Hardware Talk :: Damn Small Machine in DSL Store!

I've been running the DSM for about a week now. I did open the case and remove the plastic sheet, then replaced the cover.

I learned in the #damnsmalllinux irc chat to install MyDSL apps to /cdrom, and they are there after a reboot. I'm a little nervous with this frugal install and don't want to do something stupid. I would not know how to reinstall onto the CF drive.

That being said, it is a fantastic DSL platform. Completely silent, the only indication that it is on is the bright (almost too bright) blue LED on the front of the case. The case is a bit heavy, being that it is an integral part of keeping the system cool.

DSL runs on it exactly like it does on my desktop, only silently.

Update: Since I can boot to my DSL USB stick, I guess much of my worry is unwarranted. (I'm running of that right now).

fuzzybud, fuse is not quite the right word, I have open my test unit up several times. The heat transfer element is gummy and has a rubber consistency and acts as a contact layer between the heatsink and the case. The stickiness of the contact layer does make it harder to open, but it does come off with a little effort. I would, however limit opening the case to only when you need to because repeated openings will probably wear the contact layer out or reduce its effectiveness.

Thanks, John, for easing my mind on the heat sink issue. I ordered two ounces of silicone heat transfer jell but will hold off on using it until after using the case as it comes. The next problem is how to fit a microdrive inside the case. If there is no other solution I will cut a slit in the case to let the top of the microdrive stick out of the case a bit, my geeky hotrod. Somehow a solution will be found as the microdrive seems like a better storage device than a CF disk. Of course it has more capacity and getting bigger each new iteration but also for better reliability, not having to worry about too many writes to disk. Then too the prices are falling to where microdrives will be used everywhere in everything.

Any chance the DSL store will carry the microdrives?

Jeff

fuzzybud, when you are done I would love some screenshots.

faroutscience, the problem is that we are not able to buy items like RAM, flash or micro drives at competitive rates. For items like that it is a volume game and we are just too small.

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