Dell's support site is available at: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen (or just http://support.dell.com will do.)


A visit to Dell's support site reveals the following title:

The driver download process is as follows:

  1. Click Drivers and Downloads
  2. Enter service tag of system
  3. Select OS, set various 'category filters'
  4. Download your driver

The problems start at step 2.  Until very recently, Dell thought it would be amusing to hide the Dell Service Tag sticker on the back of the system.  It's also available on the front top or side of the machine on a sticker the size of a postage stamp.  The font used on this service tag ensures that anyone a day over 40 is unable to read it properly.  0 and O can be confused (if you don't know any better) and I and 1 can also be confused.  I know they don't use BOTH of these letters, but the people reading them don't; they assume its one and the website promptly spits an error, or returns a system they don't own.

Now that you've managed to return the 5-6 cryptic letters by stretching rather uncomfortably to the back, you click "OK" and are ready to start downloading drivers.  Only at this point, you're informed that you have a "Dell Inspiron 4000 Series" or "Dell Optiplex 745" or some such nonsense.  (I've blocked out my service tag here.)

"Use the category filters above to narrow your results" it instructs.  But I've already selected the appropriate information.  It's already filtered.  Why do I still have 50 items to choose from?  A scroll down the page reveals:

(This is just an example: There are LOTS of firmware upgrades for an Optiplex 745, apparantly.)

You see, when I ordered this system, I ordered an NEC-6550A slim 8x DVD+/-RW drive, and a Philips DROM6316 HH SATA DVDROM, and a Philips SCB5265 slim 24x combo drive, and a Philips SDR089 slim 8x DVD, and a Philips SDVD-8820 Slim 8x DVD+/-RW, and...  When you ordered YOUR system, you probably ordered an nVidia GeForce 6000 series, an ATI x1300, AND an Intel GMA graphics accelerator.  Modem?  You have 6 modems in your computer, you see.  All 6 Broadcom reference chipsets.  You have both an Intel NIC and a Broadcom gigabit NIC.

So here's the question: The website provides a link to view "original system configuration" (as shipped) - so why isn't the list of drivers available automatically sorted, based on the factory configuration of the system?

The problems continue.  I don't like using my browser's download facility; I prefer wget (Win32 style, naturally).  See that link on the right? "Download now"?
Here's a sample URL it returns: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/downloads/en/downloads_splash?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~mode=popup&file=104072

That spits an HTTP 500 - Internal Server error when loaded without context.  Why not just link me to the FTP?  Why must you redirect me?

Did you know: The problem with this site is the lack of education for the user.  You see, this page is "too complicated" because users "aren't properly educated."  So let's put a help video on the side:

Couple this with some nice Javascript popup windows, some ugly Flash videos with examples on how to change your OS, and you've clearly solved the problem of poor functionality in your code.  Educate users to deal with your bad UIs.  Click here: http://i.dell.com/images/global/support/flash/tutorial/driver_and_download/final_tutorial.htm  I particularly like how the aspect ratio is maintained in the screenshots, maximizing readability.

This support site isn't so hot.


 
Categories: IT

Future versions of Windows will have to be "fundamentally different" in order to take advantage of multicore processors, according to Ty Carlson of Microsoft.

"You're going to see in excess of 8, 16, 64 and beyond processors on your client computer," said Carlson, director of technical strategy at Microsoft, during a panel discussion at the Future in Review conference. Windows Vista, on the other hand, is "designed to run on 1, 2, maybe 4 processors," he said, referring to the fact that quad-core processors are now available from Intel and are on the way from Advanced Micro Devices.

The problem, as has been noted on many occasions, is that loads of PC applications were programmed with serial processing in mind, meaning that the performance of those applications increased as a chip's clock speed increased. That's not how it works anymore. The chip industy has decided that multiple cores are the best way to keep increasing performance, and that means applications now have to be designed with parallel processing in mind.

"In 10 to 15 years' time we're going to have incredible computing power. The challenge will be bringing that ecosystem up that knows how to write programs," Carlson said. Windows Vista is designed to take advantage of multiple processing threads, but not 16 threads. And application developers are even further behind in making the transition to the multicore world.

http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-9722524-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5

"The software has to also start following Moore's law," Intel fellow Shekhar Borkar said, referring to the notion that chips offer roughly double the performance every 18 months to two years. "Software has to double the amount of parallelism that it can support every two years."

