The Labs.Com System Lab Internet Appliance I-Opener

The Labs - Design & Functionality For The Net

Low-Cost UNIX Computer

1. Introduction
2. Resources
3. Misc. Selected Infos
4. Other Internet Devices

i-opener is a low-cost ($99-$400) internet computer which is mainly financed by using a dedicated ISP when you buy the machine ($25/mo).

In late February 2000 Ken Segler codeman hacked the machine in order to run Linux on it (FreeBSD, and even Win98 seems to work too) and after it was posted on slashdot.org the news made it through the open-source community within hours (March 11, 2000).

Facts

WINChip 180MHz (x86 based) 80 bogomips / Rise mP6 266MHz 800x600 16bpp (65,000 colors) 10" LCD 32MB SODIMM RAM diskless but has IDE-port PS/2 based KB/mouse USB port Parallel port built-in modem built-in sound

Upgrade- ability

2.5" IDE disk or 3.5" IDE disk (using special cable) booting Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, BeOS, Win98 new CPU (Pentium 160 MMX etc) more memory (max. 64MB) ethernet (via USB or parallel port) PS/2 KB and mouse (using Y cable) TouchScreen FlatPlanel.Com: 10.4" touchscreen overlay, uses serial port mouse emulation (no proprietary drivers required) for $199

How To

There are several version of IOs available, as of Aug 2000 only V5 are available. V1 & V2 are easy to upgrade, just attach a HD with your favourite OS on it (details see sites below). V3 and V4 (with Rise 266 CPU) later it's more complicate, as the HD must contain an sandisk-alike image in order to be recognized, then you downgrade to V2 and proceed as above. There are multiple steps involved (don't try this unless you know what you are doing). V5 seems more restrictive and you can't get into the BIOS at all (usually with CTL-ALT-ESC). IOpener V1/V2: just attach HD with OS (with prepared HD cable) IOpener V3 BIOS Flash - step by step (play by play - another thread) IOpener V4 BIOS Flash - step by step IOpener V5: ??? or check IOpener / IOpener Technical Stuff for more up-to-date messages and experiences.

I-Opener 2. Resources

LinuxHacker: IOpener Primary site

I-Opener-Linux.Net News and links

I-Opener 3. Misc. Selected Infos

IDE Disk

You need a special 44pin cable (exchange 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 etc 43-44) to attach an 2.5" hard-disk, various people sell those cables online (check links under "Resources").

Keyboard / Mouse

You require an Y-cable to attach your own mouse and keyboard. The i-opener keyboard (with built-in mouse) isn't very handy.

Ethernet

Parallel port: DLink 620 Par (LinkSys) USB: Dlink 650tx, Melco LU-ATX, SMC 2202USB, Billionton USB100, LinkSys USB100TX.

Wireless

Wireless via Parallel Port: using PLIP Wireless USB: AviatorUSB Wireless Network upto 125ft (not yet supported)

OS's on IO

Linux: Jailbait Linux mini-dist fitting on 16MB Midori for IOpener Another distribution for 16MB SanDisk yaBel: BeOpener Discussion thread NetBSD IOpener Diskless with NetBSD

I-Opener 4. Other Internet Devices

Qubit.Net linux by default, ~$400 (no disk) 800x600 LCD

IBrow i-opener alike, ~$500

I-Appliance Dedication section with more info

                                                                                                                                   

Internet Appliance

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