Compaq IA-1, home appliance running BeIA \ VOGONS

Compaq IA-1, home appliance running BeIA

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First post, by lolo799

Posted on 2015-09-13, 10:57

lolo799 Offline

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Rank: Oldbie
Posts: 1180
Joined: 2011-04-26, 17:51

Another computer running Be Inc. operating system, this time the embedded one designed for the Internet of Things, but too soon!
The Compaq IA-1 comes in two versions, a white edition running MSN Companion (a weirdly named embedded version of Windows) and a blue version, running the defunct BeIA.

The really basic specs:
* 266Mhz K6-2 VIA Processor
* 32 MB SyncDRAM
* 16 MB Sandisk for Storage
* Trident Microsystems Cyberblade i7 graphics system
* 10.1" HPA flat panel color display (Max. 800x600 Res.)
* SigmaTel STAC9744 Sound Codec
* 56K V.90 Internal Modem (Winmodem)
* 4 USB Ports
* 2 RJ11 Ports
* Compact Flash Slot
* Single Mono Speaker
* Single Stereo Line Out
* Wireless Keyboard with Navigation Nub

The unit is easily hackable and can boot from a Compact Flash card, allowing you to install whatever works, Linux, BeOS 5 , QNX, DOS/Win3x/98.
The 4 USB ports are handy for using a real kb and mouse and a USB-ethernet adapter.
The screen latency is bad though, so playing fast games is definitely not the strong point of this little machine.

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PCMCIA Sound, Storage & Graphics

Reply 1 of 6, by comteck123

Posted on 2015-09-13, 11:06

comteck123 Offline

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Rank: Newbie
Posts: 61
Joined: 2014-08-01, 07:51

Can you post more pics of this w/ BeIA? Would love to see it in action.

The Shadow Warrior Mod that makes weapons O.P., plus adds more ammo: My First Shadow Warrior mod.

Reply 2 of 6, by lolo799

Posted on 2015-09-13, 11:11

lolo799 Offline

Rank Oldbie

Rank: Oldbie
Posts: 1180
Joined: 2011-04-26, 17:51

The familiar Be bootmenu and loading screens:

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The BeIA interface using the Opera browser before customization by the 3rd party seller:

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After some modifications you can quit the browser:

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And marvel at the about box:

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No apps are included except for the light opera browser, a small terminal console, and various scripts to update and recover the device in case something goes wrong, though as they are supposed to download content from the original repository, they won't do much help anymore!

PCMCIA Sound, Storage & Graphics