1) I was hoping to be able to use a portable usb harddrive with my new Efika Smartbook, but the usb connection doesn't seem to generate enough power to spin it up (even when it's plugged in) -- anything to be done about that?

2) I don't see them in the store, but is it possible to buy backup battery packs?

3) Has anyone tried to run their Efika off of a solar power device? It's got such a low power drain that it seems an obvious idea. Any good suggestions?

Hi Nat,
Some work, others don't. If it's a 3.5" disk without external power supply (e.g., with dual USB connectors), then it will likely not work. Small 2.5" hard drives should work. The USB bus can only supply 500mA (5 units of 100mA) according to the standard.
They are present on the European store, but are currently out of stock:
http://www.genesi-europe.com/store/eu/

We might be able to supply these separately. Send an inquiry email to sales@genesi-usa.com.
Yes, we have:
http://bbrv.blogspot.com/2011/05/solar- ... ystem.html

Basically, you can do with an off the shelf solar panel and inverter to make sure you supply the correct voltage. You won't need more than 10 to 15 Watt or so (a bit more to take the conversion losses into account). Seen some in the shop here that are 20W and cost around 150Euro or less.
If you are more adventurous, you could power the system DC-DC directly, but this does have the risk of applying wrong voltage or polarity and with it, a dead Efika.


Johan.

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Johan Dams, Genesi USA Inc.
Director, Software Engineering

Yep, I have a blog... PurpleAlienPlanet

Thanks, Johan for all the information. And, alas, it appears my little 2.5" portable harddrive is one of those that doesn't work...

Nat

Spare SmartBook batteries are available on the US site at:

https://www.genesi-usa.com/store/details/20

Its a bit non-obvious how to navigate to this page if you don't know where it is already.

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--

Science, n. Investigation of natural phenomena.
Engineering, n. Domestication of natural phenomena.
Technology, n. Domesticated natural phenomena.

--

\"It is essential for automatic computation that, instead of containing every single instruction necessary to carry out the program, the coded program include methods for generating instructions which are needed to carry out the program. ... One measure of the extent to which an automatic digital computer is used effectively is given by the ratio of the number of instructions formed in the machine to that of the instructions inserted into the machine initially.\" Mathematical Machines Volume I Digital Computers ©1961 Francis J. Murray

If so, then why is this ratio zero on most modern computer software?

Would using a mains-powered usb hub make any difference in terms of powering an external drive?

I tried it with one of my Firewire/USB drives that I use on my PowerBooks on Firewire. Even with a 2.5A wallwart running the hub and plugging in both USB connectors to the hub, the drive would not spinup. All it did was make quiet clicks.

_________________
--

Science, n. Investigation of natural phenomena.
Engineering, n. Domestication of natural phenomena.
Technology, n. Domesticated natural phenomena.

--

\"It is essential for automatic computation that, instead of containing every single instruction necessary to carry out the program, the coded program include methods for generating instructions which are needed to carry out the program. ... One measure of the extent to which an automatic digital computer is used effectively is given by the ratio of the number of instructions formed in the machine to that of the instructions inserted into the machine initially.\" Mathematical Machines Volume I Digital Computers ©1961 Francis J. Murray

If so, then why is this ratio zero on most modern computer software?