SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

vennen · 2008-05-12 13:44:00

I confuse if I start this topic in the proper branch. I think I'm right coz this isn't issue with my laptop and it connects with Arch.

http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=48061 and about FaunOs and decided to make the experement - install Archlinux on SDcard. Hereinafter I'll describe why and for what.

My laptop FSC Amilo Li 1720 has sdcard slot. Idea is that I want to install Arch on the decent size SDcard and detouch HD.

Did anyone do something like that? Would that trick saved battery life? Have it any sence? I need your opinions.

Excuse me for my english.

schivmeister · 2008-05-12 15:10:33

Hmm, it will be slow. May not even be practical, but uhh..time for lilsirecho to come in for the explanation.

lilsirecho · 2008-05-12 16:39:26

Hello:

My system is a desktop asus a7v333 mobo. I have set up a Compact Flash device in IDE mode which carries the FaunOS boot program. This performs at 40+mb/s in hdparm.

The FaunOS system can run in SD cards but the speed would be reduced and the IDE mode is not available for such cards. However, the use of USB SD cards would permit the HDD to be put to sleep and battery life should then be extended.

I have no experience with laptop systems and am not certain if an adapter to permit Compact Flash "true IDE" mode is available. If such an adapter is available, and a Compact Flash device with UDMA capability is used, the speed will be in the 40mb/s category. This technique replaces the HDD with the CF card and adapter. This speed cannot be obtained with SD cards in USB mode. The probable read speed with SD cards might be 8-10mb/sec.

My system uses two additional CF cards in a IDE raid0 array which provides read speed readings in hdparm of ~70mb/s. I use that raid0 system for a pacman repo, .vob files, and pix files...it is made up of two 8gb CF cards for a total of 15+GB of storage. Thus, my system is operated as a discless "live" FaunOS system based on archlinux with Larch support.

I may not have the last word on the laptop possibilities but have read some reports that suggest an IDE interface is possible. I would assume such a mod to a laptop would be a subjective undertaking for each manufacturer and model. The interface connector is specific to laptops and UDMA mode may not be available.

Whereas USB SD install of FaunOS should work, it will be slow, the HDD can be accessed or put to sleep.

I have not attempted FaunOS in a laptop and have no experience with its performance in a laptop config. I assume if the user put Faunos into "install to ram" mode(requires large ram) and removed the SD card, that the speed of operation would be improved. (removing the SD card reduces the ram in use by ~1GB). I have no experimental data to support the assumption of faster performance.

Your system can be implemented as a USB SD card FaunOS boot with an SD card of 2GB(my recommend) and your performance with such a system tested in normal boot or "install to ram" by following the FaunOS install instructions and forum/wiki supporting data. The latest version is called "Stable" and downloads rather slowly due to limited bandwidth. Initially, the system is ~1GB in size and some entries in wicd are necessary to establish internet connection. I recommend "building down" the size of the install initially by removing "openoffice" to enable space for making "save session" data and also to repartition the ext3 partition to extend its size to accomodate new packages as desired.

Best of luck to you with FaunOS.

wuischke · 2008-05-12 16:58:01

I have tried the same - my notebook (Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro v3205) doesn't support booting from sd card, so I'm still using an external harddisk, after my internal one died.

lilsirecho · 2008-05-12 17:03:07

A technique used with my desktop which doesn't boot from USB is to use a CD assisted boot which utilizes a downloadable FaunOS boot CD which permits the USB to be appended to install the FaunOS system.

I have no data for such application to laptops.

vennen · 2008-05-12 17:40:41

lilsirecho at first, thank you for such vast explanation. Its really useful and cognitive for me.

I think I'll leave that idea with SDcard.

About CF - do you mean replacing HDD with special IDE connector with CF slot? I'll ask in comp store.

I have special box with 2 usb connection wires - 1 for power and one for data, this box equiped with IDE connector inside. I use it like USB storage with 2.5 inch IDE HDD. Few days ago I removed HDD from laptop and put it in the box. Laptop loaded with that HDD in box USB connected and without internal HDD.

I think, if I could find such IDE adapter for CF it will work like SSD.

BTW, about distros working in ram - I tried Puppy 4.0 few days ago. Just released according Distrowatch. Nice thing - 87 Mb and works completely in ram.You can remove CD and mount another with music, video and etc.

Its sad that FaunOS is 1Gb to download. Its too much for me.

[ADDED] I found nice things http://www.addonics.com/products/flash_ … midecf.asp but they dont ship it in Russia.

Last edited by vennen (2008-05-12 18:26:03)

lilsirecho · 2008-05-12 18:40:10

The connection to external box with CF/IDE will run at USB speed but reduce the power required since the HDD is not involved. I understand that the CF card in laptop config receives power from the ide connector. In desktop, it needs the floppy-type power connector for 5V.

A 4GB Adata 266x CF card costs $50 and has UDMA 4 capability. If your laptop can boot from USBHDD, FaunOS loaded therein the CF/IDE will boot and run at USB speed and reduce the power drain to nil.

Performance of the CF card in your arrangement should be about the same as the HDD as I see it.(assuming it is true IDE CF card and adapter).

Best of luck...be aware that using a flash card in r/w mode reduces its life drastically. The "live" Faunos mode is r/o and is long-life.

vennen · 2008-05-17 22:11:57

I cant find adapter in Russia. Can anyone help me to buy this DUAL CF-IDE Adapter for Notebook and send in Russia? And how much expensive it will be?

yahya · 2008-05-18 08:00:38

i tihnk i can do that vennen, but it will take ages to deliver it to me, then it will take ages for me to send it to you.
How fast do you want it?
I think it may end up to about 100 - 150 USD since I am in the middle east

vennen · 2008-05-18 09:02:12

Mmm.... What about DHL or UPS?

Oman! I know where is it. Yeah, its not that easy and close to me :-) But unfortunately Oman is not in list also.

The following is the list of countries we ship to:
* AUSTRALIA
* BELGIUM
* CANADA
* CHINA
* DENMARK
* GERMANY
* HONG KONG
* HUNGARY
* INDIA
* ITALIA
* ITALY
* JAPAN
* NETHERLANDS
* NEW ZEALAND
* NORWAY
* SPAIN
* SWEDEN
* SWITZERLAND
* TAIWAN
* UNITED KINGDOM
* UNITED STATES

[UPDATED] DHL and UPS is toooo expensive! For the 20$ device delivery I have to pay 319$!!!!

No, no, no - better I stay without adapter.

Last edited by vennen (2008-05-18 09:47:49)

Arch Linux

#1 2008-05-12 13:44:00

SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

#2 2008-05-12 15:10:33

Re: SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

#3 2008-05-12 16:39:26

Re: SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

#4 2008-05-12 16:58:01

Re: SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

#5 2008-05-12 17:03:07

Re: SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

#6 2008-05-12 17:40:41

Re: SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

#7 2008-05-12 18:40:10

Re: SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

#8 2008-05-17 22:11:57

Re: SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

#9 2008-05-18 08:00:38

Re: SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

#10 2008-05-18 09:02:12

Re: SDcard, Archlinux and Laptop

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