Vulkano on an Archos 70

For those of you wondering how the Vulkano 010410VK All-In-One 8 GB Media Placeshifter, Black
media player for Android works on the Archos 70 - 8 GB Internet Tablet (Black), the answer is, unfortunately not that well.

I recently received the Archos 70 (which is identical to the Archos 101, so don't expect it to be any different), and my main reason for purchasing it was to use my Monsoon Vulkano placeshifter device.  Unfortunately, it does not work well.

First off, to even get the Vulkano Android player, you have to download the marketplace apk (sort of a hack, since it does not come from Archos pre-installed on the unit). First, you need to update your archos tablet to Froyo (android 2.2) which can be done from the settings update command.  Then, you need to go get the marketplace apk and install it. Instructions can be found here: http://forum.archosfans.com/index.php .   Once you get the apk installed, you can browse the android market and get the vulkano app.

I did not have any issues getting it installed or configured, but the first couple times I tried to access it, I got a force close.  Then, after a reboot of the archos device, I was able to access my Vulkano, but the quality is horrible.   The sound is not synced properly with the video, and the video is extremely choppy.
I tried both on my lan as well as on the wan, with both connections from Verizon Fios with the 50/35mb plans, so my bandwidth is not the issue.   I tried switching the stream quality to low, and it had no effect.

However, moving recorded programs from the Vulkano's DVR onto the Archos Android and watching them locally worked fantastic.

I hope the team out there working on rooting this device can also get the processor back up to its full 1ghz speed, so I can retest.  As it stands now, the Archos 70 and Archos 101 do not play well with Monsoon Vulkano.

New Kindle or Nook?

Thinking about the new  Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite - Latest Generation
or would you go with the nook?

I am thinking the Nook Color is too heavy and too expensive.

Intel Pro/100 PCI NIC Card Driver for Windows 2007 32x

I recently did a fresh install of Windows 7 32 bit on an old emachine that had a PCI Intel Pro/100 Network card installed in it. Unfortunately, the windows setup installation did not have the drivers for it. A quick look at Intel's website showed that they do not have windows 7 drivers for the Intel Pro/100 PCI Card. I tried downloading the driver pack for Vista and running it in compatibility mode, but that did not work.
Fortunately, these drivers did: Intel Pro 100 for Windows 7

1. Download the file
2. Run the file (it will extract to Dell\Drivers Folder)
3. If it does not install automatically, go to device manager and install from there, choosing the windows XP folder for the driver path. (from the update device driver button)

For Search Engines:
Windows upgrade advisor :

Intel(R) PRO/100+ PCI Adapter

Before installing Windows 7, go to the device manufacturer's website to download the latest driver for this device. After installing Windows 7, install the saved driver.

 

APC Replacement Batteries

After a good five years, it looks like my APC SmartUPS 750 batteries have kicked the bucket on two of my servers. I was looking into a cheap alternative than the $200 newegg and apc direct sell for the sua750rm2u batteries and stumbled upon this on amazon: APC RBC22 Replacement Battery Cartridge #22.

There is only one review, which is positive, but they claim that the batteries are not original APC batteries. I am looking to save a couple bucks, so I think I will pull the trigger, I will report back on my findings.

hmmm, on second thought, I am thinking about buying a bigger ups instead of replacing the batteries. this one? APC Smart-UPS SUA1000RM2U 1000VA 120V USB&Serial 2U Rackmount UPS System