3 days before boarding the plane for Thailand, the FedEx man arrived with my Vista upgrade from Asus. It took 3 days to swap in and across a month I was able to get the R2H to fire up about 3 times.
You’ve all heard it before I’m sure- but I just wanted to prove it myself. Vista will not run on the R2H. It’s worse than slow.
Let me just say that Vista went on and the interface is gorgeous. Some of the tablet innovations are great. The text input unit resides neatly to the edge of screen, the right mouse button interface is cooler - all round it LOOKS great.
But – The Origami project seems to have been forgotten. Hardly a dialog box opens that is suitable for a 480px high screen, all the OK and APPLY and CANCEL buttons are out of screen shot. Dial Keys will not work. Aside from these glaring issues, it’s just too slow, and the warnings, wholly crap, who cares, just start up will you.
SO – no blogging updates were made on the road. 900grms of PC became a weight around my neck that I wished had been left at home. Email was checked twice. Start up times were up 10 mins after Vista would sort out what it could run and couldn’t run and show me a warning box about every damn Hard Drive revolution.
The experience was just too much and as soon as getting home Vista was off and XP back on.
May 7, 2007
Mar 8, 2007
The Humble Digital Album
As mentioned earlier - I would travel with a bunch of electronic devices and their associated power units or charges. My reasoning for moving into Ultra Mobile Computing was based on trying to consolidate a lot of this equipment.
One of the most logical amalgamations was digital photography. At Camera Action Camera House we saw the pending marriage between UMPC and cameras early.
Photographers were already spending upwards of AU$800 on digital albums, relatively simple devices that would allow you to download images from your camera and review them on an adequate screen.
These were a brilliant idea, freeing up camera memory so you could continue shooting, convenient image review and social sharing of photos.
These units started to get more and more sophisticated and began to converge. Personally, I ended up owning a FlashTrax. It ran on a Linux operating system, it was simple to update and regularly was. As new file formats were introduced, particularly brand native RAW files, the operating system was updated to accommodate these. It had 3x4 fold down screen and a compact flash card port, audio/video out and communicated via USB 2. As one of the more ‘converged’ units it played MP3 and wav audio.
It was a useful device. It was however a little big to be a convenient portable audio device. So the iPod still travelled. There’s three power units right there - Camera, PhotoTainer and iPod.
So let’s talk about how the ASUS R2H will replace the DigitalAlbum…
One of the most logical amalgamations was digital photography. At Camera Action Camera House we saw the pending marriage between UMPC and cameras early.
Photographers were already spending upwards of AU$800 on digital albums, relatively simple devices that would allow you to download images from your camera and review them on an adequate screen.
These were a brilliant idea, freeing up camera memory so you could continue shooting, convenient image review and social sharing of photos.
These units started to get more and more sophisticated and began to converge. Personally, I ended up owning a FlashTrax. It ran on a Linux operating system, it was simple to update and regularly was. As new file formats were introduced, particularly brand native RAW files, the operating system was updated to accommodate these. It had 3x4 fold down screen and a compact flash card port, audio/video out and communicated via USB 2. As one of the more ‘converged’ units it played MP3 and wav audio.
It was a useful device. It was however a little big to be a convenient portable audio device. So the iPod still travelled. There’s three power units right there - Camera, PhotoTainer and iPod.
So let’s talk about how the ASUS R2H will replace the DigitalAlbum…
Feb 27, 2007
A lot of talk about GPS.
And so far that’s about all it is.
My research has shown this. The GPS unit in the R2H definitely works - no question. The question lies with the software.
The R2H, as far as I can tell, is shipped in the US with Microsoft ‘Streets and Trips’. In Europe the R2H is shipped with the equivalent software, there is no Australian version of this software, so no GPS software is included in the Australian package.
The GPS unit it self needs to be activated, my understanding is that 'Streets and Trips' does this but with out this software, manual activation is required.
In the Origami Program Launcher go to
To SEE the GPS unit working download LeadTek’s GPS diagnostic tool, GPS Monitor. Their FAQ’s are here. Other software is available here at Johnny Appleseed, Crop Circle software looks good???
