Upgrade Series 7 to netBook [Archive]

jezza

09-10-2002, 10:14 AM

Hi folks

Sorry I've not had anything to report so haven't visited much recently.

Now I have news....

I just had email confirmation from Expansys that they've shipped my order today.

Depending on when it arrives, at the latest, I'll be trying the install at the weekend.

I already have the new NetBook OS that Teklogix released last week via their partner site. It includes Opera 5, support for wireless lan and wired ethernet cards though they warn that some may not work in all Netbooks (that'll be 7s too).

Monitoring the netbook forum, this OS release appears stable.

More news when I have it.

Cheers

wanman

09-10-2002, 10:19 AM

Hi Jezza,

Fantastic news !!!! Just a quick word of warning though, if you currently have the 16mb dimm installed, you will need to remove this before starting up your machine again. You need to get hold of the 32mb Dimm instead.

Hope all goes well and look forward to your full (successfull) report !! Oh and when you let us know, can you confirm what was written on your 7 rom board so that readers can compare with their own for motherboard approximate age (I think there is a date on the sticker).

Regards

Si

jezza

09-10-2002, 12:18 PM

I never bought the 16MB DIMM upgrade in the hope that I'd be able to transform the 7 into a nb one day and would then require only the 32MB DIMM if I wanted to upgrade my nb hybrid to the full 64MB. From research I should have about 19mb of memory left on the nb hybrid if all goes well and that's more that the 16mb I have in the 7 today.

Interesting to note that the nB personality module is in fact 32MB RAM with a bit of extra chippery to load OS from CF (the s7 personality module is 16MB ROM and 16MB RAM, though I think that ROM is more likely to be EEPROM as you can upgrade/patch it) . Look at the difference between the cost of the nB personality module and the 32MB DIMM upgrade. Now that's some mark up :mad:

I already checked out my S7 personality module and it says "756" (though I will record all the text when I upgrade) which is the latest OS build for the S7 so I believe I have the most recent motherboard - believe there are only 2 versions.

If you also dip into the netBook forum there are examples of people with 7/nb hybrids where personality modules have been swapped, so I am very confident this is going to work though allegedly a hybird is more choosey over support for different ethernet cards than a genuine nB - most recent example was a nB someone had picked up with a s7 personality module in it that was working as a s7 - surprise, surprise!

More soon (Sorry for meandering). I'll let you know when the delivery arrives.....

martyscholes

09-10-2002, 12:33 PM

I ran an S7 for a coupla weeks on a netBook personality module whilst my netBook was in the shop.

Worked like a champ. I could not get the PCMCIA card to work, but I think the whole PCMCIA slot is busted on the S7 since I could not get a CF card to work their either.

spegru

09-11-2002, 06:53 AM

Just got my module - and had it fitted and booted within 15mins! :D

My S7 is I think an early one - being version 751 (originally ;) ). All seems fine so far (opera, nftp etc) although no ether tests yet.

I'll report later - and all other guinea-pigs keep us posted on progress too please!!

spegru

netBookBabe

09-11-2002, 06:59 AM

Originally posted by spegru
My S7 is I think an early one - being version 751 (originally ;) ). All seems fine so far (opera, nftp etc) although no ether tests yet.

That sounds to be pretty good news then, so far. I've got a friend with an early version who is going to be very interested to hear your progress.

Thanks for keeping us informed. :)

Julie

jezza

09-11-2002, 08:01 AM

I checked the personality module in my s7 last night. It says "756" and is dated 6 September 2000.

No nB personality module from Expansys in my post today....

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Jezza

wanman

09-11-2002, 08:40 AM

I have the same version but dated 23/06/00. I can assume we have the same motherboard then so can't wait to here how you get on. There is a post from Spegru further up confirming that it went in ok on a motherboard fitted with a V751 personality module so should work fine for us.

Fingers crossed you get yours tomorrow !!

