeePC
You'll need a 1GB or bigger USB stick to put the Ubuntu install on (or an external cd-rom drive) and there are a few fixes to get all the hardware working properly, doesn't take long though. Fairly simple stuff. There are few more fixes to make the standard Gnome desktop of Ubuntu slightly more usable, in terms of maximising use of the screen real estate in the case of the 700 version with the smaller resolution.
As I say, I've install Ubuntu 8.04 on mine and it runs like a dream. Compiz desktop effects and everything. Which is brilliant from a machine that gets 1.2/5 for Vista compatibility! I've also upgraded the RAM to 2gb just to make things run even smoother still. You will need Kingston DDR2 667mhz 200pin SO-DIMM memory. £31 for Ebuyer http://www.ebuyer.com/product/119498 - definitely worth the investment and very easy to install and doing so doesn't void your warranty either.
I don't know much about the Vodafone thing let us know how you get on though.. I'll be using Walking Hotspot on my mobile when I need Internet on my Eee (see: http://sionide.net/2008/04/23/walking-hot-spot/ )
--Simon
The message 48297EF3.7080902@sionide.net from Simon Elliott alug@sionide.net contains these words:
Anthony Anson wrote:
I have an Asus Eee, and am not overly chuffed with their dumbed-down version of Linux - 'My Network Places', 'My Computer', 'My this, that and the other'. Yeeuch! And MSN? I ask you!
Are you sure you didn't buy the Windows XP version by mistake? ;)
I did wonder! In fact, it does have an XP CD with it. I've probably still got it...
The default Linux distro is a modified version of Xandros. It's been described as a "Fisher Price OS" and it annoyed me after about a day.
Yes, I knew it was a 'modified' (dumbed-down) Xandros. That was one of the reasons I wanted an Eee.
Do you have a 700 series or the 900 series?
How do I tell? It's got a 4 Gig lump drive.
And the book of destructions states that 'Removing the pre-installed software is not allowed'
Hmmm. We shall see about _THAT_!
I shall be investigating the specially developed version of Ubantu
You have a couple of options here.. In actual fact, the Eee is perfectly capable of running standard vanilla Ubuntu. Although there is Eeebuntu which uses the XFCE desktop environment instead of Gnome.
Ah. Now I did like Gnome, and used it with Woody.
I have an Eee 900 and I've installed Ubuntu on it as per instructions found here: http://help.ubuntu.com/community/EeePC
Thanks.
You'll need a 1GB or bigger USB stick to put the Ubuntu install on (or an external cd-rom drive)
Yup. Got both.
and there are a few fixes to get all the hardware working properly, doesn't take long though. Fairly simple stuff. There are few more fixes to make the standard Gnome desktop of Ubuntu slightly more usable, in terms of maximising use of the screen real estate in the case of the 700 version with the smaller resolution.
As I say, I've install Ubuntu 8.04 on mine and it runs like a dream. Compiz desktop effects and everything. Which is brilliant from a machine that gets 1.2/5 for Vista compatibility! I've also upgraded the RAM to 2gb just to make things run even smoother still. You will need Kingston DDR2 667mhz 200pin SO-DIMM memory. £31 for Ebuyer http://www.ebuyer.com/product/119498 - definitely worth the investment and very easy to install and doing so doesn't void your warranty either.
Thanks again.
I don't know much about the Vodafone thing let us know how you get on though.. I'll be using Walking Hotspot on my mobile when I need Internet on my Eee (see: http://sionide.net/2008/04/23/walking-hot-spot/ )
Well, the Eee has wi-fi, but because I'm into antiques rather than new gadgets, (quite an antique myself, don't y'know, what?) someone might need to hold my hand for a while innit.
The message 3130303032303038482986CE98@zetnet.co.uk from Anthony Anson tony.anson@zetnet.co.uk contains these words:
The message 48297EF3.7080902@sionide.net from Simon Elliott alug@sionide.net contains these words:
Anthony Anson wrote:
I have an Asus Eee, and am not overly chuffed with their dumbed-down version of Linux - 'My Network Places', 'My Computer', 'My this, that and the other'. Yeeuch! And MSN? I ask you!
