do you have the guts to own a(kinda)complete computer for under 200$???

[oblivion]

Well apparently you can MODIFY (http://www.linux-hacker.net/iopener/) an I-Opener (http://www.netpliance.com/)(costs 99$ at circuit city)to run windows,or linux,or whatever,this requires hacking in a HDD and a couple other things that will cost you less then 80$(+ the i-opener)..................I know what I will be doing for fun really soon!!!!!!!!!!!


It looks to be pretty darn easy,I think I am gonna hack one up for my mom!!!!

Here is a FORUM (http://www.kenseglerdesigns.com/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/UltraBoard.pl?Action=ShowBoard&Board=iopener&Idle=&Sort=&Order=&Session=) to discuss the modifications in.

[This message has been edited by oblivion (edited 03-18-2000).]

[OuTpaTienT]

hmmm, judging from the internal components, I'd say the I-Opener isn't even worth the $99.

I mean, 180mhz CPU?...hell, I've given away faster processors than that (200mhz).

32mb DRAM? Also, I've given away more DRAM than that.

Maybe I should just stop giving all my stuff away. lol. Well, I guess if someone GAVE me an I-Opener, and I couldn't return it, then maybe this project could at least make it a semi-useful device. I dunno.

[Gene C.]

I'll be checking my mailbox for the freebies.LOL, I saw that a couple of days ago. I don't know about hacking one up. but, I bet. I can blow one up. why not take the 100. and put another 50 or so with it and get a used full system. this is only my opinion.

[Smokey]

I think that it could possibly be useful maybe once all this hacking is done, for just e-mail and word processing, as it does have an integrated modem, and an LCD screen.

[zzzreyes]

there is other things you should consider..
IN my op, I think is worth it...
I am going down to tha states right now and picking one up!
its small combinient, looks prety kul, and mayb just mayb I can get my sister out of my computer office!

[zzzreyes]

Man just saw how complicated it looks to updated...
Just as a hobby project this would be amazing... wonder if I can get it out of the schools network budget?????
It would be sweet, waht can I use as an excuse????

[oblivion]

hmmm, judging from the internal components, I'd say the I-Opener isn't even worth the $99

Hmmm 32 megs of ram......180Mhz winchip integrated sound and video.....10inch LCD moniter..hardware modem......keyboard and mouse............I'd say it is worth one hundred for sure.....it supposedly has cost them over three hundred to make each one....


All I really know is that for about 140$ I can hook my computerless mom up with a complete system..and I will have alot of fun doing it too.......please OuTpaTienT,tell me where I can get a full system for 140$ or better......and I will jump right on it.



[This message has been edited by oblivion (edited 03-18-2000).]

[Brangwen]

Thumbs up, Oblivion. Nice job. Thx.

[Freakout]

That thing is just for email/internet, and you have to pay for there service to have the email/internet.
I'd rather use my laptop for that stuff.

[zzzreyes]

Yo Freak...
that is because you haven't gone to the links.
Now if you went to the links and still have the same opininon... well sorry, u r just not one of us....
think about this...
how would u like a decent laptop, the satisfaction of building it ur self, and add to this for less than 300 bucks!
[LIST]
WOW
WOW WOW
WOW WOW WOW
WOW WOW WOW WOW

YEAH THAT GOOD AND MORE... CANT WAIT 2 GET MINE!

[RobRich]

Thanks for the info, can you say new MP3 player for my car!!!! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif I'll have to study the info, and check into the viability of this, but this has some serious potenetial, mainly because I like the flat LCD screen.

[jad1097]

Oh yes this would make a great car MP3 player.

[alpha]

I dunno, but I'll take the heatsink they have on that Winchip! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[welsh wizard]

For that sort of price go to the local computer swap meet you could prob get enough bits and pieces to build a gen 200MHz system for that sort of money and still have easy expansion, also in this day and age who wants a 10" screen, the starting size these days is more like 17" in 12 months it will be 21" or maybe even 25" so why have to have a magnifying glass to read your mail.
JAT,
WW

[This message has been edited by welsh wizard (edited 03-19-2000).]

[RobRich]

I agree with you WW, I can build that system for a dirt cheap price, but I want that 10" LCD screen. I wouldn't consider using anything smaller than 17" monitor at home(I'm using a 19" right now), but this flat screen is just perfect for a mobile enviroment.

The reason I like this, for me to get a 9" grayscale LCD flat screen for my car MP3 player would cost $89.99 plus s/h. For $99, I can get a case, a motherboard, cpu, sound, video, modem, keyboard, and the 10" flat screen. If I actually attempt this, I keep you guy's posted.

[zzzreyes]

I agree, with the LCD screen...
the price is just 2 nice 2 pass up!
can't wait to get my hands on it...if anyone actually finishes theirs be4 mine please keep me in the loop!
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

zzzreyes@yahoo.com

[wyvrn]

I passed on this one. It is meant as an appliance more than a computer. Sure you can hack it, but its uses are limited. It costs more than 99, you pay 40 shipping and have to sign up for internet service for at least a month @ 21.95 (that is what the deal states), then remember to cancel your account. So it is more like 160 bucks.
Not a bad deal, but you could build a better computer for a little more. The only thing of real worth is that screen. If someone could tell me how to dissemble it from the rest of the computer and use it for a stand alone monitor, then I would buy one.

For those of you who want to do it: http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecentral/tutorials/1612/1/

Happy hacking!

[This message has been edited by wyvrn (edited 03-20-2000).]

[oblivion]

The thing is that you can buy them at circuit city for 99$ flat out..........if they are still in stock that is

[wyvrn]

That is the sticking pt. No Circuit City I have been to so far (3) had one. Looks like you may have to order it and pay more.