Regards

Si

dfoi

09-11-2002, 10:06 AM

Greetings from the USA (New Jersey)
I always thought there was a reason that I wasn't able to purchase the 16mg card for my Series 7. Now I know why. Somehow my Psion was waiting for the module from Expapnsys. I too am waiting to hear about all the success stories when your modules arrive.
I am lucky that Expansys has a center here in the U.S. Now I can purchase the 32mg card and the new module together. It isn't that far away from me,just a "short" day trip.
Julie I forgot about the chat this past Sunday,I will try and join in next week. I look forward to some interesting conversation and insight to other's experiences.
Marc

cessy

09-11-2002, 03:26 PM

Thanks Julie and to everybody from this forum for talking about making from S7 to netbook (qiucklier processor) - I have big beetle in my head now :-)

Thanks and regards from Czech republic :-)

netBookBabe

09-11-2002, 03:32 PM

Hi Cessy!

Good to see you here - welcome to Psion Place. Please don't let that beetle drive you TOO mad - I might never forgive myself! ;) ;)

Julie

Spuddey

09-12-2002, 08:54 AM

I have upgraded this morning with complete success - apart from my email which has lost all of its saved mail!

I have reinstated the mail file which has a number of faxes etc saved in it, but the email program does not see it!

I have recieved mail and this I can see, but not the old mail - any ideas?

Spuddey

:)

wanman

09-12-2002, 09:02 AM

What version of the email program is supplied in the new OS. On the 7 is V2.00 (518).

Have you got the email program looking in the correct directory?
If you originally stored your email on a CF Card (D or E: Drive) then you will need to launch email and select 'Move Message Store' from the Tools drop down menu. Select the drive you wish to use and let it do it's thing. BE WARNED that if you have already got your old mail stored here, this will be overwritten. Best option is to put your old mail somewhere else and then when the message store has been moved then copy your original mail back into that folder. You could also try copying your original msgapp.ini file from the C:\APPS\MSGAPP folder.

Something else to note is that now you have started using your new mail storage area this could be why it is not seeing the original storage (again may be controlled by the .ini file). I doubt you will be able to combine the two now so the messages you received today may be lost in this process (unless you kept copies in your POP3 account).

Let us know how you get on.

Regards

Si

jezza

09-12-2002, 09:41 AM

Well my module has arrived from Expansys today so I will try tonight.

One thing I'm curious about... I've heard that some 7's that have been upgraded to nBs still identify themselves through the INFORMATION -> MACHINE menu option as a Series 7 rather than a nB.

I'd be interested to know if both earlier machines with build 751, and later with 756 still do this after the nB personality module is put in.

If the motherboards for s7 and nB were different, as earlier machine were, then I'd expect this to be the case. For later machines I'd expect no difference. i.e. an upgrade s7 should say it's a nB.

So for those people that have upgraded already, what was your old build number and what does your new s7/nb hybrid think it really is?

Looking forward to going home tonight... more than usual...

jezza

09-12-2002, 09:44 AM

Me again, forgot to say why I was so interested. Something that those who've upgraded can also report back on.

If you've registered shareware for your s7 and you turn it into a netBook will the registration code still work on re-installation? Some shareware links the registration to the particular Psion model you are using (I know I have an application like this that I've registered but I cannot remember which right now)

Jezza

wanman

09-12-2002, 09:48 AM

Mine turned up today aswell. I said I would wait until my 32mb Dimm upgrade turned up aswell. Then I thought....no I would wait until the weekend. Now I only have 1hr & 10mins to go before I get to play !! My 7 has the 756 build personality board in.

I think my machine info will still show 7 as everyone who has tried has said the same thing. I assume there is another id chip or something elsewhere (perhaps the same place that stores the unique ID, etc). Also it seems that the PCMCIA port voltage is also restricted on the 7 there are definite differences.

Perhaps Harvey, if you are listening, you can ask one of your techie guys to expand on this and give us a definitive answer.

Regards

Si

Spuddey

09-12-2002, 09:51 AM

My 7 was labelled 756 on the rom and now tells me it is a series 7 running at 191.692 MHz under software version1.05 (450).

However - it boots up as a netbook with that screen and also on the main menu dropdown has a tab 'about netbook'! Truly a hybrid!

I still have had no luck with my email, it is version 2.00(518) according to the machine. I have tried moving the mail file and it takes a while so that suggests it is moving more than 1 message. But it still does not see the old messages! If I am honest playing around with .ini files scares me!

If I manage to sort it I will let you know.

wanman

09-12-2002, 09:53 AM

Jezza, you shouldn't have too much trouble here as most reg codes are based on your name or are application specific (RMR shareware).

