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Technology @ LIVE SMALL BAG

This page contains insight and descriptions about hardware and software I've used over the past few years.

Recent revelations

ATEN USB KVM has hidden features!

I own a KVM made by ATEN. The CS64U in fact. The user's guide vaguely mentions the ability to switch KVM and audio independently, but doesn't provide the keyboard shortcuts to do so. I half figured this was just some carryover from a different manual of a more capable KVM switch, but on a hunch I decided to submit a service request on ATEN's website. I was pleasantly surprised by the response, as an ATEN support engineer provided me with the missing shortcuts to switch audio and KVMs independently!

[ScrLk][ScrLk][k][Enter] 	-- Increment KVM only
[ScrLk][ScrLk][n][k][Enter] 	-- Switch KVM to port n (number 1-4)
[ScrLk][ScrLk][s][Enter] 	-- Increment Audio only
[ScrLk][ScrLk][n][s][Enter] 	-- Switch Audio to port n (number 1-4)

I'm providing the information mainly as a reference for my bad memory, but if it helps anyone else, great!


A review of the Pomera DM20 Digital Memo

I've had this digital memo taker for a while now, but never got around to writing a review of it. I've found it's relatively unused outside of Japan, so I thought it would nice to provide a little more information about the gadget from the view of a gaijin. The full review follows here.


In search of the perfect portable PC

I've tried out so many devices, but I still haven't found that dream machine. Dorking around with the Handbooks prompted me to try and spell out exactly what it is I'm looking for. A work in progress of what I want is here.


Gateway2000 Handbook 486? Ongoing project!

I've been playing around with the thing some more, and I'll be putting more information up as I go along. Check out the effort.


Gateway2000 Handbook 486 is a Tough Cookie to Crack

I picked up several Handbook 486 machines, with the intent to get something nearly disposible that runs a couple CLI programs on four rechargable AA batteries and has a wireless internet connection. My how the times have changed. I remember OpenBSD 4.4 happily running on a Toshiba Libretto with only 32Mb RAM. 4.9 will not run a generic kernel in 20mb and still have enough gusto to use PCMCIA network cards. I've also tried NetBSD for a sanity check but the story was the same. Out of the box configs leave 1-2 Mb free for user programs.

I'm going to attempt to compile a trimmed down kernel and see where that gets me. Hopefully if I can have about 10mb free afterboot I can get the wireless cards working, etc, etc.

Oh and I need some fresh AA rechargables. Apparently the ones I have just don't have enough oomph to run the Handbook. Works fine with alkalines but the Eneloops I have are not working for me.


Genius CP SF600 Color Scanner works with SANE

Tested on OpenBSD 4.8-release, sane-backends-1.0.21, xsane-0.997p1. Had to copy cism216.fw and cism603.fw from an installation of the scanner's software on a Windows box. Image quality is okay, but color scans have a lot of saturation. Good portable scanner for less than 100 USD. A+A+A+ would do business again.


Sony Vaio VPCP111 (2nd gen P series) mostly works on OpenBSD 4.8

Running 4.8-release right now. ACPI suspend and sleep, WiFi, BT, Xenocara (native res!), microSD, MemPro slot, nub mouse and bezel mouse all work. LCD controls and sound have issues. Seems to be common to Atom platforms. Probably the best keyboard for a sub 2 pound machine. Must have the extended battery though. Great for writing. More info here.


Gadget Graveyard

Just a list of some of the devices I've monkeyed with in the past. Graveyard doesn't necessarily mean dead, just stuff I don't use or have traded off by now.

  • UMPCs
    • Fujitsu U810 / U820
    • Eking I1 / Wibrain B1
    • UMID M1 / BZ
    • Sony PCG C1 (PictureBook)
    • Sony PCG U1/U3
    • Toshiba Libretto 50/70
    • Toshiba Libretto 100/110
    • Toshiba Libretto M3
    • OQO 01+
    • Gateway Handbook
    • Fujitsu P1120
  • PDAs
    • Sharp SL-C3x00
    • Sharp SL-5x00
  • Palmtops
    • NEC MobilePro 790
    • HP Jornada 720
    • HP 620LX
    • Sharp PC-3100
  • MIDs
    • Aigo P8860
    • Zipit 2
    • Nokia N810
    • Sony Mylo COM/2
  • Netbooks
    • Sony Vaio VPCP111Z
    • Dell Mini 9
    • Asus EEE PC 401
This list is incomplete as of 2011-04-21. More to come!