[gentoo-user] Re: old lappy fix

[Hans <linux@interworld.net.au>]

On 04/11/15 06:17, James wrote:
> hello,
>
> Over the years lots of folks have wondered about how to fix and old laptop
> to work with gentoo again, cost effectively. There seems to be (2) problems
> in the majority.
>
>
> 1. Which environment to set up for minimal old hardware:: That discussion
> can continue, but I like lxqt or lxde. Others should chime in, as I hope to
> create a howto or wiki page after some input.
>
>
> 2. The other (most common) issue that I think I have solved, is how to
> replace those old dead ide hard drives:: SYBA SD-CF-IDE-DI IDE to Compact
> Flash Adapter ( Direct Insertion Mode )  can be had for less that $5 USD.
> Combined with a 16Gb Compact flash card less that $20 usd and it should just
> slide right into the  old 2.5" ide HD container slot and plug right in.  You
> can up-size if you need to, but prices for the CF go crazy after 16Gb. There
> are many form factors for the syba card, so make sure you try
> the Direct connect one in this  pic:: [1]. EXT2 w2orks best as a file system.
>
>
> Comments and physical verification are most welcome, as it fits snugly
> in (2) old lappies I have tested so far. I intend to also insert tiny pieces
> of bubble wrap for circuit boards, just to wedge it tightly in place.
> Very little heat generated with this solution. You can prolly get it down
> to a 4Gb card, if you are going 'thin client' with the restored lappy.
>
>
> I'm looking for all complimentary info to add to a howto or a wiki page
> on resurrecting old laptops (hardware and software) centric to gentoo, links
> are welcome too.
>
>
> James
>
>
> http://www.sybausa.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=64_147_150&product_id=612
>
>
>

I resurrected a 12 year old Toshiba laptop with 2GB RAM. Replaced the 
flaky 40GB IDE drive after replacing the connector, with a 500GB SATA 
drive salvaged from a broken Dell laptop. Then installed Gentoo, XFCE, 
Libre Office, Firefox, Thunderbird and VLC.  Everything works, except 
for the dead battery.

If the laptop can boot from a USB port, use a external USB drive or USB 
stick.