There are very few applications which actually check that you have not tried copying them to another machine. Tom Tom's apps do this (Money in particular). So on these all you have to do a complete new install then upgrade (if upgrades necessary). I doubt there is any software that you currently have on your 7 that you will not be able to just copy or at worst, reinstall on your Netbook without problem.

Let us know if you do find a rare example though !!

Regards

Si

Spuddey

09-12-2002, 09:56 AM

me again,

All of my additional software is working OK since the upgrade including Smallbase which I thought was machine sensitive for its unlock codes. It appears that the machine is still aware of its roots!

wanman

09-12-2002, 09:56 AM

Spuddey, hopefully I will have a chance to do mine tonight so I will probably encounter the same problem. I will let you know how I get on later and if I come up with a solution.

Don't worry about the .ini files, even if you deleted it from your c: drive in error, the application would create a new one next time it was launched with all the factory default settings.

Speak to you later

Si

wanman

09-12-2002, 09:59 AM

Thought as much. This makes me more positive about my email, as when I moved from my 5mx to a 7, it was just a matter of copying these files and I have performed hard resets plenty of times with the same results. I am sure we will be able to sort you out.

Si

Spuddey

09-12-2002, 10:08 AM

Found them!

The ini. file did not do the trick, but the index file in the mail folder has! I restored the old one and hey presto all my faxes reappeared!

One thing that has always annoyed me about the email software is that you cannot save faxes anywhere other than in the sent tray. Does anyone have any ideas on how you can export them anywhere? I use SaveMail for my emails which works very well, but my faxes are building up!

wanman

09-12-2002, 10:16 AM

Well done Spuddey, I knew it would be something in the Mail folder. Not sure about exporting those faxes though.

Si

spegru

09-12-2002, 10:40 AM

My S7 (was originally v751) also still says 'Series 7' under Machine information - which also says
Software Version 1.05(450)
Language English (UK)
and Unique ID ...............

I think those are unchanged as well - so I think that must be a motherboard thing

However It also Says
'About Netbook' under Information
and Machine Hardware is SA-1100 191.692 Mhzso those must be configurable probably from the personality chip

spegru

spegru

09-12-2002, 10:49 AM

Anyone want a 16M dimm - since verily the upgraded S7 doesn't recognise it any more ??

Either that or can someone think of a way of persuading a netbook to recognise a 16M dimm?

spegru;)

wanman

09-12-2002, 10:51 AM

Nah no chance of getting the Netbook to recognise it. We probably now need a new forum for us to sell our old 7 series 16mb DIMM cards !!! lol

Spuddey

09-12-2002, 11:37 AM

Oops, spoke too soon, Smallbase will not register on the machine due to the new unique identity.

Anyone want a 16 mb dimm?

spegru

09-12-2002, 12:32 PM

I was just delving in my hard disk and came across the Series 7 Patch (v756) that I installed ages ago (made no useful difference that I could see). However, I quote a bit of the readme that came with it

<i>.
Copy the files Rom_4mb.img and Update.exe to the root of C:\ on your Series 7 using PsiWin or Compact Flash.
Ensure that the Series 7 is powered up from the mains using the DC Jack
Run Update.exe, by double tapping it, to install the patch to your Series 7
</i>

Now, the only difference between this and the netbook update is this file Update.exe (and the use of the C drive).

So I'm wondering. What would happen - with a standard S7 - if we replaced the Rom_4mb.img with a suitably renamed Netbook OS.img???

I'm kinda tempted to try - esp now that I've got a spare personality board!!

Any thoughts?

:eek:

spegru

spegru

09-12-2002, 03:08 PM

Answering myself a bit - one of the most obvious potential problems is whether the eeprom (I' suppose that's what it is) is big enough - esp in view of the apparent size of the S7 file at 4Mb. I just had a delve and copied the whole of the Z drives from both the latest Netbook and the v756 S7 onto my PC (via the CF card). Answer - Netbook = 13.9m, S7 = 9.67Mb - so not 4Mb at all then!