I have also read that turning off BlueTooth and WireLess are beneficial to working with GPS, personally I have not seen any difference. I guess battery consumption would be improved and seeing as how ASUS have made this very simple by way of the ‘Wireless’ button why not.
I have an in-car navigation device, I don't need Australian road maps on my R2H. What I’m looking for is a World atlas GPS device. When I'm travelling overseas I would like the ability to navigate where I am. I have added Google Earth Plus to my R2H system, but have not been able to connect the GPS device. (Google Earth is very limited in what it can talk to). I have heard of JGUI GPS Radar and seen a ‘YouTube’ video of this working but it is currently not available for download. OziExplorer is a piece of software that allows you to install your own maps. It looks very complicated to me, I downloaded the demo but couldn’t get my head around it.
So the hunt for useful GPS software continues.
My research has shown this. The GPS unit in the R2H definitely works - no question. The question lies with the software.
The R2H, as far as I can tell, is shipped in the US with Microsoft ‘Streets and Trips’. In Europe the R2H is shipped with the equivalent software, there is no Australian version of this software, so no GPS software is included in the Australian package.
The GPS unit it self needs to be activated, my understanding is that 'Streets and Trips' does this but with out this software, manual activation is required.
In the Origami Program Launcher go to
- GPS
- select GPS_SWITCH
- check - ENABLE gsc3f GPS
- select Apply
- then close
To SEE the GPS unit working download LeadTek’s GPS diagnostic tool, GPS Monitor. Their FAQ’s are here. Other software is available here at Johnny Appleseed, Crop Circle software looks good???
I have also read that turning off BlueTooth and WireLess are beneficial to working with GPS, personally I have not seen any difference. I guess battery consumption would be improved and seeing as how ASUS have made this very simple by way of the ‘Wireless’ button why not.
I have an in-car navigation device, I don't need Australian road maps on my R2H. What I’m looking for is a World atlas GPS device. When I'm travelling overseas I would like the ability to navigate where I am. I have added Google Earth Plus to my R2H system, but have not been able to connect the GPS device. (Google Earth is very limited in what it can talk to). I have heard of JGUI GPS Radar and seen a ‘YouTube’ video of this working but it is currently not available for download. OziExplorer is a piece of software that allows you to install your own maps. It looks very complicated to me, I downloaded the demo but couldn’t get my head around it.
So the hunt for useful GPS software continues.
traveling DVD's prt3
So – after downloading Xvid and DivX drivers, loading those into both the R2H and onto the desk top that I’m using to render my movies I am getting great results. PQ DVD is shrinking a 4 gig DVD down to 1gig. I’m getting best results using the DivX driver.
Final results are producing jitter free crystal clear video with CD quality STEREO sound.
The ASUS theatre software gives an amazing ‘Surround’ effect through stereo earphones. All in all a great result. Ideal travel entertainment.
Final results are producing jitter free crystal clear video with CD quality STEREO sound.
The ASUS theatre software gives an amazing ‘Surround’ effect through stereo earphones. All in all a great result. Ideal travel entertainment.
Feb 21, 2007
travelling DVD's prt2
Well alas - no sound. But I figured that out so we will redo the 3 DVD's we tried yesterday and see how we go.
PQ Pocket DVD default options did not find an audio decoder. This can be force fed in the "DVD Options" dialogue.
Another piece of software worth checking out in this area is SuperC from eRightSoft.com a little cumbersome to get around, but does do the job and is FREE.
PQ Pocket DVD default options did not find an audio decoder. This can be force fed in the "DVD Options" dialogue.
Another piece of software worth checking out in this area is SuperC from eRightSoft.com a little cumbersome to get around, but does do the job and is FREE.
Feb 20, 2007
traveling DVD's
While the R2H and accompanying DVD Recorder player will quite cheerily play a DVD on the road, there is no way I’ll be travelling with a bunch of DVD’s, let alone, I plan to leave the DVD unit at home with its INDIPENDENT POWER SUPPLY. With the help of some DVD shrink 3.2, I can get up to 8 DVD’s on to the 30Gb partitioned drive (the 60GB drive came pre partitioned, this has proved to be very handy).
But I remember from my Palm Days a piece of software called PQ DVD Pocket Studio.
