Compaq iPaq Home Internet Appliance for $99

[way]

Saw this on Slashdot.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-Details.asp?sku=C860-A783

It appears to be hackable - /.ers are mentioning running linux on it through a CF card or adding laptop hard drives to them.

 

[Scarpozzi]

This sounds sorta like the 3Com Audrey that they had for the same price a while back. Those ARE hackable, but I'm not sure about the iPaq@home. Anyone have one of these or has seen one? I'm thinking about using it as a glorified bar recipe guide.... The screen is HPA which really sucks, but the price is definitely right. I just priced it at Walmart.com and it's running $198 there. It looks liek a pretty hot deal.

 

[ashneel]

stupid question does it have a usb port so i can go online with my cable modem or ethernet card?

what you mean my hackable?

 

[Scarpozzi]

Yeah....if you check the compatibility, there are only a small list of HP and Epson printers it's compatible with. And only 3 USB adapters, but TigerDirect sells one of them and it's only $29. Not too shabby. I would think what they mean by hackable is to install linux on it. A lot of people want small terminals or devices they can boot for use as routers/firewalls/instant access to the internet/etc. So it may have that capability, but I'll only look for that if it can't be used in the way I think it should be. Max Res on the display is 800X600 and the quality is going to be low, but for $99 it sounds great. Plus, ppl are buying these digital picture frames lately. It says it can double as one of those when it's off. So it sounds like a great little device. It is refurbished, but like I said above, it's a steal for $200 under retail and $100 off the price offered currently at a retail store.

 

[poppagene]

linked

 

[tiejiba]

it is using stupid winCE,

 

[lamplighter]

<< stupid question does it have a usb port so i can go online with my cable modem or ethernet card? >>



Okay, another stupid question... what would you need to have it so the USB port could connect to a cable modem?

 

[way]

http://www.linux-hacker.net/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/UltraBoard.pl?Action=ShowBoard&Board=MSNCompanion

Link to a forum with more info.

 

[gsaldivar]

The screens on these are really ass.

They are using the old old old LCD technology (forgot the name) that has hella-ghosting

 

[ZenMan]

I bought one of these the first time TigerDirect was selling them for $99 for NEW units.

I wanted to hook it up to my home network (DSL connection) to have a stand-alone web surfing terminal. After reading all that was required to hack this thing, I gave up on it and sold it.

Just be forewarned, Microsoft has the OS pretty well locked down so that you can't modify it and use any ISP other than MSN without paying MSN at least $10/month. (I know - pay MSN to use another ISP - what a load of crap!)

It is just not very easily hacked and unless you understand how to use linux, you probably won't be able to hack it either.

 

[sbpd]

You can use a different ISP, read the last line under Benefits.....
Benefits:


Easy to set up, Easy to use

Turns on and off like a TV and automatically connects to the Internet

Automatic upgrades and updates keep you surfing at peak performance

Flashing red light lets you know when you have a new e-mail message

Rest assured that your e-mail, shopping and sensitive information remain protected

Broadband Ready - USB adapter

Use your own ISP

 

[Rab]

You CAN use another ISP, but you HAVE to use the MSN service regardless.

Just buy a CF to IDE adapter, and upgrade it with a real O/S.