"We do now face the challenge of figuring out how to move, I'll say, the whole programming ecosystem of personal computing up to a new level where they can reliably construct large-scale applications that are distributed, highly concurrent, and able to utilize all this computing power," Mundie said in an interview there. "That is probably the single most disruptive thing that we will have done in the last 20 or 30 years."

http://news.com.com/Intel+Software+needs+to+heed++Moores+Law/2100-1012_3-6186765.html?part=rss&tag=2547-1_3-0-5&subj=news


 
Categories: IT

Memory Ranks - Intel E7320/E7520 Chipset-based Servers

The new servers utilizing Intel's E7320/E7520 chipset (code-named "Lindenhurst") support PC2100, PC2700, and PC2-3200 memory. Memory Ranks limitations apply only to PC2700 and PC2-3200.

Q: How do Intel Lindenhurst servers limit ranks?

The number of ranks is important based upon the server's memory speed:

  • If PC2100 memory is used, the number of ranks is not critical and either single- or dual-rank memory module pairs can be used.
  • If PC2700 or PC2-3200 memory is used, there is a maximum of 8 ranks per server. For example, if two pairs of dual-rank memory modules are inserted into the memory sockets, that would add up to 8 ranks (4 modules x 2-ranks each = 8 ranks); in this case, empty sockets cannot be used for upgrading memory.




Possible DIMM Configurations, PC2700 (Max 8 ranks)

Total Ranks

DIMM 1 Pair

DIMM 2 Pair

DIMM 3 Pair

DIMM 4 Pair

2

Single Rank
Single Rank

 

 

 

4

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

 

 

 

4

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

 

 

6

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

 

 

8 (MAX)

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

Must Be Empty
Must Be Empty

Must Be Empty
Must Be Empty

6

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

 

8 (MAX)

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

8 (MAX)

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Must Be Empty
Must Be Empty



Possible DIMM Configurations, PC2-3200 (Max 8 ranks)
 

Total Ranks

DIMM 1 Pair

DIMM 2 Pair

DIMM 3 Pair

DIMM 4 Pair

2

Single Rank
Single Rank

 

 

 

4

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

 

 

 

4

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

 

 

6

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

 

 

8 (MAX)

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

Must Be Empty
Must Be Empty

Must Be Empty
Must Be Empty

6

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

 

8 (MAX)

Dual Rank
Dual Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Must Be Empty
Must Be Empty

8 (MAX)

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

Single Rank
Single Rank

 

Lindenhurst.Server.Memory.pdf (283.42 KB)
 
Categories: IT

It is not uncommon to experience the occasional slow down of a SQL Server database. A poorly designed database or a system that is improperly configured for the workload are but several of many possible causes of this type of performance problem. Administrators need to proactively prevent or minimize problems and, when they occur, diagnose the cause and take corrective actions to fix the problem. This paper provides step-by-step guidelines for diagnosing and troubleshooting common performance problems by using publicly available tools such as SQL Server Profiler, System Monitor, and the new Dynamic Management Views in SQL Server 2005.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/2005/tsprfprb.mspx

More:

Sql 2005 Dynamic Memory Managment with AWE enabled
http://blogs.msdn.com/chadboyd/archive/2007/03/08/sql-2005-dynamic-memory-managment-with-awe-enabled.aspx

Reporting Services Trace Logs
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms156500.aspx

Report and Snapshot Size Limits
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-US/library/ms156002.aspx

Monitoring Report Execution Performance with Execution Logs
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa964131.aspx

How to diagnose issues when running reports in the report server?
http://blogs.msdn.com/lukaszp/archive/2007/01/31/how-to-diagnose-issues-when-running-reports-in-the-report-server.aspx


 
Categories: IT | SQL Server 2005

Source: Walter Eikenboom

While testing and playing around with SCOM 2007 for a few weeks in my test environment my c:\ drive was filling up. Normally there would be a lot of service packs, install and update files on the drive but this time it was clean.

