Homebrew Linux PC --- Searching the right community

What works, and doesn't, for you. Be specific, and please include Puppy version.
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MySelfmadeLinuxPC
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Joined: Sat 03 Nov 2007, 10:32

Homebrew Linux PC --- Searching the right community

#1 Post by MySelfmadeLinuxPC »

Hi,

i think, i searched with the wrong terms here and with google :cry:

I want to build my own Linux Pc. Here my requiremets for this system:

- Linux device drivers must be available
- Fanless Motherboard
- Powerconsumtion less than 10 W better up to 3-5W
- I need this Pc for Surfing, E-Mail, E-Book reading, wiriting dokuments
- no gaming

Who of the community have some tips, links or other hints for me?

Best Regards

Bernhard from Germany (near of Stuttgart)

raffy
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Joined: Wed 25 May 2005, 12:20
Location: Manila

on the dot/ ask advice how to proceed

#2 Post by raffy »

Right on time! I was just thinking about what to do with the pictures I just assembled. I guess that since you posted your question here, I might as well start publishing the information here.

The white box uses LX800 processor and can be supplied with mini-PCI wifi as shown, while the black LCD+PC uses GX2-466 processor in a 13.3" LCD wide monitor. The white box uses 3-5 watts power, while the black LCD+PC uses 15 watts maximum. Both run well with Puppy Linux.

Some price estimates using low-cost postal delivery (EMS) from Taiwan/China: white ~ US$199 including 256 MB RAM and wifi but no internal flash; black ~ US329 with 256 MB RAM no internal flash, no wifi. Both can be booted via USB. The black PC can use USB wifi (provided by the user).

Let me take this opportunity to also invite suggestions about how the new ways of computing started by Puppy (and other mini Linux distros) can be promoted best with available hardware like this (from small manufacturers).

My current idea is for the manufacturers to ship directly to buyers, and I can help by providing user support as well as facilitating retail transaction (the laborious and costly part of the process).

Your suggestions are welcome.
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AMD-based low-power boxes that run well with Puppy Linux
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hillside
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Location: Minnesota, USA. The frozen north.

#3 Post by hillside »

The guys over at DSL sell some equipment that they have tested with linux. You may get some ideas there.

http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/store/

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swarm32
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#4 Post by swarm32 »

If price isn't an immediate concern, look at mini-itx systems based on VIA c3 & C7 cpus as well as AMD Geode CPUs. Most of them work fairly well with linux due to there industrial design.

Some resources
Mini-itx.com
Mini-Itx News Blog
Logic Supply: sells ITX systems
WDL Systems: ITX & Smaller system boards

KF6SNJ
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Location: Distressed States of Amerika
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#5 Post by KF6SNJ »

Raffy,

I am preparing to scrap my tower. I am thinking seriously of using MiniPup on a laptop. I really like what I've seen on it. Bravo Zulu.


Oh, I am already convinced that MiniPup will suit my needs for my robotics project (would that count as a homebrew pc?). Thanks.

chicks
Posts: 65
Joined: Mon 22 Oct 2007, 18:20

#6 Post by chicks »

I'm running Puppy 3.01 on a Maxspeed Maxterm 3500 thin client. Replaced the Maxspeed CF image with Puppy. Everything works perfectly.

Someone else is using (I think) a Maxterm 3300 for Puppy:

http://www.insidesocal.com/click/2007/0 ... ay_11.html

These are available once in a while on ebay for < $100. Unlike the 3500, these have a small fan, but it only runs if the unit is mounted horizontally.

Here's an example.

Get five here for $265- $53/ea!

Robb
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun 12 Aug 2007, 20:16

#7 Post by Robb »

I built a mini itx system & Puppy runs great. The only sticking point, as usual, is wifi. Puppy handles this better than just about any other distro so it doesn't really matter. Ndiswrapper does the job.

http://www.mini-box.com is a decent site for this sort of stuff, in addition to the sites listed below.
swarm32 wrote:If price isn't an immediate concern, look at mini-itx systems based on VIA c3 & C7 cpus as well as AMD Geode CPUs. Most of them work fairly well with linux due to there industrial design.

Some resources
Mini-itx.com
Mini-Itx News Blog
Logic Supply: sells ITX systems
WDL Systems: ITX & Smaller system boards

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Bert
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Joined: Fri 30 Jun 2006, 20:09

Re: on the dot/ ask advice how to proceed

#8 Post by Bert »

raffy wrote:
The white box uses LX800 processor and can be supplied with mini-PCI wifi as shown, while the black LCD+PC uses GX2-466 processor in a 13.3" LCD wide monitor. The white box uses 3-5 watts power, while the black LCD+PC uses 15 watts maximum. Both run well with Puppy Linux.

