[misterhouse-users] Web terminals

[Bruce W. <br...@mi...>]

> My plan is to run FreeBSD (similar to Linux, but with a
> little better support for obscure devices) on the laptops, put
> the ethernet
> and sound cards in them, and plug them into the house ethernet in key
> places, like the library, the head of the bed in the master bedroom, the
> living room, the electronics shop, the kitchen, and the bathrooms.

This sounds like a good idea!   Any good prices/suppliers for cheap laptops?

Here is another option.  I just installed a Matrox dual head graphics card
($125 from sg3d.com) and have the 2nd head hooked to VCR2 input to our
bedroom Tv.   I had tried earlier with a $30 no-name video card with TV
output, but it was fuzzy and would not boot up to Tv mode by default.
Having the 2nd head allows you to still use the computer with a conventional
monitor.  And the matrox output is much sharper.  Even usable at 1000x700,
rather than 640x480.  Using a usb mouse on the PC and the radio mouse from
X10, I can control it from the study or the bedroom.

So now I am even more incented to get the mh web interface spiffed up.  I
made good progress integrating Davids updates this weekend, but have a
little ways to go yet.  Hopefully we can get it released before next
weekend.


Your note had lots of great ideas ... keep us posted!

Bruce