1) Ethernet:
My GTC was ordered by someone else than me back in November butI'm pretty sure it's the HPNA version. Can others check that they've got the RT8139C marking on the chip ?
UPDATE - Hum, Scan32 reorted these markings on his ethernet card: "Action Tec MP100R Ethernet Card". This might not be the actual chip, but possibly the board. Mine is hooked so I can't check for now.
Anyway, if you've got the RT8139C, the proof is in the pudding as I type this from the GCT hooked up to my home lan !
Just get the drivers from here http://www.realtek.com.tw/htm/download/cgi/DLd1.cgi?model=RTL8139%28A%2FB%2FC%2F8130%29&type=2
and you're in business !
It's anyone's guess what Gateway call the Ethernet version, probably some kind of software reconfiguration. I'll check when I get my "ethermet" version next week...
2) Wireless:
No problem hooking up the Dlink USB WIreless adapter (120 ?) I was using with the Virgin Webplayer.
3)Impressions:
- First things first, the wife thinks it looks SO MUCH better than the Virgin webplayer...I agree, it's definitely smarter, but I liked the little bugger...
- W98se installed ok with the drivers mentioned in the W98 thread
- I threw in 98Lite to streamline the OS a bit
- GREAT Screen, not quite TFT (re, usual DSTN streaking problems), but very bright nonetheless
- Sound is loud and clear and I may be able to remove the speakers that were needed for the webplayer
- in terms of performance it's bit mixed. Obviously more power to spare than the WP as evidenced by lower CPU usage when playing mp3s, but web rendering is slower and the W98 UI feels less zippy. Still quite usable though. Don't know how it could be improved. Maybe by upgrading the CPU to the 3400 to get the L2 cache, if it's socketed and not soldered that is.
Just need the touchscreen and we've got a killer product here !
