Archos 70 Tablet

As I was patiently waiting to obtain a Elocity A7 Tegra Tablet, I continued to get email notifications of continual delays, so I jumped on a good deal for an Archos 70 android tablet.  The device was surprisingly thin and many times quicker than the Maylong tablet.  The original firmware on the device locked it down to only 800 Mhz for speed and utilizes a different compression method than other android tablets making it more difficult to customize with root options.  The initial released firmware can be temporarily rooted it needed, but the new upgrade has pretty much eliminated that as an option but has allowed the user to operate at full 1000 Mhz speed and fixed several bugs.  You can still use Google market and since it is Android 2.2, it also supports flash 10.1.  I find the unit to run fairly smoothly but, I think it is still limited by the use of only 256 MB of ram.   Many phones now days are utilizing 512 MB and I guess Archos tried to cut corners where they could to bring the device into a sub $300.00 category and still maintain good build quality.  I have found that the unit appears to run smoother by using an alternate launcher than the stock version.  I personally use Launcher Pro and notice a more fluid feel and operation.  I do worry about the fragile feeling kickstand but since I keep it in a case that props the unit up anyway,  I should minimize any risk of fracture on the prop.  I picked up the case on-line and it is custom for the unit and fits nicely and does not add a tremendous amount of thickness or bulk as do some foam slip cases, etc.   There has been many comparisons between the Archos 70 and a Nook Color (rooted of course), so I used my discounts and gift card to obtain one and will do a comparison between the two shortly.

There are several sites that one can find information software, customizations as well as discussions surrounding the generation 8 Archos devices.

http://forum.archosfans.com/index.php

http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=875

http://www.androidtablets.net/forum/archos-tablets/

Product capacity • Flash Serie: 8 GB**** flash memory + Micro SD Slot (SDHC compatible)
• Hard Drive Disk Serie : Hard Drive: 250 GB**** Hard Drive
Display characteristics • High resolution screen, WVGA 800 x 480 pixels, 7'' TFT LCD, 16 million colors
• Capacitive multitouch screen
Application Framework Android 2.2 Froyo7
Processor • ARM Cortex A8 at 1 GHz with DSP
• Graphic accelerator: 3D OpenGL ES 2.0
Video Playback1 • MPEG-42 HD (up to 720p, 30 fps@6Mbps)
• MPEG-42 (ASP@L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution, 30 fps@8Mbps)
• H.264 HD (HP@L3.1 up to 720p, 30 fps@5Mbps)
• WMV9/VC1 (AP up to 720p 30 fps@10Mbps)
• M-JPEG (Motion JPEG Video) in VGA resolution

With optional plug-in (downloadable on www.archos.com):
• Cinema: MPEG-2 (up to DVD resolution MP/D1, 30 fps@10 Mbps)
With the above codecs, the device can play video files with the following extensions: AVI, MP4, MKV, MOV, WMV, MPG, PS, TS, VOB, FLV, RM, RMVB, ASF, 3GP
Audio Playback1 • MP3 CBR & VBR
• WMA, WMA-Pro 5.1
• WAV (PCM/ADPCM)
• AAC, AAC+ 5.13
• OGG Vorbis
• FLAC

With optional software plug-ins (downloadable on www.archos.com):
• AC3 5.1
Photo viewer4 JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF
Subtitles Support subtitles files with .srt, .ssa, .smi, .sub extensions
Webcam Yes
Pre-installed applications • Aldiko, Ebuddy, Wikipedia, Avecomics, HubKap, Deezer, Mewbox, Raging Thunderlite (a 3D car demo game), WordNewspaper, Touiteur, Fring
Interfaces • USB 2.0: Mass Storage Class (MSC)
• Micro SD (SDHC compatible) on flash version
• USB Host: Mass Storage Class (MSC) (adapter micro B/A sold separately)
• HDMI output5 (Mini HDMI / HDMI cable sold separately)
Communication protocols • WiFi (802.11 b/g/n)
• Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
Miscellaneous • Built-in speakers
• Built-in leg stand
• Built-in Microphone
• G-sensor
• Front VGA Camera
Power source • Internal: Lithium Polymer battery
• External: Power adapter/charger
Battery life • Music playback time6: up to 36 hours
• Video playback time6: up to 7 hours
• Web surfing6: up to 10 hours
Scalability • Device automatically downloads latest firmware updates when the WiFi connection is activated
• Updates can also be downloaded at www.archos.com and updated via USB mass storage
Dimensions & weight • ARCHOS 70 internet tablet Flash series: 201 x 114 x 10 mm – 300 grams / (7.91 x 4.49 x 0.43 - 11 oz)
• ARCHOS 70 internet tablet Hard Drive series: 201 x 114 x 14 mm – 400 grams / (7.91 x 4.49 x 0.55 inch – 14 oz)
Minimum system requirements • Microsoft® Windows® XP, Vista, 7 or higher
• Mac
• Linux
• USB 2.0 interface
Package includes ARCHOS 70 internet tablet, earphones, Standard USB cable, Quick Start Guide (QSG), legal and safety notice, power charger.

