Linux + UMPC = Smokin' Hot

Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers (UMPC) are so hot right now that major PC manufacturers are competing to create the lightest, fastest and sexiest-looking portable machines imaginable. Most of these emerging sub-notebooks are pre-installed with Linux, and I wasn't surprised.

Although consumers are still living in Windows world, computer makers now value Linux more than ever. It's really a huge gamble, but I think it's paying off. Mainstream consumers just don't care any longer even if most of these UMPCs come with Windows as an option. As long as they can surf the web, create documents, and write emails they are at peace with Linux.

I have here a list of some UMPCs that are already making waves. This might as well serve as a guide to those who are planning to buy one because I have also provided some important technical specifications on each one of them. So now, take your pick from these Linux-powered smokin' hot ultra-portable computers:

• Elonex ONE

Technical Specifications:

Processor: LNX Code 8 Mobile 300MHz Processor;
Memory: Dedicated Linux Memory 128Mb DDR-II SD RAM (256Mb in upgraded model);
Internal Storage: On-board 1Gb Flash Memory, optimised for Linux (2Gb in upgraded model);
Battery: Integrated 3 cell Battery;
Operating System: Linos 2.6.21;
Display: 7" High Resolution TFT LCD display; 800 x 480pix Widescreen;
Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 3 cm (W x L x H);
Weight: 0.95 kg;
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g (Wireless) (54Mbps);
Bluetooth;
Ethernet (Wired) (10/100Mbps);
2 USB 2.0 ports;

More details HERE.

• HP 2133 Mini-Note PC

Technical Specifications:

Processor: VIA C7(tm)-M processor (1.6 GHz, 800 MHz FSB);
Video/graphics: VIA Chrome 9, 128MB shared system memory;
Memory: 2048MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (1 DIMM);
Internal Storage: 120GB/160GB 5400 rpm SATA, or 64GB Solid State Drive;
Integrated camera: VGA camera included;
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion battery;
Operating System: SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10;
Display: 8.9" inch (diagonal) WXGA LCD with CCFL backlight;
Dimensions: 255 x 165 x 27 mm (10.04 x 6.5 x 1.05 in);
Weight: 1.27 kg (2.8 lb);
Connectivity: WLAN 802.11a/b/g;
Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbit/s;
Bluetooth 2.0;
2x USB 2.0;
SD Card reader, Expresscard 54 slot;

More details HERE.

• CloudBook

Technical Specifications:

Processor: 433MHz AMD Geode;
Video/graphics: Integrated with Geode CPU; unified memory architecture;
Memory: 256 MiB dynamic RAM;
Internal Storage: 1024 MiB SLC NAND flash, high-speed flash controller;
Integrated camera: integrated color vision camera; 640_480 resolution at 30FPS;
Battery: # 2 or 4 cells LiFePO4; or 5 cells NiMH, approximately 6V series configuration;
Operating System: Ubuntu, GNOME, AWN-based gOS "V2 Rocket";
Display: 18 cm (7_) WVGA TFT (800_480);
Dimensions: 23_17_3 cm;
Weight: 0.91 kg;
Connectivity: WLAN 802.11b/g;
Ethernet 100 Mbit/s;
DVI-I;
two USB 2.0 ports;
Card reader (SD, MMC, MS (PRO));

More details HERE.

• Pepper Pad

Technical Specifications:

Processor: AMD Geode CPU, 533MHz with MMX and 3DNow extensions;
Memory: 256MB DDR SDRAM (DDR-333 SO-DIMM);
Internal Storage: Hitachi TravelStar 20GB 1.8" IDE disk drive;
Integrated camera: 640x480 digital camera, fixed focus;
Battery: 3800mAh Lithium-Ion battery;
Operating System: Linux;
Display: 800x480 7 inch LCD touchscreen;
Dimensions: 29cm x 14.9cm x 2.3cm (11.4" x 5.9" x 0.9");
Weight: 2.1 pounds (985g);
Connectivity: Atheros AR2413A-based mini-PCI 802.11b/g WiFi interface;
USB 2.0 port;
Bluetooth 2.0;
SD/MMC Flash memory slot;
IrDA and TvIR emitters/receivers;

More details HERE.

