Linux.com

I've never seen one of these before. It uses a MIPS processor, which is just strange. They are using the 2.4 kernel, but it looks like they have created their own unknown OS and desktop environment (which they call a "FULL-FLASH desktop). I was unable to find a website or any real information, either.

Thank you for info, When it boots up it reads top Left of screen "Alpha 400" and top right "V66" and bottom right "Penguin". How do you open up "Command-line terminal" ?, I have looked everywhere but can’t find anything on this? Is this machine capable or does it need some software to achieve this? or is this something that will need a deep learning curve or is it something that I might be able to quickly do so as to speed my learning of Linux? I purchased this device for $149.00 and figured it was a cheap way of getting into Linux and so far I am happy with it, it does what is say's and fairly quickly considering the hardware and memory limitations, Internet and email is quick and easy, takes about 20 seconds to boot up and fits in my cargo pants, but as time goes by and become more educated with Linux I would like to get this machine to do more versus having to buy a new upper model one?, I do understand that the processor is not an x86 type so there will be limitations but would like to make the machine do as much as possible within those boundaries, and I know I have some reading to do, but for now I am interested in at least doing the basic’s ,such as adding different themes and backgrounds?

Honest Arogance is better than false humility

I tried the ALT+F2 keys, But no window or anything happens? And opening File manager shows only My Documents Folder I cannot "Up" to any root directories?, I wish I knew enough about Linux to know what to do next? But I am thinking of putting a similar version of Linux on my Laptop I have a Dell Latitude X300 that I have setup already with multiboot setup of Windows XP, Windows 7 and setting up another partition on the 500gb drive is easy on X300, I just have to make sure I have all the drivers for Linux? I get the feeling that Belco Alpha 400 machine may not have a “Command-line terminal” as it sits from the factory and may have some proprietary method of accessing the Terminal?, but anyway I did find a web site that has a “sort-of?” upgrade to Linux 2.6 but I would rather take baby steps before I do something to brick the machine, If Linux will run on my Dell X300 I will just use that for a couple weeks or until I learn enough to properly use the Alpha 400, I am so new to Linux that even when I am on web sites like this one and try to search for info, because of the lack of knowledge I usually end up not where I need to be and I am going back and forth between my book and other reference material until I get my answer, I am just surprised that there are no dedicated forums specifically yet for just the Belco Alpha 400 as there are for others like the Asus or Samsung of which there seems to be plenty?, I don’t know how long the Belco machine has been out for, and don’t know how many out there?, might need some time before a crowd forms for the Alpha 400?, but like I have indicated before that the size, screen, battery life, and mainly $Price made it more than worthwhile for me, and even if I could not upgrade it would still be worth the value for Email, Internet, Media and EBook uses?. It as anybody who will buy a Netbook has to understand that it is not meant to replace your Desktop machine, and I find the Asus too big for my needs, (Asus won’t fit in my Pocket it’s to big) The xtreview site I have seen before, I have only about 5 sites directly relating to the Belco Alpha 400, and about 10 other similarly made machines, but direct manufacture web site info does not exist anywhere on the box or supplied documentation? So it has been painful looking for needed info.

Honest Arogance is better than false humility

This is what I've been able to find. Apparently, there are a number of inexpensive netbooks using Linux that are similar or identical, and perhaps being manufactured by the same company in Shenzhen, Cnina. Here's a website that purports to offer some tech support for these myriad of similar or identical computers: http://www.miniwebbook.com/ Note that there is a Bestlink and a Skytone Alpha 400. I would guess it's the same computer. Now, here's a wikipedia entry on one of these variations. Note that it mentions the various names of the same or similar computer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skytone_Alpha-400 Now, here's a blog on the Alpha 400 and its siblings: http://alpha-400-mips-elonex-razorbook-coby.blogspot.com/ This is what I've been able to find with some quick searching. I noticed that geeks.com was selling the Belco version and I was curious. My search led me to this thread and other links. If you plug the various model names into google, you'll find a lot more, and some youtubes of people unboxing (always fun to watch somebody else open up their new stuff!) I haven't read the various pages carefully, so I don't know whether I'm correct in guessing that these are all pretty much the same machine. I notice that the last post here was about a month ago, so I don't know if there are newer posts on this board. It's my first time posting here. I am an ASUS eee pc user (7 inch)with Linux and I love it. I just can't use it too much for documents; that's the downside of the small screen and keyboard. The only other problem is it won't work with Canon or Panasonic M/F machines. Works with HP and Brother printers, though. I'm waiting for my ASUS 1000HE 10" with Windows XP (sorry guys, I like Linux, but I'm also a Windows and Mac user.)

Well, at least it isn't a "forgotten" system! Is the new one a 2.6 kernel? Also, you might try to get the source code for it, so when they do quit supporting it you have some recourse for updates and bug fixes.

Sometimes real fast is almost as good as real time. Remember, Google is your friend!