New post to come

I have several post started over the last year or so than never came to fruition but I will post them and update on newer devices I am currently messing around (Samsung Fascinate, Nook Color, Archos 70, Toshiba Libretto W105, Ipad, etc)

Alienware MX11 R2

Wow, That is all you can say about this little 12" netbook "Gaming Rig". If you are on a budget and don't want to spend the money on a large gaming desktop or even a high dollar laptop, this little work horse fits the bill nicely. I use mine for gaming as well as simply surfing the net and it excels in both categories wonderfully. Surprisingly the battery last much longer than one would expect for a low voltage I7 processor unit.

Specs
Dell Alienware M11x R2
-- Processor: Intel Core i7-640UM Processor (4M Cache, 1.20 GHz)
-- 320 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
-- 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
-- 1 GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335 M
-- Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth Module
-- Dell Wireless 1520 802.11n Half Mini-Card
-- 11.6 inch High Definition WLED Display (1366x768)
-- 8 Cell Primary Battery
-- Soft Touch Stealth Black

The MX11 R2 is a nice update to the original R1 that came out last year. With an upgrade to the processor as well as changed the outer covering to one which resist fingerprints more readily than a gloss shell. The units are slightly heavy but lighter than any typical laptop you could easily carry around and indulge in a quick graphics intense game on the go without sacrificing to many FPS.

Check out the following links for more info

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m11x/pd?refid=alienware-m11x&~ck=mn

Maylong M150

I just had to try this Generic tablet offered by non-other than your friendly neighborhood Walgreens. This became such a hot item it was sold out quickly. It has relatively tame specs but can be a good learning tool for android and play tool for the younger kids. It could be "rooted" and custom ROMS could be installed. I found it to be slower than I would like and opted for the Archos 70 tablet instead.

Then again, What do you expect for less than one Benjamin Franklin.

SPECIFICATIONS
•CPU: ARM9(VM8505+)
•Memory - RAM: 256MB
•Memory - Flash: 2GB built-in flash drive
•Display - Touch Panel: 7-inch TFT LCD
•Display: Resolution 800 X 480 Pixels
•WIFI: 802.11b/g
•Camera: 0.3M Pixels
•Input/Output - Touch Panel: Resistive touch panel
•Input/Output - Speaker: Two built-in loud speakers, 1W
•Input/Output - SD Card: Micro-SD card slot
•Input/Output - Network/USB: Dongle for RJ45 network and USB connection
•Buttons/Switches: Power On/Off, Speakers volume Up/Down
•Battery: Built-in Li-Polymer battery
•Charger - Input: DC 110-220V AC
•Charger - Output: DC 9V DC

Great site for tablet information:

http://tipstir.the-talk.net/forum

Villa N5

In looking for the ultimate UMPC, one can't help but be drawn to the small light weight and clamshell design of the Viliv N5. Much to the delight of fans of the Viliv devices the rumored N5 that was presented at CES in 2009 finally become available in 2010. The device is easy to use and can be a great pocketable device that is not to big to place in a large pocket. It is quite due to the use of no fan and does not really get excessively hot during use. I did notice that the screen itself is not quite as responsive as the S5 which was very responsive but lacked a good mouse controller. This was addressed with the N5 via the optical sensor on above the keyboard. The optical sensor was very accurate and easy to use along with the fixed mouse buttons on the opposing side of the keyboard making for a great handheld operation.

Check out the forum at pocketables.net

http://forum.pocketables.net/forumdisplay.php?f=98

Viliv S5 windows 5" Slate handheld

Viliv S5 was a great, light, quick, handheld device with a very responsive touch screen. The biggest draw back in my opinion was the lack of a mouse. It relied on a joystick that really was limited in only 8 major directions and did not give the fluid motion one would expect from a device driving a mouse cursor. THe unit I had came with a charger unit and extra battery. I purchased this unit from Dynamism. I top notch outfit with great support and delivery.