Are you sure you didn't buy the Windows XP version by mistake? ;)
I did wonder! In fact, it does have an XP CD with it. I've probably still got it...
I have - but I promise I haven't used it!
The default Linux distro is a modified version of Xandros. It's been described as a "Fisher Price OS" and it annoyed me after about a day.
Yes, I knew it was a 'modified' (dumbed-down) Xandros. That was one of the reasons I wanted an Eee.
But, simple though it is, it's appalling. Usable, but, appalling.
Do you have a 700 series or the 900 series?
How do I tell? It's got a 4 Gig lump drive.
It's got Eee PC 4G underneath it. I guess it's the cooking variety.
And the book of destructions states that 'Removing the pre-installed software is not allowed'
Hmmm. We shall see about _THAT_!
I shall be investigating the specially developed version of Ubantu
You have a couple of options here.. In actual fact, the Eee is perfectly capable of running standard vanilla Ubuntu. Although there is Eeebuntu which uses the XFCE desktop environment instead of Gnome.
Ah. Now I did like Gnome, and used it with Woody.
There are issues, which I shall come to later...
I have an Eee 900 and I've installed Ubuntu on it as per instructions found here: http://help.ubuntu.com/community/EeePC
Thanks.
You'll need a 1GB or bigger USB stick to put the Ubuntu install on (or an external cd-rom drive)
Yup. Got both.
And here is one of the issues, which pre-empts your enquiry below:
Within about a fortnight I'd run out of traffic allocation on the VogonPhone mobile dongle. And, as it's so slow (until about six months' time, when I'm told, the local connection will be upgraded) I haven't been trawling the web much.
and there are a few fixes to get all the hardware working properly, doesn't take long though. Fairly simple stuff. There are few more fixes to make the standard Gnome desktop of Ubuntu slightly more usable, in terms of maximising use of the screen real estate in the case of the 700 version with the smaller resolution.
As I say, I've install Ubuntu 8.04 on mine and it runs like a dream. Compiz desktop effects and everything. Which is brilliant from a machine that gets 1.2/5 for Vista compatibility! I've also upgraded the RAM to 2gb just to make things run even smoother still. You will need Kingston DDR2 667mhz 200pin SO-DIMM memory. £31 for Ebuyer http://www.ebuyer.com/product/119498 - definitely worth the investment and very easy to install and doing so doesn't void your warranty either.
Thanks again.
I shall have to use a friend's unlimited access, and my USB unforgettory sticks.
I don't know much about the Vodafone thing let us know how you get on though.. I'll be using Walking Hotspot on my mobile when I need Internet on my Eee (see: http://sionide.net/2008/04/23/walking-hot-spot/ )
Duly noted. As said ^ up there, the allocation of up-and-download megabittery is pretty restricted on this 'lite' variety of account. Still, since BT haven't seen fit to mend my line (despite sending a pic of their broken twin feeder in the letter) I'll put up with the Vodafone offering. At least I can use it when away from home - when I get round to running-down a script to feed the Eeeo that it takes the Vodafone dongle to its bosom.
Well, the Eee has wi-fi, but because I'm into antiques rather than new gadgets, (quite an antique myself, don't y'know, what?) someone might need to hold my hand for a while innit.
Haven't been anywhere where it's found a network yet. This is mainly because the furthest away I've been since I've had it is Norwich (13 miles), and - - - - hum! Maybe I could use that network in Norwich to download some of the goodies I've been pointed at?
On Tuesday 13 May 2008 12:43:47 Simon Elliott wrote:
I've also upgraded the RAM to 2gb just to make things run even smoother still.
I don't suppose you've noticed whether or not this has impacted on the battery life at all?
In fact, in general is the battery life any good in those things? My laptop gives me a pretty pathetic 3.5 hours :-(
Cheers, Richard
The message 200805131258.10846.richardlewis@fastmail.co.uk from Richard Lewis richardlewis@fastmail.co.uk contains these words:
On Tuesday 13 May 2008 12:43:47 Simon Elliott wrote:
I've also upgraded the RAM to 2gb just to make things run even smoother still.
