would this work as a thin client?

would this work as a thin client?

[james miller]

Hello all. I'm pretty new to Linux and to the LTSP project, but I ran across 
something on the web for really cheap ($12.95!) and wondered if it could work 
as a thin client. Seems like, if it would, a bit of fiddling would be 
involved. Sorry if this is a stupid question. Anyway, here's the link: 
http://www.softwareandstuff.com/h_misc_webpal.html . Description follows:

#######################BEGIN PRODUCT DESCRIPTION########################

Product Description:  What the heck is a Webpal you ask??!?! This an Internet 
Set-top box which was produced for Newcom, Inc.(Now defunct) by 
Teknema(Teknema.com) and originally sold for over $400.  The WebPal Internet 
Box converts a television set (or VGA monitor) into a device that can access 
the Internet. The box is operated by its own hand-held remote control unit, 
and a wireless keyboard is also included.

WebPal's built-in 33.6Kbps modem lets you surf the net, through a regular 
voice grade telephone line. You can use the Internet Service Provider 
recommend by Necom(Earthlink) or specify your own PPP/PAP or CHAP provider.

Good for emailing or simple surfing! Works with any ISP that uses one server 
for inbound and outbound e-mail. Experience the Internet on Your TV! The 
cheapest way to have email or browse the web on your TV! Wireless keyboard and 
remote control Included! Originally retailed for over $399.95!

You can either use the device as a Web-TV type device when connected to your 
TV OR Computer monitor!..... OR you can hack it and use it as a Linux box!  
This little unit has just about enough features to use it as a PC!!

##########################END PRODUCT DESCRIPTION#########################

James

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Re: would this work as a thin client?

[Ray Olszewski]

At 10:32 AM 12/18/02 -0500, james miller wrote:
>Hello all. I'm pretty new to Linux and to the LTSP project, but I ran across
>something on the web for really cheap ($12.95!) and wondered if it could work
>as a thin client. Seems like, if it would, a bit of fiddling would be
>involved. Sorry if this is a stupid question. Anyway, here's the link:
>http://www.softwareandstuff.com/h_misc_webpal.html . Description follows:
[deleted]

I took a look at the URL, and I followed some of the links there, which 
included info on converting the box to Linux. I'd say it is doable, but far 
more than a "bit" of fiddling is needed. The instructions for how to switch 
it to Linux seem pretty clear, but highlight three weak spots --

         1. The system uses an ARM CPU, not an i86 one, so you need to cope 
with the added complixities of using an non-i86 distro. This isn't fatal, 
but it does involve learning new tricks of the trade.

         2. The system has only one expansion slot, an isa slot, and that 
is limited to NE2K NICs running on IRQ3 (if you use it for a NIC, that is). 
NE2K means 10 Mbps, not 100 Mbps. Usable for a thin client, but just one 
more thing to have to fiddle with.

         3. This is more s judgment call on my part, but I expect you would 
see poor performance with X on this system, making it a weak candidate for 
common thin client uses (at least the ones that interest me).

Good luck if you decide to give this a try, and please let us know how it 
goes if you do.


--
-------------------------------------------"Never tell me the odds!"--------
Ray Olszewski					-- Han Solo
Palo Alto, California, USA			  ray@comarre.com
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