I have decided to get rid of my STB3036N OEM internet appliance and go with the MSN Companion (iPaq IA-1) instead.
The unit is fully functional, and has been upgraded with a GX1-333 333Mhz processor. It has a single 64Mb PC100 SDRAM DIMM installed, and a 2940AU SCSI controller installed. There is also a 128Mb IDE flash memory installed.
Note, the flash memory is NOT a CF. It quite literally is a PCB with a 40pin IDE connector at the end and installs directly in an IDE port. No messy CF-> IDE adapters... There is a mounting bracket for a 9.5mm hard disk, but the necessary 40 IDE -> 44pin microIDE cables are not included. The mainboard has 2x 5v connectors to power internal HDD's should you decide to scrap the 128Mb Flash memory for something more capacious.
The machine is fully compatable with Linux/FreeBSD/Windows (all flavors except XP for some odd reason). Supposedly it will run QNX, but I haven't tried that. There are two IDE headers, and a floppy drive connector (so installing the above operating systems is a cinch), and there is a socket (not stuffed) for a DOC module.
See http://www.gctglobal.com/Products/iTV3036/itv3036.html for more info on the machine.
The only specs that are different are the power supply and serial ports. I found the original 45W unit to be anemic with the HDD, so I have upgraded it to a 65W unit. More than peppy enough to run the whole unit with upgrades. I added the connector for the second serial port on the rear panel (so you have both COM1/ttyD0 and COM2/ttyD1 available on the rear panel.
This is an excellent machine for light surfing (even if you use a monitor instead of a TV), and is more than powerful enough for playing MP3's. In fact, I currently have a 10Gb 9.5mm IBM hard disk in the machine and it is serving as a living room MP3 player (I'm keeping the hard drive with the music though ;)
I would like to cover the expense of the iPaq, which is why I'm selling it. I bought the machine new for $350, and the optional extras push that to $500 (yes, I'm still kicking myself in the hindquarters for letting it get out of hand ;) All in all, an incredible deal for someone wanting this class of machine.
Asking price is $250 <or best offer>. Contemplate that the 128Mb IDE flash and 2940AU alone are worth about $100 on eBay. You are getting a websurfer pro for $150 that requires practically no hacking. I am willing to haggle, and would be willing to remove the SCSI controller and flash device to reduce the price.
Contact jshamlet@hotmail.com for more info or to make an offer.
