Subject: Re: Mobilepro 780 questions
To: Bryan Vyhmeister <bsd@hub3.net>
From: Andrew L. Gould <algould@datawok.com>
List: port-hpcmips
Date: 09/14/2003 09:09:26
On Sunday 14 September 2003 02:32 am, Bryan Vyhmeister wrote:
> > I'm considering purchasing a Mobilepro 780 on eBay and having NetBSD on
> > it; but have some questions:
> >
> > 1.  Is the modem functional in NetBSD?
>
> Not that I am aware of.
>
> > 2.  How much memory does the basic installation of the hpcmips port need?
> >  In other words, can I expect to have enough room for a reasonable number
> > of applications?
>
> I am not sure about a basic installation but my complete installation
> including X and all of the install sets plus quite a few packages and some
> other stuff takes 340 MB according to df. You could easily slim that figure
> down by not installing all of the compiler stuff and other things that you
> really do not need.

I've learned (the hard way) not to skimp on capacity.  I'll start shopping 
around for a 1GB CF or microdrive.

>
> > 3.  Does hpcmips support virtual terminals, or will I need to install X
> > Window to run multiple applications that require user interaction.
>
> Virtual terminals are supported just fine by wscons. I use X as well
> though.

This is good news! -- 

>
> > 4.  How do others use NetBSD on Mobilepro 7*?
>
> My MobilePro 770 works nicely for taking notes and doing some web
> development. It is a nice and compact unit to carry around that has a nice
> battery life. It works well for email too.
>
> > 5.  Are there any consultants that I could hire to install NetBSD for me?
> >
> > I'm envisioning running the following:
> >      mutt & msmtp  (Is msmtp available for NetBSD?)
> >      w3m
> >      lynx + ssl
> >      fetchmail
> >      ssh
> >      vi
> >      mc
> >      X Window
> >      xfce
> >      vnc
> >      Linksys wireless pcmcia card
> >      A pcmcia modem, if needed
> >      a memory card (Does anyone know the max capacity for Mobilepro 780?)
> >
> > Does this seem reasonable?
>
> This seems relatively reasonable. I have not used w3m or vnc on my
> MobilePro 770. It is all worth a try at least. The 780 is a bit faster than
> the 770 as well. I think it is 168 MHz instead of 131 MHz. Watch out for
> the latest Linksys PCMCIA wireless cards. I would recommend going with
> Netgear because they do use the Prism 2.5 chipset. Linksys keeps changing
> to different chipsets. The Prism 2.5 chipset is well supported. Other
> chipsets are not supported at all or are just now being supported in
> -current.

I already own the Linksys.  It works with FreeBSD on my laptop.

>
> I can compile any packages you need. I have a NetBSD/cobalt machine set up
> to compile packages. They are binary compatible with NetBSD/hpcmips. Let me
> know if you need more help.
>
> Bryan

Thanks,

Andrew Gould