After some searching i found a logfile directory of 2GB in the "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.2\Reporting Services\Logfiles" so there was my problem. From the " SQL Server Management studio" there was no possibility to change the location so i had to change de location of the logfiles the following way:
In Notepad, open the ReportingServicesService.exe.config file that is located in the following folder:

Drive:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.x\Reporting Services\ReportServer\Bin
add the following code to the <RStrace> section: 
   <add name="FileName" value="ReportServer_" /> 
   <add name="Directory" value="YourPath" />
In Notepad, open the Web.config file that is located in the following folder: 
   Drive:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.x\Reporting Services\ReportServer 
   Add the code that is listed in step 2 to the Web.config file. 
   In Notepad, open the Web.config file that is located in the following folder: 
   Drive:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.x\Reporting Services\ReportManager 
   Add the code that is listed in step 2 to the Web.config file. 
   Set the same permissions on the new logfile folder as there where on the old logfile folder and restart the ReportServer Windows Service. After moving the old logfiles to the new location the drive space problem was solved.


 
Categories: IT | SQL Server 2005

Error message:

The following unexpected error occurred:
Unable to install Windows Installer MSI file

Workaround:

You will need access to the SQL Server 2005 SP1 package.  First, copy/paste the following script into notepad and save it as "RepairSP1Source.js".

if( WScript.Arguments.Length < 1 )

{

    WScript.Echo( "Usage: RepairSP1Source.js \"<path to extracted SP1 files>\"" );

    WScript.Quit( 1 );

}

 

var filesystem = new ActiveXObject( "Scripting.FileSystemObject" );

var newSource = WScript.Arguments( 0 );

 

if( !filesystem.FolderExists( newSource ) )

{

    WScript.Echo( "The path to the extracted SP1 package does not exist.  Please correct the path and run the tool again." );

    WScript.Quit( 1 );

}

 

var installer = WScript.CreateObject( "WindowsInstaller.Installer" );

 

// Look for MSPs at the extracted location

EnumerateMSPs( newSource );

 

function EnumerateMSPs( extractedSp1PatchPath )

{

    var folder = filesystem.GetFolder( extractedSp1PatchPath );

    var fileEnum = new Enumerator( folder.Files );

    for( ; !fileEnum.atEnd(); fileEnum.moveNext() )

    {

        var nextFile = fileEnum.item();

       

        if( filesystem.GetExtensionName( nextFile.Name ) == "msp" )

        {

            WScript.Echo( "Found patch located at: " + nextFile.Path );

            var extractedSp1PatchSummaryInfo = installer.SummaryInformation( nextFile.Path );

            // Retrieve the PatchCode from the SummaryInformation

            var extractedSp1PatchCode = new String( extractedSp1PatchSummaryInfo.Property( 9 ) ).substring( 0, 38 );

 

            // Look to see if we need to repair the cached MSP for this Patch

            RepairCachedMSP( extractedSp1PatchCode, nextFile.Path );

            WScript.Echo();

        }

    }

 

    // Now look in subfolders for MSPs

    var folderEnum = new Enumerator( folder.SubFolders );

 

    for( ; !folderEnum.atEnd(); folderEnum.moveNext() )

    {

        var nextFolder = folderEnum.item();

       

        EnumerateMSPs( nextFolder.Path );

    }

}

 

function RepairCachedMSP( extractedSp1PatchCode, extractedSp1PatchPath )

{

    var sp1Patch = null;

    var cachedSp1PatchFileName = null;

 

    WScript.Echo( "Attempting to repair the local cache for PatchCode \"" + extractedSp1PatchCode + "\"" );

 

    // Enumerate all products installed on the machine to see if any have been patched by

    // this MSP

    var products = installer.ProductsEx( "", "", 4 );

 

    // Look for the first product that is patched with this MSP.

    for( var x = 0; (sp1Patch == null) && (x < products.Count); x++ )

    {

        var nextProduct = products.Item( x );

        var nextProductPatches = installer.PatchesEx( nextProduct.ProductCode, "", 4, 1 );

       

        for( var y = 0; (sp1Patch == null) && (y < nextProductPatches.Count); y++ )

        {

            var nextProductPatch = nextProductPatches.Item( y );

            var nextPatchURL = nextProductPatch.PatchProperty( "MoreInfoURL" );

            var nextPatchURLString = new String( nextPatchURL );

           

            // See if this patch is SP1 and if it matches the PatchCode of what the user

            // extracted to the hard drive.

            if( ( nextPatchURLString.indexOf( "kbid=913090" ) != -1 )