A bit inconclusive. I can't tell how full the eeprom is in either case.

rgds
spegru

PS. Any idea how to create these .img files - I assume they're some kind of ZIP

netBookBabe

09-12-2002, 03:14 PM

Originally posted by jezza
If you've registered shareware for your s7 and you turn it into a netBook will the registration code still work on re-installation? Some shareware links the registration to the particular Psion model you are using (I know I have an application like this that I've registered but I cannot remember which right now)

I've certainly had two or three apps that were machine specific, I remember TomeRaider being one of them - the S5 code certainly didn't work on my netBook. In my experience shareware authors are generally happy to supply a new reg code if the circumstances are explained.

Julie

nmbaker

09-12-2002, 03:29 PM

I had v751 and had done the previous ROM upgrade to hopefully resolve the screen calibration problem. I no longer have this as a problem since ordering the netbook card on Tuesday evening and getting it this morning. Luckily I got mine sorted by 11am as I came home from work on a pretext,
ctrl y
copied c to d:\backup, then deleted d:\backup\system\data\commsdb.dat and
d:\system\apps\opera
did the reboot (by turning off and hard resetting by turning on while shift keys pressed after using paperclip in backup battery compartment. It saved messing with batteries. Fastest upgrade I've ever done. Probably about 4 minutes, including reentering home city.
Didn't bother overwriting psiwin.ini and system.ini, but did overwrite the other ini files except dstor.ini as all my applications are on a microdrive and I use several different agendas.

Even Tomeraider didn't require a new code so I was chuffed to bits and my partner didn't even realise I had gone to the suppliers as my tea was still warm!!

nmbaker

09-12-2002, 03:52 PM

Are we willing to pay about £145 for 32MB DIMM, would it not make more sense to spend about £30 more and get 1 GB microdrive.

Am I missing the point here. I had a 16MB DIMM for my 7, but only as I bought it as part of the package on ebay, not because I ever have needed it. It doesn't speed up the machine, I need to have virtually the whole of the UK loaded in CityMaps as I travel extensively in the UK and Europe. Loading onto another 16MB card did not speed up the process, nor did it allow me many more maps loaded. The microdrive allows my to have all the data I need in the 7 (or rather hybrid netbook), cost me just half of the 7 (£300) and does not have problems when the battery get very low. Considering it is an early 7 the battery isn't doing too bad at 7.25 hours running the microdrive and citymaps when in the car and being charged when in the hotel.

But could I justify 145 for 32MB not these days - cannot even put it in your camera and then email to base. You can with a microdrive!!!

nmbaker

09-12-2002, 04:24 PM

Well I have just found another fix at long last - which should please us all.

You remember "Checking Dependencies" well this annoying problem seems to be sorted, and this time it was me that disconnected inadvertently. Gone is the need to remove the sis file in Installed as this bug seems to be fixed

and lastly,
Bolton beat Man U last night - now there must be an omen somewhere:p

wanman

09-13-2002, 02:34 AM

Well I have now installed the Netbook Personality chip into my 7 and all is working fine. Physical install took about 10mins although I installed all my software again manually to help me get rid of some of the rubbish I had previously installed (in addition to removing Java & Opera which are now installed with the OS). Everything went in smoothly including the registered apps as I copied the .reg and .ini files from C:\System\Apps before starting. Didn't even have to re enter my reg codes !!

Machine is now very much quicker with apps such as Money and Opera running without any delays. Haven't had a chance to try a LAN connection yet but will get around to that when I invest in a lan/modem card.

If you still haven't upgrading and are thinking about it but are concerned about swapping the boards around, don't be. It is very straight forward.

Once you have completely backed up your 7 (including z:\system\instapp folder if you want full colour icons), remove all batteries and mains supply. Leave machine for 30 secs and then remove the 16mb DIMM (if fitted) and 7 Personality module in the same way.

Open the screen but tilt it forward slightly exposing two covers behind the keyboard. They are removed by sliding carefully forward. The expose the DIMM card on the left and Personality Module on the Right. To remove the cards you will note two metal clips each side of the board. Move them apart very carefully and at the same time lift the board slightly. Once released, the board will pop up and can be slid forward and that is it removed. Fitting the new personality module is just the reverse. Slide into the connector slot and when in fully, gently push down until the clips engage. Simple.

To install the software, copy the OS image to the main directory of your CF card and remname it OS.IMG. Insert into bay and replace the batteries and mains supply. Switch on your machine and the OS will load automatically (15-30 secs). Your new 7/Netbook hybrid will now start as per a Hard Reset your 7.