Install Windows XP on the Sony Vaio P 1st gen

The first steps I would do before installing XP:
1. Read this through fully before starting.
2. Backup your system, I use Aconis True Image (you can use what method you prefer).  I do this so I can go directly to Vista they way I optimized it and not to a clean image.
3. You can copy the wallpapers from C:\windows\web\wallpapers if you so desire and you must copy the c:\Users\Public   directory for instant mode to function (you only need favorites, music, picture, videos  the others can be deleted.)
4. Download all the required drivers listed below.   You can install a nlite version of XP or a full version.  You will have to be very careful if a nlite version is used.  A full version S3 XP will find the SD card, Sony Card, Video Camera, etc on its own.
I just hooked an external DVD drive and changed the bios to boot from an external device first.
Required Drivers

•     Intel System Controller Hub US15W Chipset
Http://www.kohjinsha.co.kr/upload/driver/SX_Chipset.zip
•    graphics drivers Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 (Intel GMA500)
THere is a new driver for xp which is suppose to help fullscreen youtube.  Works on the vaio P, just use the setup program.
http://jp.kohjinsha.com/support/content/supt/driver.html
6.14.10.1096
UPDATE-NEWER VIDEO DRIVER WHICH CAN BE INSTALLED NORMALLY
http://i-mbook.co.kr/download/Video.zip
Old driver
 US15W above that are integrated. 
Designed for the Atom. http://www.fmworld.net/cgi-bin/driversearch/drvdownload.cgi?COLOR=1&DRIVER_NUM=E1008986
This is loaded manually.  Do the have disk method and go to the inf file.
•    Wireless LAN Drivers Atheros AR928X
http://www.fmworld.net/cgi-bin/driversearch/drvdownload.cgi?COLOR=1&DRIVER_NUM=E1008939
WLAN_azure_xp_u100_nb.zip
•    Marvell Gigabyte Lan Driver (manually installed) and notebook controller, I/O control can be downloaded here
http://webpages.charter.net/ibagci/xp%20sony%20p.zip
•    Audio High Definition Audio Codecs
http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsCheck.aspxLangid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false
•    Point Stick Sony Driver Alps in the driver's
http://74.125.47.102/translate_chl=en&sl=ja&u=http://vcl.vaio.sony.co.jp/download/EP0000173925.html&prev=/search3Fq3Dsony%2Bvaio%2Bp%2Bxp%26num%3D30%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26cr%3DcountryJP%26rls3Dcom.microsoft:en-US%26as_qdr%3Dw&usg=ALkJrhhZY4PbG_RvJEcJNSXJlohK_u1mPA
•    Bluetooth drivers
ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/OS/XPDOWNGRADE/Z11/DRIVERS
download the broadcom bluetooth driver.
 Net Framework2.0
 required before further installs.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0856EACB-4362-4B0D-8EDD-AAB15C5E04F5&displaylang=ja
Windows update can download any additional Framework fixes.
 VAIO original software utilities.
Updated from Tnkgrl's posts below.
Hacked the installers to work with XP by using Universal Extractor to get around the Vista check: http://legroom.net/software/uniextract

Here's what needs to be installed (after hacking the installers to work with XP):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en(Service Pack 3 - also install all the updates)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0856EACB-4362-4B0D-8EDD-AAB15C5E04F5&displaylang=en (.NET framework 2.0 - also install all the updates)
I would install .net 3.5 as well since that appears to fix smartwii issues.
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNP530H&upd_id=4222&os_id=27
(GoBi Drivers)
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNP530H&upd_id=4223&os_id=27
(GoBi Images)
- http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNP530H&upd_id=4373&os_id=27
(Notebook utilities - only the Event Service is required, setup.exe inside VES2 folder)
- http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNP530H&upd_id=4197&os_id=27
 (Shared library)
- http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNP530H&upd_id=4371&os_id=27 (SmartWi software - the Verizon software is also required, VZAM-Sony-...exe)
Optional if brightness key is not working.  See post #7.  I would recommend further reading of posts below.
Tool for adjusting brightness
http://cid-d0db45762fec04ac.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/%e5%85%ac%e9%96%8b/BrHotKey.zip

Brightness is controlled be Ctrl-Alt H or J  from high and low. Place the exe or a link in the startup folder.  Volume keys still work with the hotkeys.
Install instant-on mode but before trying you must place the saved directories from the c:\Users\Public onto your C drive.
Http://vcl.vaio.sony.co.jp/download/EP0000173249.html

You can add the wallpaper you saved previously.
Let me know if any links don't work.
Hope this helps.  It is much faster than Vista,  UpPDATE!!!  Please see [B]post #7 from TnkGrl[/B] to get the WWAN and GPS function to work!!!!:D
To give credit where credit is due much of this was found from this japanese website with alot of good info. Just use google to translate.
http://74.125.47.102/translate_c?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.callt.co.jp/blog/mt/archives/entry/009368.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsony2Bvaio%2Bp%2Bxp%26num%3D30%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26cr%3DcountryJP%26rls3Dcom.microsoft:en-US%26as_qdr%3Dw&usg=ALkJrhhY9t8k-fngzZJG3sYLOXOgSphSnQ


If post is off see my original at pocket.net

original link