                    && ( extractedSp1PatchCode == nextProductPatch.PatchCode ) )

            {

                cachedSp1PatchFileName = nextProductPatch.PatchProperty( "LocalPackage" );

 

                // Only re-cache if the MSP is missing

                if( !filesystem.FileExists( cachedSp1PatchFileName ) )

                {

                    sp1Patch = nextProductPatch;

                }

            }

        }

    }

 

    if( !cachedSp1PatchFileName )

    {

        WScript.Echo( "No action can be taken as the patch has not been applied on the local machine." );

    }

    else

    {

        if( sp1Patch == null )

        {

            WScript.Echo( "No action will be taken since the provided SP1 patch appears to exist locally." );

        }

        else

        {

            var extractedSp1Patch = filesystem.GetFile( extractedSp1PatchPath );

 

            WScript.Echo( "Re-caching patch for the product code \"" + sp1Patch.ProductCode

                + "\" and patch \"" + sp1Patch.PatchCode + "\" to \"" + cachedSp1PatchFileName + "\"" );

            extractedSp1Patch.Copy( cachedSp1PatchFileName );

 

            var updatedSp1Patch = filesystem.GetFile( cachedSp1PatchFileName );

            var currentAttributes = updatedSp1Patch.Attributes;

           

            // If the file isn't read-only mark it as such.

            if( ( currentAttributes & 1 ) == 0 )

            {

                updatedSp1Patch.Attributes = (currentAttributes | 1 );

            }

        }

    }

 

}

 

The SP1 package when run with the "/X" switch will popup a dialog that allows you to extract out the files to a location on your local disk.  You are going to need to run this and save off the SP1 files to a path on your machine.  Once you do that, you run the script above and pass to it the path of where the files were extracted.  Then you should be able to apply SP2.  The steps will look like this:

  1. SQLServer2005SP1-KB913090-x86-ENU.exe /X
  2. cscript RepairSP1Source.js "<path to SP1 files>"
  3. Run SP2 again

RepairSP1source.txt (4.74 KB)

Source: http://forums.microsoft.com/msdn/showpost.aspx?postid=1249824&siteid=1&sb=0&d=1&at=7&ft=11&tf=0&pageid=5


 
Categories: IT | SQL Server 2005

Windows Memory Diagnostic

The Windows Memory Diagnostic tests the Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer for errors. The diagnostic includes a comprehensive set of memory tests. If you are experiencing problems while running Windows, you can use the diagnostic to determine whether the problems are caused by failing hardware, such as RAM or the memory system of your motherboard. Windows Memory Diagnostic is designed to be easy and fast. On most configurations, you can download the diagnostic, read the documentation, run the test and complete the first test pass in less than 30 minutes.

To run Windows Memory Diagnostic, you must reboot your computer with the disk or CD-ROM on which you installed Windows Memory Diagnostic in the drive. After the reboot, Windows Memory Diagnostic will load and its interface will appear. After loading, the first test pass will begin, using the default standard test suite, and continue until complete, unless Windows Memory Diagnostic is either paused or exited. Once the first test pass is complete, Windows Memory Diagnostic will begin a second test pass using the same settings as before. Windows Memory Diagnostic will continue to run test passes until you exit.

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp


 
Categories: IT

Windows Server 2003 Access-based Enumeration makes visible only those files or folders that the user has the rights to access. When Access-based Enumeration is enabled, Windows will not display files or folders that the user does not have the rights to access. This download provides a GUI and a CLI that enables this feature.

Version: 1.0.424.5
Date Published: 4/8/2005

There are three Windows Installer packages. One each for x86, amd64 (also for x64) and ia64 machines. The msi packages can be used on any SKUs for each of these architectures. Download the msi and run it on the server and the GUI and CLI for Access Based Enumeration will be installed on the server. A white paper describing the feature and the GUI and CLI will also be installed on the server.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=04a563d9-78d9-4342-a485-b030ac442084&DisplayLang=en


 
Categories: IT

May 10, 2007
@ 01:34 PM

Microsoft SharedView (Codename "Tahiti") is a fast and easy way to share documents and screen views with small groups of friends or coworkers; anytime, anywhere. Use SharedView to put your heads together and collaborate.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ddbf048d-db67-4c56-9335-6964e15975d2&DisplayLang=en


 
Categories: IT

The Best Tool Ever:  The Norton Removal Tool uninstalls all Norton 2007/2006/2005/2004/2003 products from your computer. Before you continue, make sure that you have the installation CDs or downloaded installation files for any Norton products that you want to reinstall. Also, if you use ACT! or WinFAX, back up those databases and uninstall those products.