So I scrambled around looking to see if I still had my registration code, I downloaded the latest version and away we went. I re-familiarised my self with the interface, by no means complex, I grabbed a few of my favourite DVD’s downloaded XviD Codecs and started ripping. With DVD Pocket Studio I can fit over 40 movies onto my 30Gb partitioned drive.
Tomorrow we will see if she plays.
But I remember from my Palm Days a piece of software called PQ DVD Pocket Studio.
So I scrambled around looking to see if I still had my registration code, I downloaded the latest version and away we went. I re-familiarised my self with the interface, by no means complex, I grabbed a few of my favourite DVD’s downloaded XviD Codecs and started ripping. With DVD Pocket Studio I can fit over 40 movies onto my 30Gb partitioned drive.
Tomorrow we will see if she plays.
Feb 10, 2007
inking
this will be the first post directly from the R2H. My first attempt at writing directly from the tablet top. The handwriting recognition is very good, but for some reason I cant write completely across the page. But it works and it works very well. l think we can safely leave the USB keyboard at home.
Feb 9, 2007
Sonar6 Origami
So now the R2H has Sonar6 running, well just, and what a package.
I tried it but I can’t say I really expected it to work. As a gig pack, R2H, Yamaha UW500 and Yamaha MU2000 this is a mini wonder.
At first Sonar would not fire up, as I had expected, but I wasn’t ready to give up straight away, so I started removing memory resident programs through task manager. Any of the Origami/UMPC machines like to start up with a bunch of semi useful gadgets running such as ProgramStarter and DialKeys. Turning these off one by one allowed Soanr6 to start. The ASUS R2H has something called MutiFrame. This was possibly the 5th item to be turned off and this is when Sonar started. So the next step is to see if this sole item is the one that can shut down and allow Sonar to start.
At this point Sonar6, the R2H and my midi gear are a file player. Set a set list up and play. That’s all I need, I don’t think this mini system is going to record, it’s a 4200 rpm HD anyway. We’ll try it just to see, but it’s not the goal.
It’s a road kit.
I tried it but I can’t say I really expected it to work. As a gig pack, R2H, Yamaha UW500 and Yamaha MU2000 this is a mini wonder.
At first Sonar would not fire up, as I had expected, but I wasn’t ready to give up straight away, so I started removing memory resident programs through task manager. Any of the Origami/UMPC machines like to start up with a bunch of semi useful gadgets running such as ProgramStarter and DialKeys. Turning these off one by one allowed Soanr6 to start. The ASUS R2H has something called MutiFrame. This was possibly the 5th item to be turned off and this is when Sonar started. So the next step is to see if this sole item is the one that can shut down and allow Sonar to start.
At this point Sonar6, the R2H and my midi gear are a file player. Set a set list up and play. That’s all I need, I don’t think this mini system is going to record, it’s a 4200 rpm HD anyway. We’ll try it just to see, but it’s not the goal.
It’s a road kit.
Feb 8, 2007
ASUS R2H
The ASUS R2H will be our companion on this trip. The R2H has the potential to replace a host of electronic paraphernalia that usual gets toted around. I don’t mind carrying my electronic gadgets so much as the power units and charges that need to accompany them.
With the R2H in hand I should be able to leave behind the PDA with its GPS (I’ll come back to that in a moment), the Digital Album (image storage device), the iPod, maps, journal and travel guides.
The R2H has built in GPS but for the life of me I can’t find any significant software to work with it, nor can I get Google Earth to communicate with the onboard GPS. As to the iPod it really can’t stay at home can it. Its pocket-ability and battery life make it a more useful music companion than the R2H. However with camera, iPod and R2H we may be travelling with only 2 charger units and one AC lead. We’ll see...
With the R2H in hand I should be able to leave behind the PDA with its GPS (I’ll come back to that in a moment), the Digital Album (image storage device), the iPod, maps, journal and travel guides.
The R2H has built in GPS but for the life of me I can’t find any significant software to work with it, nor can I get Google Earth to communicate with the onboard GPS. As to the iPod it really can’t stay at home can it. Its pocket-ability and battery life make it a more useful music companion than the R2H. However with camera, iPod and R2H we may be travelling with only 2 charger units and one AC lead. We’ll see...
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