• ASUS Eee PC

Technical Specifications:

Processor: 900 MHz (factory underclocked to 630 MHz) Intel Celeron-M ULV 353;
Video/graphics: Intel UMA;
Memory: 512 MB/512 MB/1 GB DDR2 SDRAM RAM;
Internal Storage: 2/4/8/12/20 GB SSD;
Integrated camera: 0.3 megapixel video camera;
Battery: 4 cell 4400 (700 series, surf models and 900 series) or 5200 (700 series, non-surf models) mAh battery;
Operating System: Linux Xandros;
Display: 7 inch (diagonal) TFT LCD with LED backlight 800_480 pixels,
or 8.9 inch LCD (1024x600) in 900 series;
Dimensions: 225 _ 165 _ 21~35 mm (8.9 _ 6.5 _ 0.9~1.4 in)
900 series- 225 x 170 x 20~34;
Weight: 895 g (1 lb 151/2 oz)
900 series- 990 g (2 lb 3 oz);
Connectivity: 10/100 Mbit Ethernet;
802.11b/g wireless LAN;
3 USB 2.0 ports;
MMC/SD card reader;

More details HERE.

• One Laptop per Child (OLPC)

Technical Specifications:

Processor: VIA C7(tm)-M processor (1.6 GHz, 800 MHz FSB);
Video/graphics: VIA Chrome 9, 128MB shared system memory;
Memory: 2048MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (1 DIMM);
Internal Storage: 120GB/160GB 5400 rpm SATA, or 64GB Solid State Drive;
Integrated camera: VGA camera included;
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion battery;
Operating system: Fedora Core;
Display: 7-1/2 inch dual-mode LCD; 1200x900 in monochrome mode or 800x600 in color mode;
Dimensions: 242mm_228mm_32mm;
Weight: 1.45KG with LiFeP battery, 1.58KG with NiMH battery;
Connectivity: Integrated 802.11b/g (2.4GHz) interface;
Three Type-A USB-2.0 connectors;
MMC/SD Card slot;

More details HERE.

• Classmate PC

Technical Specifications:

Processor: 900MHz Intel Mobile processor;
Chipset: Intel (r) 915GMS;
Memory: DDR -II 256 MB (Linux only)or 512 MB;
Internal Storage: 1 GB Flash (for Linux), 2GB;
Integrated camera: 30fps @ 640x480, 0.3M;
Battery: 6-cell Li-ion battery;
Operating system: Mandriva Linux Discovery 2007;
Display: 7 inch diagonal LCD 800 x 480;
Dimensions: 245 x 196 x 44 mm;
Weight: 1.45 Kg;
Connectivity: 10/100M Ethernet WLAN 802.11b/g;
2 x USB 2.0 ports;
1 SD slot;

More details HERE.

MBP on Xubuntu/Ubuntu Hardy Heron WiFi Card Fix

Since I promised to keep everyone updated on my little Xubuntu on Macbook Pro adventure, I'm happy to tell you all that my WiFi card is now properly working. How did I do it? Just follow these very simple steps.

Note: The fix has only been tested on 4th gen. Macbook Pro with Penryn Processor and only in Xubuntu/Ubuntu "Hardy Heron" 32 bit.

1. Using Synaptic Package Manager (I assume you have Internet access via Ethernet cable/wire), install the following packages:

unrar
ndiswrapper-common
ndiswrapper-utils

2. Insert OS X Leopard installer DVD (disk 1) and find "broadcomxpinstaller.exe" in bootcamp/drivers folder, then copy and paste "broadcomxpinstaller.exe" to your home directory.

3. Open a terminal, then type this command:

unrar x broadcomxpinstaller.exe

4. Install broadcom wireless driver using this command:

sudo ndiswrapper -i bcmwl5.inf sudo ndiswrapper -l sudo ndiswrapper -m sudo modprobe ndiswrapper

5. Setting ndiswrapper to auto load at boot time:

First, open "/etc/modules" on a text editor (use gedit instead of mousepad in Ubuntu) with this command:

sudo mousepad /etc/modules

Then, add:

ndiswrapper

at the last line and then save and close the file.