Which prompts the question: Why would you want to reinstall a Norton product?

2000/XP/Vista: ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe
ME/9x: ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool_9x.exe
via http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039


 
Categories: IT | Tight

After installing Update Retriever for System Update, and then downloading update packages, my xSeries 226 server stopped shutting down properly.  A restart operation via the OS fails and the system hangs.

After grabbing updates, the system tries to install the Lenovo SMBIOS device using the drivers it just obtained.  Don't let it.  I went into Device Manager and found a SMBIOS device that had installed itself, using Lenovo drivers.  I removed the device, rescanned, and found no such device anymore.

I'm running Windows 2003 x64 Server with SP2 installed.

The system reboots properly now.  Strange...


 
Categories: IT

Yes, HD DVD with David Attenborough.  From BBC: Planet Earth

In case you haven't seen this: I highly recommend it.

http://www.amazon.ca/Planet-Earth-Complete-Collection-DVD/dp/B000MRAAJW/ref=sr_1_1/701-1694129-2356367?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1178482849&sr=8-1


 
Categories: Tight

I recently purchased a Creative Zen Vision W.

Usage

  • To watch media while travelling.  Yes, I usually use my laptop for this, but this specialized device allows a simplified experience, a nice interface, and a perfect size, allowing me to watch movies/videos even in cramped spaces.  The laptop may not have room to open up, and causes too many hassles.
  • MP3 capability, recording, FM radio.  Not necessarily available in a laptop. =)

Initial comments

I never thought I'd consider a Creative device.  Just never seemed good enough - always missing some critical features that I wanted in products.  This one looks good on paper, and handles well.  UI isn't awkward at all, surprisingly.

Build quality

  • I'm impressed.  Seems solid, with a decent Hitachi harddrive in it.  Should be reliable, certainly if compared to Toshiba drives.
  • Nice LCD - nice viewing angle.
  • Buttons seem flimsy, but I'm used to a ThinkPad.  These buttons won't fall apart - they just don't have the travel I'm used to.  (Keep in mind, I use an IBM Model M keyboard.)
  • Speakers – nice volume.  Could be louder... but headphones are going to be used anyway. =)

Advertised capabilities

  • 4.3″ WQVGA high-resolution LCD screen - View 480 x 272 resolution in a wide aspect screen at up to 262,144 colors or output video and photos to an external display at a maximum of 720×480.
  • Holds up to 240 hours of movies - ZEN support formats such as AVI, DivX 4 & 53, XviD4, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG4-SP, WMV9 and Motion-JPEG
  • Store up to tens of thousands of photos - Complete with a thumbnail gallery and zoom capabilities.
  • Up to 15,000 songs - With 5-band EQ or 8 preset EQ settings and 96dB signal-to-noise ratio.
  • TV output - Connect the ZEN to a projector or TV with the bundled AV cable for everyone to see.
  • FM radio - Listen to more music with the integrated FM radio with 32 station presets.
  • Personal organizer - Syncs your contacts, calendar, and tasks with Microsoft Outlook.
  • Voice recorder - Record meetings, lectures, even voice memos.
  • Long lasting battery - Enjoy up to 13 hours of music, or 4.5 hours of movies.
  • Offload digital photos - Transfer pictures from your camera to ZEN without a computer
  • Audio Playback Format: MP3, WMA, WAV and Audible
  • Photo Format: JPEG, *GIF, *TIFF and *BMP *To be transcoded
  • Video Playback Format: MPEG1/2/4-SP, XviD, DivX™ 4 and 5, AVI, MJPEG and WMV9
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Audio Output: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack
  • Audio/Video Output: Composite TV, stereo audio out
  • 5.27" 2.95" 1.04" (60GB)
  • 10.48 oz (60GB)
  • Up to 13 hours of continuous audio playback.  Up to 4.5 hours of continuous video playback