Any problems encountered then post em here and hopefully someone will be able to help.

Regards

Si

jezza

09-13-2002, 02:44 AM

Upgraded mine last night too. Worked like a dream.

I'm about half way through re-installing my applications as I'm taking the opportunity to clean out my psion. No problems encountered so far.

Wanman has already detailed the process so little else to say at this stage.

I did notice that Email has direct support for IMAP type mailboxes as well as POP3 though.

Jezza

netBookBabe

09-13-2002, 04:18 AM

It's really good to hear everyone's success stories with the upgrade - and now we have lots more netBook users! :D

Although I like this new term "7book" - very neat! :)

Julie

John Sussenbach

09-13-2002, 09:22 AM

I just received the upgrade Psion 7 to NetBook, so, I inserted the card and got the Introduction screen . So far so good, till I saw the message to insert a bootable CD or start RomInst application

AND there it is where I was stuck. What must I do?????
I would appreciate some HELP. Where do I get ROMInst and how does it work?
Thanks in advanvce,
John

wanman

09-13-2002, 09:30 AM

Hi John,

First you need a CF card with at least 15mb of space. Go to the following link and download the file:

http://partners.psionteklogix.com/netbookpdk/downloads/UK/nb_450uk.zip
(If you don't have a password then click on the reigster link as it is completely free to register.)

Unzip it onto the CF Card (root directory). If you have a CF read/writer then this will be the quickest method as it is 14mb file. Either before or after you copy the file to the CF card you need to rename it OS.IMG and then insert it into the CF card slot on the left hand side of the seven (D: Drive).

Start up the 7 and press space (I think) to start loading the image. It will take about 15-30 secs and after this the machine will re-boot and start ER5 as if you had switched on an ER5 machine for the first time.

If you are still stuck, then let me know.

Regards

Si

netBookBabe

09-13-2002, 09:32 AM

John

You will need to go the Psion Teklogix site and download the required OS.IMG file from there:

http://partners.psionteklogix.com/netbookpdk/downloads.htm?

Please note that you will need to register there before being allowed to download.

There are instructions there on how to proceed - you will need to transfer this file to a CF disk, and insert it in the Psion when prompted.

Julie

diem

09-13-2002, 09:37 AM

John,

You will need to obtain a copy of the new OS from Psion Teklogix - removing the batteries from your netBook clears all its RAM, which of course includes the OS!

Goto www.psionteklogix.com and join the Partner Program. Browse into the netBook aread, downloads, and download the appropriate language version. The release notes in the zip file will explain fully how to install it, plus the cautionary tips about which files you must not restore from your backup.

The only challenge I forsee is in writing the os.img file to a CF card. If you posess a PC-compatible CF card reader/writer, then no problem. If you do not, then you only option will be to put the 7 personality module back in, copy the os.img to your psion via Psiwin, then copy it onto a CF card.

diem

09-13-2002, 09:37 AM

wanman

09-13-2002, 09:39 AM

Yan, you pressing post too many times ??:D :D

netBookBabe

09-13-2002, 10:03 AM

I hope we didn't overface poor John with instructions there! LOL!
:D
Best of luck, John. Let us know how you get on.

Julie

John Sussenbach

09-14-2002, 10:27 AM

Hi folks,
I am very gratefulfor all the help you gave me to upgrade my Psion 7 -> netBook. And what aquik responses. You are wonderful. With your instructions I got it working without any problem. I am very pleased with the fast netBook upgrade, because I have written an Astronomy/Planetarium program PROCYON, with tests the Psionat the top of their abilities. On the 5mx it was slow and even the 7 takes for some operations some s
econds. With the netBook the program becomes nicer and nicer...
If there are astronomy lovers among you visit my homepage

http://www.sussenbach.myweb.nl

Regards, John

(edited to activate the URL)

thirstywork

09-20-2002, 06:26 PM

There are several reports of the S7 16M DIMM not working under the new Netbook ROM. This appears to conflict with the FAQ I received from Expansys today, on the strength of which I have placed an order - quote -

"Will the inbuilt ram be 32meg after the upgrade, with my 16meg addition give a total ram of 48meg?