I don't suppose you've noticed whether or not this has impacted on the battery life at all?
In fact, in general is the battery life any good in those things? My laptop gives me a pretty pathetic 3.5 hours :-(
I haven't tried it for sustainability yet, but I wouldn't think it lasts for too long, judging by the warmth of its bottom. (Oo-er, missus!)
Richard Lewis wrote:
On Tuesday 13 May 2008 12:43:47 Simon Elliott wrote:
I've also upgraded the RAM to 2gb just to make things run even smoother still.
I don't suppose you've noticed whether or not this has impacted on the battery life at all?
In fact, in general is the battery life any good in those things? My laptop gives me a pretty pathetic 3.5 hours :-(
It's supposed to be between 2 - 3.5 hours depending on if you've got wireless on / screen brightness and such things. I dunno, all I know is it's WAY more than my old laptop which has battery life of less than half an hour..
--Simon
On 13-May-08 12:04:54, Simon Elliott wrote:
Richard Lewis wrote:
On Tuesday 13 May 2008 12:43:47 Simon Elliott wrote:
I've also upgraded the RAM to 2gb just to make things run even smoother still.
I don't suppose you've noticed whether or not this has impacted on the battery life at all?
In fact, in general is the battery life any good in those things? My laptop gives me a pretty pathetic 3.5 hours :-(
It's supposed to be between 2 - 3.5 hours depending on if you've got wireless on / screen brightness and such things. I dunno, all I know is it's WAY more than my old laptop which has battery life of less than half an hour.. --Simon
Rumour hath it -- see e.g. the very detailed review at:
http://www.eeeuser.com/2008/05/04/eeeusercom-eeepc-900-in-depth-review/ that the eeePC 900 as supplied to the UK has an inferior battery (scroll down to the "Battery" section of the review).
Be that as it may, I could be very interested in the 900 Linux version (with 20GB RAM -- apparently the Windows version only has 12GB). And only in that version!
But finding somewhere that has it in stock so that one could go and look (and e.g. test the keyboard dimensions against the dimensions of one's fingertips) seems to be a real problem!
Does anyone know of a place where they are in stock?
With thanks, and best wishes to all, Ted.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- E-Mail: (Ted Harding) Ted.Harding@manchester.ac.uk Fax-to-email: +44 (0)870 094 0861 Date: 13-May-08 Time: 14:15:41 ------------------------------ XFMail ------------------------------
The message XFMail.080513141544.Ted.Harding@manchester.ac.uk from (Ted Harding) Ted.Harding@manchester.ac.uk contains these words:
But finding somewhere that has it in stock so that one could go and look (and e.g. test the keyboard dimensions against the dimensions of one's fingertips) seems to be a real problem!
Does anyone know of a place where they are in stock?
Try Anglian Internet.
(Ted Harding) wrote:
On 13-May-08 12:04:54, Simon Elliott wrote:
Richard Lewis wrote:
On Tuesday 13 May 2008 12:43:47 Simon Elliott wrote:
I've also upgraded the RAM to 2gb just to make things run even smoother still.
I don't suppose you've noticed whether or not this has impacted on the battery life at all?
In fact, in general is the battery life any good in those things? My laptop gives me a pretty pathetic 3.5 hours :-(
It's supposed to be between 2 - 3.5 hours depending on if you've got wireless on / screen brightness and such things. I dunno, all I know is it's WAY more than my old laptop which has battery life of less than half an hour.. --Simon
Rumour hath it -- see e.g. the very detailed review at:
http://www.eeeuser.com/2008/05/04/eeeusercom-eeepc-900-in-depth-review/ that the eeePC 900 as supplied to the UK has an inferior battery (scroll down to the "Battery" section of the review).
Be that as it may, I could be very interested in the 900 Linux version (with 20GB RAM -- apparently the Windows version only has 12GB). And only in that version!
But finding somewhere that has it in stock so that one could go and look (and e.g. test the keyboard dimensions against the dimensions of one's fingertips) seems to be a real problem!