6. Creating file /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper:

sudo gedit /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper

Add the ff. text below, then save and close the file.

#! /bin/sh
### BEGIN INIT INFO
# Provides: ndiswrapper
# Required-Start:
# Required-Stop:
# Default-Start: S
# Default-Stop:
# Short-Description: enable to load ndiswrapper
# Description: enable to load ndiswrapper
### END INIT INFO
rmmod ohci_hcd
rmmod ssb
rmmod ndiswrapper
modprobe ndiswrapper
modprobe ssb
modprobe ohci_hcd

7. Set file access permissions using this command:

sudo chmod 755 /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper

8. Create a symbolic link call S99ndiswrapper in the folder /etc/rc2.d from /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper using this command:

sudo ln -s /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper /etc/rc2.d/S99ndiswrapper

9. You are done! Unplug the Ethernet wire then reboot to test your WiFi connection.


I hope that helps. Feel free to comment if you need some clarifications:

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To do next:
Fix keyboard special key functions and backlight.
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How Much Memory/RAM Do You Really Need?

We will start the year with some computer hardware tips and info. I have already given you some guidelines on installing, upgrading or increasing RAM. This time, I will tackle another key information regarding memory.

Today, RAM has become cheaper and cheaper while software programs have turned into resource hungry beasts. That left some of us thinking and asking, ‘how much memory do we really need?’

Different computer users have diverse RAM requirements. Those who are more into office applications and internet browsing will not need a huge amount of memory. Recommended RAM for them would be 512MB, although 256MB will do just fine. For gaming, photo editing, and multimedia applications, 1GB of RAM is ideal. Heavy graphic design apps like 3D CAD and video editing software will definitely need a much greater RAM, a minimum of 2GB to be exact.

Operating system should also be considered when estimating memory needs. An insane OS like Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard will demand bigger RAM even if you will only use it for lighter tasks. Their minimum requirement is 1GB, while the most widely used Windows XP will only need around 256MB to function well. Linux is probably the most memory efficient operating system that I have ever used. Using lightweight distros, 128MB is typically good enough when doing basic chores and even when multitasking.

It is common sense that the more RAM/memory you have the better your computer will perform. The maximum recommended RAM for 32-bit computer is 4GB. 64-bit machine needs 4GB or more in order for it to be fully utilized. That wraps-up today’s hardware tech guide; I hope you have learned something.

Choosing the Right Laptop/Notebook Computer Today

A notebook computer, most commonly known as laptop is without doubt one of the most indispensable gadgets to those who travel a lot. This is especially true if you are working as a programmer, web developer, graphics designer, writer, blogger, or a person who can’t do business without a computer nearby. If you are still planning to buy a laptop because perhaps your new job is one of those I mentioned above, then better read this article carefully.

Choosing the right laptop to buy can be a little bit daunting since several aspects need to be considered before emptying your wallet or in extreme cases, your bank account. That is why I’m here to take that tiny burden off your shoulder.

These are the most important things to consider that will guide you in buying the right laptop.

Price:
For me, price should be considered first. When anyone is asking me for an advice in buying a new computer or just about any other gadget, almost always I ask them how much their budget is. Therefore, my first advice is to know your budget limit first.

Laptop prices are dropping like crazy, so it won’t be that much of a problem to those who are budget conscious. The cost of a low-end laptop model is usually around US$550. But to those who have money to spare, you can get a high quality notebook computer for as much as US$3000.

If your father is Bill Gates, there’s a laptop that you might like. Click HERE for details. But, if you want to keep it simple and just live a modest life, click HERE to find out more about this dirt cheap laptop.

Features:
This is the part where we get technical. But don’t worry because I’m going to keep it idiot-proof as much as possible.