The netBook operating system is loaded into the Ram of the machine. This takes up 17.6mb of the 32mb space available. You would be left with your 14.4mb in ram and your additional memory of 16mb making a total of 30.4mb available"

Assuming the "16meg addition" is a CF card you could not say it is a false statement, but it appears to have been worded very carefully so as to imply it means the 16meg DIMM, in which case it could be seen as misleading. Any views?

The FAQ does not mention a 16meg DIMM specifically, but does go on to say -

"In ordering the 32Mb DIMM upgrade, I am assuming that with the ROM upgrade installed, the total RAM of the converted Series 7 can be the same as a regular netBook, i.e. 64MB, is this correct?

It would be the same as the netBook, but you would be left with 46.4mb once the operating system was loaded."

netBookBabe

09-20-2002, 06:42 PM

thirstywork - is this a published FAQ, or just comments from Expansys to individual questions that you asked?

I'm sure all of our "7book" upgraders would be very interested to know if there IS a way of using their (presumed redundant) 16meg DIMM. I have to say though, that it DOES sound very likely that they were referring to a 16meg CF.

I haven't seen anything on the Expansys site about this. Please post a link if you have one.

Thanks :)
Julie

diem

09-21-2002, 06:20 AM

the Series 7 16MB DIMM will definitely not work in a netBook or indeed 7book. EPOC's memory addressing structure only works with 8, 16, 32, 64MB etc. There is a mathematical way of describing this, but I'm no mathematician ;)

Referring to the FAQ questions:

"Will the inbuilt ram be 32meg after the upgrade, with my 16meg addition give a total ram of 48meg?

The netBook operating system is loaded into the Ram of the machine. This takes up 17.6mb of the 32mb space available. You would be left with your 14.4mb in ram and your additional memory of 16mb making a total of 30.4mb available"

The last sentence of this is just plain wrong. The netBook personality module has 16MB on it itself. Add this to the 16MB on the motherboard and your machine has a total of 32MB RAM. Thus with the OS installed you will have about a 14MB C drive.

I don't exactly know what happens if you try and start it with the S7 DIMM installed, I just know from a reliable source (Psion employee) that it won't work.

"In ordering the 32Mb DIMM upgrade, I am assuming that with the ROM upgrade installed, the total RAM of the converted Series 7 can be the same as a regular netBook, i.e. 64MB, is this correct?

It would be the same as the netBook, but you would be left with 46.4mb once the operating system was loaded."

This is true. a 7book with the 32MB DIMM installed will behave exactly as a netBook with the 32MB DIMM installed.

I know that the community here would be very interested to know what happens if you boot a 7book with the 16MB DIMM. I am sure it won't damage anything, so are you prepared to give it a go? If it fails, then you obviously have grounds to return the module you've purchased from Expansys, or at the very least tell them to change their FAQ so as not to mislead.

charstar

09-21-2002, 09:54 AM

Just joined the board to thank the posters of this thread for their contributions. I have an early P7 (751) and have just upgraded it to a nb following the guidance here.

Again a big thanks.

Regards charstar

motman

09-21-2002, 12:58 PM

I am sorry if I am not allowed in this part but I just wish to say that I have just fitted the upgrade to my P7. But I have lost 16meg which I had in the P7 now it will not work with the Upgrade.

Also you only get 16meg of memory not 32meg as with the netbook. As the 32meg is seamingly shared between the ROM 14M and the RAM 18M. Which means that that you get 14.2meg and not the usual 16meg.

Boot up with the 16meg from the P7 and it does not harm or nor does it work. You still end up with 14meg for the C: drive

I am also unable to access the internet for some unknown reason
since OPERA installed with the upgrade
So the only thing gained really is the Speed which is: 191.692MHz

Which is a noticeable difference.

So the moral of this is to help anybody thinking of upgradeing or is it the way it has been done as I did not get any info whatsoever on how to perform the upgrade until Expansys sent me the attachment about 4 days after recieving the P7 to Netbook upgrade.

There is one other point to make with the upgrade my 340meg Microdrive now works correctly where I had problems with the P7
there was occasions when it did not read the drive. Now there are no Problemss.

Anybody else had this problem will you please let me know. Thanks.

thirstywork

09-21-2002, 04:57 PM

Hi netBookBabe.