Some price estimates using low-cost postal delivery (EMS) from Taiwan/China: white ~ US$199 including 256 MB RAM and wifi but no internal flash; black ~ US329 with 256 MB RAM no internal flash, no wifi. Both can be booted via USB. The black PC can use USB wifi (provided by the user).

Let me take this opportunity to also invite suggestions about how the new ways of computing started by Puppy (and other mini Linux distros) can be promoted best with available hardware like this (from small manufacturers).

Your suggestions are welcome.
Hi Raffy,

Thanks for sharing this info and picture.
Is there a place where we can find more details about your minipc's?

The white one looks like inspired by the Linutop box..I like the Linutop, but unfortunately, it is too expensive.

As for promoting this new way of computing, I think a website clearly showing what is possible with a minipc would be essential. For example, I always thought those low Mhz geodes were not powerful enough for my needs, until I saw the video demonstration at Linutop.
The Linutop OS is based on Ubuntu, which probably helps potential buyers to have confidence about reliability and long term support.
So for your minipc, there would have to be a very convincing demonstration of its capabilities and its reliability with Puppy ( or is it Minipup?)

One last thing: many people here in Europe feel uneasy about the cheap Chinese products that are beginning to flood our markets. The rough Chinese commu-capitalism, with little respect for human and children rights, has had a lot of media coverage. It would help if your manufacturers could show their production is not only 'green', but also humane.
[url=http://pupsearch.weebly.com/][img]http://pupsearch.weebly.com/uploads/7/4/6/4/7464374/125791.gif[/img][/url]
[url=https://startpage.com/do/search?q=host%3Awww.murga-linux.com%2F][img]http://i.imgur.com/XJ9Tqc7.png[/img][/url]

KF6SNJ
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#9 Post by KF6SNJ »

I haven't settled on much of my hardware yet. Only the case. In the off topic area I mentioned this idea. I am going to commit to it. I am going to build my own computer with Puppy on it and I am going to use a TI-99/4A for the case. I will have to gut the TI-99/4A and I don't know if I can adapt the existing keyboard for use with a modern processor or not. Still, if I could adapt it, it would really make it look "authentic".

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ttuuxxx
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#10 Post by ttuuxxx »

KF6SNJ wrote:I haven't settled on much of my hardware yet. Only the case. In the off topic area I mentioned this idea. I am going to commit to it. I am going to build my own computer with Puppy on it and I am going to use a TI-99/4A for the case. I will have to gut the TI-99/4A and I don't know if I can adapt the existing keyboard for use with a modern processor or not. Still, if I could adapt it, it would really make it look "authentic".
I'm Also doing that but using a Commodre 64 and a 1541 floppy beast. I bought it on ebay working condition for $50 including shipping, what a steal, but one thing holding me back, I just can get it in me to rip apart a working 64, I think i should of put more thought into it first. I have no doubt that i could do it because I've made a mame cocktail and standup cabinet and even mapped a keyboard for the controls, hey thats what you need but its for windows,http://www.arcadecontrols.speedhost.com/KEYHOOK.ZIP
if your mapping the ti-99/4a keyboard you run keyhook and basically when your figuring out the matrix and soldering all the wires you just test each wire by crossing them and on your monitor keyhook will display which key was pressed and then you write down the combination was that was used, it took me about 2hrs to map my first keyboard. Good Luck

KF6SNJ
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#11 Post by KF6SNJ »

I have the advantage I guess. I happen to have two TI-99/4A computers. One works and the other doesn't. I just need to figure out which one is which and then mark the broken one so that I can know. I still have to buy my components. I am looking at a micro-ITX for about $54 from a local supplier. In fact, they have almost everything, including an external CD/DVD RW, I'd need for this system except for the compact flash drive and adapter. I read somewhere about somebody using a 128MB flash card from a digital camera and I am wondering how I could make that work. It would really make this work out nicely for my setup.


I already have a key map for the TI-99/4A. I just need the board so that I can figure out what is what.


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Aitch
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#13 Post by Aitch »

Mike - broken link or 'parked' website

Maybe not what is being asked for specifically, but this has got to be a puppy favourite?

http://www.viaopenbook.com/index.php?op ... 4&Itemid=1

I also have a yearning for one of these, though not sure I could drive the beast :wink:

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/cluster/?p

/dream over, back on topic, sigh

Aitch :)

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