First, consider the size of the laptop that you want. Generally, the sizes are ranging from 11-17 inches (screen sizes measured diagonally). Most of the latest models are ‘widescreen’ so just go for it. If you value portability more than the screen real-estate, then the smaller is usually the better. This is because the size is normally associated with the laptop’s weight. Although, you should also remember that the smaller the laptop is, the more uncomfortable your hands and eyes will become. So when you are in a computer shop, ask the store-clerk nicely if you can try using the laptop for several minutes to test its comfort level.

Meanwhile, a laptop’s processing power(processor), memory(RAM), and storage(hard disk) will tell a different story. The bigger the numbers of the said specifications will typically result in a better performing laptop. The processor speed/clock rate is sometimes an exception as there are now dual core processors with lower speed but can perform faster than higher speed single core processors. Currently, the normal laptop specs that I can recommend for normal users should have at least 2GHz of processor speed, 512MB of memory/RAM, 80GB storage/hard disk. When I say normal users, I’m referring to those who will be using the laptop mostly for web browsing, office applications tasks, some simple photo editing, audio/video playing, and 2D gaming. You can go for the higher or lower than the normal specs that I have given depending on the demands of your computing tasks.

Another thing to consider is the laptop’s battery life; 3-5 hours of life span should be regarded as ideal. But no need to worry as almost all the latest laptops can deliver adequate battery power. Important peripherals like DVD-RW drive, video-out port, USB port, and WiFi internet capability is a must-have in today’s laptop. Some not-so-essential functions like firewire, bluetooth, and card readers are just icing on the cake.

For your laptop’s operating system, it’s up to you whether to choose Linux, Windows, BSD, Mac OSX, and Linux. And did I say Linux?

The laptop’s physical appearance like the color, design, and shape will depend on your preferences. And don’t ever ask me about this because I am not your mother.

Brand:
The last but definitely not the least important factor to consider when buying a laptop is the brand name. Remember this; choose only to buy from trusted brands like Lenovo, Acer, Dell, Sony, HP, Panasonic, Toshiba, Apple, IBM, Asus, and Samsung. Forgive me if I forgot to mention other important brands. You can always Google to get some information of your brand of choice.

Conclusion:
If money is not a dilemma for you, then it won’t be that hard to balance the features that you want for your laptop and the specific brand to get. Nevertheless, knowing your budget limit will definitely matter as a whole in deciding what laptop to buy. I jut hope you will find some of my tips helpful. But then again, you can always Google for more…

Choosing the Right Video/Graphics Card Today

A video card, also referred to as a graphics card, is a piece of personal computer hardware whose job is to produce and output images to a monitor or display.

When I say video card, I’m referring to the separate, dedicated expansion card that is plugged into a slot on the computer's motherboard, not the integrated “onboard” graphics controller included into the motherboard chipset.

The two most commonly used graphics card slots in today’s computers are AGP, typically found in motherboards manufactured from 1996-2004, and PCI Express, made from 2004 up to present. PCI Express can handle a greater data output and offers performance of up to 4 times faster than the fastest AGP slot.

Choosing the right video card that fits you, your computer hardware and your budget can be a little bit difficult especially if you don’t have proper computing background. That is why I’m here to help out.

These basic but important things should be considered first before buying a video/graphics card:

*Graphics Card Interface:
Make sure you're aware of whether your motherboard supports AGP, or PCI-Express. I have included some photos to help you identify.

AGP slot (usually brown in color):


PCI Express (usually black in color):

* Different Levels of Graphics Card
High-end Video Cards:
These are the highest-end, fastest, best-performing cards for high quality imaging, 3D gaming and other demanding applications. If your goal is to play games with visual options turned on to their maximum settings this is for you. The video cards in this class generally are priced above $200.

Mainstream Video Cards:
These are the mid-range card. If you are looking for affordable PC graphics upgrade for gaming, video editing, digital photography, or simply web surfing, then this is for you. The video cards in this class generally are priced between $99 - $199.

Low-end Video Cards:
These cards are used primarily for business and desktop graphics functions, as well as specific applications like providing TV output or S-Video output or dual monitor support. If your main goal is to improve your graphics for desktop publishing or surfing the web, or you just need dual monitor support or TV output, then value video cards should be sufficient. Any video card under $99 is considered a low-end video card.