I spoke to Expansys to confirm about LAN card support and the 16M DIMM support. They offered to mail me the FAQ.(I got the feeling that even their techies were lost with this product). Below is the full document which was sent in MSword format from support@expansys.com . My upgrade arrived this morning (excellent delivery service) and I am currently backing up the old S7 before the big transplant, which will probably be tomorrow: To be honest, I probably value the extra speed and LAN capabilities higher than the 16M of RAM, but I still feel something is wrong ethically here - Its a private purchase but I may ask the legal chaps at work for their views.

FAQ about upgrading to the netBook

1) When the NetBook is first switched on it requires the ROM image on CF to be in the machine. Will we require the ROM image to boot from a cold start on the upgraded machine?

Yes, this would be the case for both booting from a Cf or if the operating system is loaded through the serial port

2) Will the inbuilt ram be 32meg after the upgrade, with my 16meg addition give a total ram of 48meg?

The netBook operating system is loaded into the Ram of the machine. This takes up 17.6mb of the 32mb space available. You would be left with your 14.4mb in ram and your additional memory of 16mb making a total of 30.4mb available

3) I think the basic processor chip is the same for both the NetBook and the Series 7 and that the processor speed is governed by a timing chip. What conscerns me is, first that the chip speed will not be increased or that the chip is being over clocked and will shorton chip life and drain the battery faster.

The board of the Series 7 and the netBook are identical. The reason the machine is faster is because the operating system runs in the ram
In ordering the 32Mb DIMM upgrade, I am assuming that with the ROM upgrade installed, the total RAM of the converted Series 7 can be the same as a regular netBook, i.e. 64MB, is this correct?

It would be the same as the netBook, but you would be left with 46.4mb once the operating system was loaded.

I opened the right panel beneath the screen and found the current ROM Chip version number to be 756, which I understand is necessary before the upgrade will work, is this correct?

From our experience all Series 7Õs can be upgraded

Does the upgrade guarantee processor speed upgrade ?

Yes because the operating system sits in the Ram

Do I have to update the internal memory after ROM upgrade ?

You would need to load the netBook operating system

Will I then be able to use an ethernet LAN card ? If so which ones ?

You will be able to use the ones normally available to netBook users. You would even be able to use the 802.11 Wireless LAN protocol.

IMPORTANT Ð please remember that as the operating system now is in the ram, if all power is lost to the machine you would lose the operating system and this would need to be reloaded. It is recommended that if you upgrade to the netBook that you purchase a Compact Flash disk and leave a copy of the netBook operating system on the disk so you can boot up from the disk if you ever need to.

netBookBabe

09-21-2002, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by thirstywork
Assuming the "16meg addition" is a CF card you could not say it is a false statement, but it appears to have been worded very carefully so as to imply it means the 16meg DIMM, in which case it could be seen as misleading. Any views?
thirstywork - thanks for posting the full text of the info you had from Expansys. My view is that I don't really think there is anything "ethically wrong" here, as you put it. I don't believe it was a deliberate intention to mislead, I think it's a simple case of an ambiguity which has arisen out of lack of understanding. I do however think it is extremely poor to publish an FAQ containing such ambiguities.

They would have done well to seek advice from some of the very knowledgeable upgraders here on this forum, IMO!

Julie

thirstywork

09-22-2002, 03:27 PM

Having backed up the old S7 I finally tried the upgrade this evening. Having followed the instructions carefully, to my astonishment, the machine booted back up as a S7. I repeated this several times to be sure. Examining the to modules, the new one says 2031 0051 01 VERSION 756 16/08/00. Apart from the date this is identical to the module I'd just taken out! What has been sent is certainly not what I ordered so I'll be on the phone to Expansys in the morning. What should be written on the netbook module?

motman

09-22-2002, 04:11 PM

On my nb module it states which is an P7 to nb upgrade

2031 0037 01
Version 011 0
05/04/01

Interesting to know what others have on the module.

netBookBabe

09-22-2002, 04:13 PM

Good grief, thirstywork! Sounds like you are DEFINITELY in need of a pint (or several!) I would certainly be on the phone the second they are open for business in the morning.

Well v756 is definitely S7, yes. Mine is a "born and bred" netBook, two years old, so I don't know if it's relevant, but the code is: 2031 0037 01 - Version 011 13/06/00

I'm sure someone who has a correct upgrade module will come forward soon, so we can compare notes.