Does anyone know of a place where they are in stock
PC World had 701's last time I was in I was in there. Obvious warnings about PC World apply... Terrible place. Same sized keyboard though, I'd just say it takes a bit of getting used to. Some people complain about the layout of the arrow keys and right-shift but I'm pretty much used to it already.. Having Pidgin and such automatically correct spelling errors is handy.
--Simon
On Tue, 13 May 2008 14:15:44 +0100 (BST) (Ted Harding) Ted.Harding@manchester.ac.uk allegedly wrote:
But finding somewhere that has it in stock so that one could go and look (and e.g. test the keyboard dimensions against the dimensions of one's fingertips) seems to be a real problem!
Does anyone know of a place where they are in stock?
Last week 121 Computers in Diss had one or two in stock. (And they are /way/ better than PC World).
Mick
(But that is a long way from Manchester)
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On 13-May-08 14:15:45, mbm wrote:
On Tue, 13 May 2008 14:15:44 +0100 (BST) (Ted Harding) Ted.Harding@manchester.ac.uk allegedly wrote:
But finding somewhere that has it in stock so that one could go and look (and e.g. test the keyboard dimensions against the dimensions of one's fingertips) seems to be a real problem!
Does anyone know of a place where they are in stock?
Last week 121 Computers in Diss had one or two in stock. (And they are /way/ better than PC World).
Mick
(But that is a long way from Manchester)
And so am I, these days. (But about 35 miles from Diss). Thanks for the pointer! Ted.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- E-Mail: (Ted Harding) Ted.Harding@manchester.ac.uk Fax-to-email: +44 (0)870 094 0861 Date: 13-May-08 Time: 18:16:38 ------------------------------ XFMail ------------------------------
Yo
You will need Kingston DDR2 667mhz 200pin SO-DIMM memory. £31 for Ebuyer http://www.ebuyer.com/product/119498 - definitely worth the investment and very easy to install and doing so doesn't void your warranty either.
sure about that? From what i recall of the conversation, the warranty not being voided statement was only valid in the US because it was against US law and I haven't seen a statement by ASUS saying that it does apply to the rest of the world.
Cheers, Rob.
Rob Page wrote:
You will need Kingston DDR2 667mhz 200pin SO-DIMM memory. £31 for Ebuyer http://www.ebuyer.com/product/119498 - definitely worth the investment and very easy to install and doing so doesn't void your warranty either.
sure about that? From what i recall of the conversation, the warranty not being voided statement was only valid in the US because it was against US law and I haven't seen a statement by ASUS saying that it does apply to the rest of the world.
Apparently from a legal stand point, Asus haven't decided what their policy is in the UK yet. It's been officially changed in the USA, Canada and Australia.
All I know is, my Eee 900 didn't have such a sticker on it. It had a sticker partly covering one screw on the cover, but it wasn't a “Warranty Void If Removed” sticker, it just says "Eee PC" on it. See discussion here http://wiki.eeeuser.com/warranty_position_on_ram_upgrade
--Si
The message 4829E80E.7040404@sionide.net from Simon Elliott alug@sionide.net contains these words:
Rob Page wrote:
You will need Kingston DDR2 667mhz 200pin SO-DIMM memory. £31 for Ebuyer http://www.ebuyer.com/product/119498 - definitely worth the investment and very easy to install and doing so doesn't void your warranty either.
sure about that? From what i recall of the conversation, the warranty not being voided statement was only valid in the US because it was against US law and I haven't seen a statement by ASUS saying that it does apply to the rest of the world.
Apparently from a legal stand point, Asus haven't decided what their policy is in the UK yet. It's been officially changed in the USA, Canada and Australia.
All I know is, my Eee 900 didn't have such a sticker on it. It had a sticker partly covering one screw on the cover, but it wasn't a Warranty Void If Removed sticker, it just says "Eee PC" on it. See discussion here http://wiki.eeeuser.com/warranty_position_on_ram_upgrade
I have a similar sticker which doesn't mention warranty, but it was covering the screw completely.
It has been pierced, and presumably, the memory module installed/changed.
-
Anthony Anson -
Jon Dye -
mbm -
Richard Lewis -
Rob Page -
Simon Elliott -
Ted.Harding＠manchester.ac.uk