* Graphics Card Brand:
Nvidia and ATI/AMD are two of the best manufacturers of video cards on the market today. So, it is really up to you which one to select Be sure to visit their websites to be guided on different video card models with corresponding specifications and prices.

*Extra Features:
Added features like TV-out, S-video, dual monitor support are present in most modern graphics card, but be sure to check before you buy if these aspects are available.

Conclusion:
So there you have it. To wrap it all up, when choosing a video card, always remember to pick what is right for you. Ask yourself what level of graphics card you need for your computing tasks, and whether you can afford the price. Most importantly, choose a graphics card that is compatible with your computer hardware.

Choosing the Right PC Monitor Today

Looking for a new computer monitor? Contemplating on what size to buy? Thinking on whether going for a CRT or an LCD monitor, whether widescreen or standard display, digital or analog, a single monitor or more? Then read this.

The monitor is probably the most significant PC accessory. So it is very important to choose the right one. According to recent studies, a monitor can affect the productivity of a computer user at work. So without further a do, these are the things to consider before buying:

Size:
15 inch monitors are still the most widely used size in the world. Most computer sets that are sold here in the Philippines come with a 15" display. But for me, the average size to consider when buying a monitor these days should be the 17 inches. Because when you consider the price, there is only a slight difference between a 15" and a 17" display. If you have money to spare, the bigger the better. I always wish I had a bigger monitor especially when I’m multitasking, photo editing or watching a movie. But a 17" monitor will do just fine for normal use and for practical reasons.

CRT vs. LCD:
LCDs produce more vibrant images and better "real-world" contrast ratios than CRTs. CRTs can display more colors and have faster response time than LCDs. But today, some high-end LCD monitors are displaying more colors and faster response time than most CRTs. The prices of LCDs are still relatively higher compared to CRTs but for me, buying an LCD is worth it.

Widescreen vs. Standard:
Between a widescreen monitor and a standard screen display of the same sizes, a widescreen is best for multimedia because most certainly, new movies will be in widescreen format. A standard display is ideal for most office applications and for surfing the web as most websites are still optimized for standard screen. For bigger sizes like 19 inches up, I would chose widescreen because it is useful for multitasking as I can easily divide the desktop and put two windows side-by-side. For smaller than 19" monitors, whether widescreen or standard, it’s all up to you.

Digital vs. Analog:
For me, there is really no obvious discrepancy between a digital or analog display in terms of output quality. But most will say that digital is better than analog so if the price is right, go for digital. If you want, you can have both, some monitors have digital and analog connectors at the same time.

Single Monitor or More:
Having a multi monitor is definitely a plus especially when programming or when digital editing. Personally I use two monitors; the second monitor is used for easy access to other opened window applications. It is also useful for testing my program for different screen resolutions. But for the average computer users, no need for additional monitors because one will do the job.

Conclusion:
There you have it. Some more important things to consider when looking for a monitor: Always pick the one that is right for you. Like what is right for your budget, room space, and on what mainly will you use it for.

Wi-Fi Dreaming

I’m back. Sorry for the long pause. Like I’ve said, I just had a not so short vacation. We went to the beautiful Plantation Bay. It is a 5-Star summer hotel/resort that is definitely an ideal place for the whole family to bond, enjoy, and relax. I loved the view there, the lagoons and the swimming pools. I’ll post some pictures tomorrow at my personal photos site to paint my words well.

To all my fellow geeks, if you are already thinking of going there, beware as there are no Wi-Fi(hotspots) or even Ethernet inside the hotel rooms. It would be nice to once in a while check your email, read RSS feeds, or hack the LAN (just kidding) at the comfort of your own bed after a long but fun day under the sun. Sad to tell you that Internet access is available only at a facility near the gym and there were few computers available, about 5 PC units including 1 unit that appeared to be broken as my wife had told me. I swear I never touch a computer during the entire vacation :)

I’m not here to criticize the resort as I know there are good reasons not to put too much technology distractions especially inside the hotel rooms. But when I was there, I was just dreaming, Wi-Fi dreaming that is.