How on earth could they do this??

Julie

wanman

09-23-2002, 04:07 AM

Looks like the thread has been busy over the weekend.

Thirstywork,

My 7-Netbook upgrade board is the same as Motman's. The sticker says:

2031 0037 01 Version 011 05/04/01

If yours has Build 756 on it then they have sent you a 7 series board in error. Boy this is getting confusing !!!

Regards

Si

thirstywork

09-29-2002, 12:45 PM

Expansys finally delivered the correct ROM on Friday and I am pleased to report that my S7 now thinks it is a netbook. Very easy upgrade, and I cant believe the difference in speed! I can thoroughly recommend it to other S7 owners.
Sadly, but as expected, the 16M DIMM is not recognised.
My thanks to all who listened to my story of woe. Now to try to get an 802.11 card to work in it!

bish

10-10-2002, 03:24 PM

Hmmm... the link says that its out of stock and they are taking no more orders! Its also a far cry to the new £113 price from the original £65 price ....

wanman

10-11-2002, 02:53 AM

Hi Bish,

Unfortunately as soon as the 7 community heard about these boards. They went into hyperdrive and bought them all. I was going to wait until my warranty expired in November but am glad I didn't now. You could try phoning POS Ltd (www.posltd.com) as they were advertising them but not sure if they still have any. They were quoting a price of £75+vat but their website no longer has the advert.

Re Expansys price, you know them. As soon as they realise they are onto a winner the price was always going to rise. Lets just hope they manage to get hold of some more.

If you believe in conspiracy theories then you could say that Psion have perhaps plugged the leak of these boards which is why Expansys aren't taking any more orders and why POS have stopped advertising them. Psion probably sent the heavies around !!! lol

Anyway hope you manage to locate a board.

Kind Regards

Si

diem

10-11-2002, 08:34 AM

How about this for a conspiracy theory.

Psion realise that there's a largish Series 7 community out there, but are now only developing for the netBook. How better to increase the size of your current target community (netBook) than by allowing Series 7 owners to join the party?

Given that the labelling is the same, I'm willing to bet that the netBook personality modules are from Psion, rather than from an enterprising mempry module manufacturer. So perhaps Psion let a few out to 'test the water', and now they've proved that demand will outstrip supply, another batch may be in the offing?

I could be way off the mark here, but if I were Psion this is what I'd be doing...

wanman

10-11-2002, 08:49 AM

Yan

mmmm intriguing view point. Except Psion have never actually sold these directly. Why hide behind all this secrecy? Mind you, i suppose if they had marketed the cards, they could have annoyed their existing Netbook customers who could have bought a new 7 and upgrade it cheaper than the cost of a new netbook!!

I am continuing to doubt Psion's commitment to the Netbook though. OS upgrades are few and far between. SDK's are only available under the Netpad site, the only source of repair is still their own workshops. Why haven't they allowed POS to gain the knowledge and tools required as they can help support these machines?

If they did release these chips, perhaps you are right and they wanted to regain interest in the expensive Netbook and get people to continue developing software for it. Opera continued development is uncertain, still no sign of Macromedia Flash player for ER5. Opera was banging on about that ages ago.

I suppose, as per usual, we will have to wait and see.

Oh and btw, I am now on day 5 without a triple beep reset. Looks like that pcmcia firmware upgrade has done the trick !!

Regards

Si

fladda

10-12-2002, 04:32 AM

Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

We should be thankful to Psion for releasing these Netbook operating system cards. Especially so at that price ! I would guess that Psion sold the cards to Expansys for about 40 GBP each. Remember that the Netbook operating system card is the same base card as the Series 7 memory card, but with the addition of the Netbook boot loader ROM. If you removed this ROM you'd probably be left with a very cheap 16Mbyte Series 7 card !

I guess that Psion were just shifting some excess inventory of Netbook operating system cards, and decided to time the shipment to coincide with the release of the Netbook 1.58 operating system. Whilst this raised some extra cash for Psion, I suggest that Psion really wanted to help some enthusiasts get the extra functionality of the Netook upgrade.

Remember that Psion did not charge for the Netbook 1.58 operating system upgrade. If this was Acorn of Microsoft you'd have been charged 100 GBP;-)

Ralph