Comments

  • USB interface is nice and fast.
  • The headphones act as antenna for the radio.  Cool.
  • It remembers where movies are stopped - even if you play multiple movies.  Can't seem to find the "return to beginning option" - so you just hit rewind.
  • Fast forward, etc works really nicely.  Much better than what an iPod offers.
  • A really nice UI.  Clear status indicators on screen, and I always know where I am.  Excellent HCI principles being followed, with easy navigation through long lists of movies sequentially and also alphabetically.  I find the iPod's limited interface somewhat restricting sometimes; the additional buttons here are quite welcome.  I quite like it.
  • Usability: I have yet to open the manual.  Enough said.
  • Customizability:  Menu customizations are possible - very cool.
  • Unicode characters work - Chinese titles are properly displayed.
  • Fast OS - bootup is noticeable, but once started, device is quite responsive.
  • Outlook syncing, microphone record.  Microphone is decent; the IBM ThinkPad's is better.  I haven't tried synching yet... but it doesn't seem very useful.  Maybe the contacts =)
  • FM radio - relatively easy to switch frequencies.
  • Battery life test - I haven't done any tests yet.
  • I've charged the battery, removed it, and just run off utility power with power adapter.  Kinda wish there was cover that could cover the back with the battery removed.
  • Where’s the kickstand?  Will have to prop this thing up somehow...
  • Mentioned this earlier - Navigation buttons seem flimsy; they won’t break, just not the same kind of travel as with ThinkPad buttons, etc.
  • Excellent screen - nice brightness, and nice viewing angle.
  • Fingerprint issue on screen – unavoidable
  • This model has a 60 GB drive – lots of space.
  • Compact Flash I/II slot - use it to copy pictures onto the device.  Nice to offload pictures off your camera.
  • Sync directly in Vista and XP.  Just drag files over.  No dirty software; Vista has drivers.  Just encode, and drag 'em over in Explorer; the device mounts as a drive with all folders fully visible.
  • Compatibility
    • Documentaries played instantly, most downloaded with MP3 audio played instantly
    • No AC3 support.  Argh.  I've had to re-encode stuff - just the AC3 audio though.
    • DivX and XviD works well, as far as I've seen...
  • Encoding
    • AVIs
      • Virtual Dub to convert existing AVI DIVX/XVID AC3 to just MP3
      • Ripped to WAV, and reprocess to LAME ACM MP3 with video direct stream copy
    • DVDs
      • Slysoft AnyDVD HD 6.1.3.6 to remove CSS/Macrovision on DVDs
      • Xilisoft DVD Ripper Platinum to reencode VOBs into XviD movie
  • Nice zoom features on screen/display. Works nicely to fit video on the widescreen.
  • Hitachi 60 GB drive
    • The drive, made by Hitachi, is a 3.3 v, 1.8 Travelstar C4K60 Slim.  Should be reliable.
  • Hardware details
  • E-Book reading - http://www.epizenter.net/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?6792

I didn't like

  • The price.  It is expensive.  You get what you pay for though.  It's not just a portable harddrive.  Time was put into designing the interface.  And it plays videos quite nicely.
  • The navigation buttons; I miss my ThinkPad's UltraNav buttons.  These buttons have no travel.
  • The fact that there is only 1 headphone jack.  I wish there were two headphone jacks built-in for sharing, or at least that it shipped with a splitter.
  • The screen coating.  Ship the things with a protective covering!
  • The lack of a stand. How do I prop it up?  How about a battery cover when you choose to play with just AC power with no battery installed?
  • The lack of AC3 decoding of video.  Most AVI clips are encoded with AC3 audio.  This is a minor issue.
  • Lack of audio file support: MP3s work fine.  These don't seem to work: M4A, OGG, APE, and FLAC.  Damn.

Final word

I like it.  A lot.  If you need to watch movies or listen to music, this is actually a very decent machine.  It's just the right size.  The UI is excellent - very good status indicators, and decent navigation buttons.  Easy transfer of files - open standards with no DRM.  You handle your own content on this device - and there are options to download DRM protected content.  Support for a wide variety of codecs (video).  Plug and mount.  Copy over and go.  Clean, and super fast USB 2.0 interface.

I'd recommend it - if your usage requirements are met.  It's a perfect size.

Give it a try. =)  Money is no object, right?  C$431.99 from Canada Computers.


 
Categories: IT | Tight