Well first off I've ordered one as it's interesting.
<The problem with this box is that there is no way to import software since
<the SanDisk is soldered on, not plugged in, like some embedded designs. Wh
<appears to be necessary is to install an alternate OS on a laptop drive tha
<is installed in a _real_ machine, then stick the drive on this closed box.
The disk installed has only got to boot dos or some such. Then the
parallel port can be the import path. I've already done this on
regular PCs that I didn't want a Floppy and CDrom on but needed to
install W95 or whatever. Once you have an OS you and install a Sandisk
loader in the Sandisk. Dunfield.com has a minimal dos that may work for
the task.
<There does not appear to be an RS-232 port, but I have two options - one
<quick-n-dirty, the other only theoretically possible. First, I have a
<box that simulates a CO. I can stick a modem on the other side of this
<thing and use its internal modem at 33.6 (maximum speed without a digitally
<enhanced ISP on the other end) or down to 9600, say, and simulate a dial-u
This is one way, Ugly and prone to problems. Easier to hack the parallel
port and do a parallel to serial converter. I consider the parallel port
a resource.
I happen to be lucky and have a few Xircom Pocket eithernet adaptors so
those will fill the parallel port.
<> Do USB drivers for DOS exist?
<
<I sincerely doubt it.
None I know of.
<Agreed, but I may stick a Linux Router Project kernel on the internal SanDi
<and mount stuff via NFS - slow over the parallel port, but it should work
<once I get an adapter.
If linux supports USB there are all sorts of USB to whatever converters
including Eithernet, modems, printers...
Allison
Received on Mon Mar 13 2000 - 20:38:46 GMT