But to do that you sacrifice the standard RJ-45 connector which is found everywhere - so you might as well just use Apples USB to Ethernet adpater.mikkel wrote:
To be honest, it isn't really rocket science to create an interface converter cable with a terminator for classical 8P8C RJ style plugs in one end, and a customised connector interface in the other. I've made a NIC with a tiny controller, and a standard USB-A connector pinning out into UTP that was terminated in an RJ style 8P8C plug into an off-the-shelf switch, and I've never had any issues with it. Technically, to get 10/100 connectivity with a generic chipset, all you need to do is leave enough clearance for a connector plug that'll stay in place, and four isolated electrical connectors. You can do that with half the height of a USB-A port, and the chipsets are -tiny-. The only reasons Apple would've had for not including a standard 10/100 network interface are that they didn't want people carrying a small extra cable in their laptop bag, or that they didn't feel it would be necessary. In either case, I think they made a mistake leaving it out. It's certainly technically feasible.kylef wrote:
Even the blatant size of the ethernet port would outweigh the Air's height at some points. I admit the air fails in many areas yes, but if you want a laptop with several USB ports, ethernet, card readers etc there is no ultra thin laptop like the Air (enter X360) but to many people, Air signifies ultra portability and chicness, which is a big factor in today's market.
Are you serious?utchin wrote:
Also a big part is the OS. Im starting to like OS X, its simple, more secure than XP.
Using basic keyboard commands you can get root access on a Mac in a matter of seconds. It is very easy to do whatever the hell you want on them without even having to think about passwords.
Ah, the wonders of Single User mode.
Well, what I was going for was a small form-factor dedicated port for wired network connectivity that wouldn't rob you of the only USB port available.Bertster7 wrote:
But to do that you sacrifice the standard RJ-45 connector which is found everywhere - so you might as well just use Apples USB to Ethernet adpater.mikkel wrote:
To be honest, it isn't really rocket science to create an interface converter cable with a terminator for classical 8P8C RJ style plugs in one end, and a customised connector interface in the other. I've made a NIC with a tiny controller, and a standard USB-A connector pinning out into UTP that was terminated in an RJ style 8P8C plug into an off-the-shelf switch, and I've never had any issues with it. Technically, to get 10/100 connectivity with a generic chipset, all you need to do is leave enough clearance for a connector plug that'll stay in place, and four isolated electrical connectors. You can do that with half the height of a USB-A port, and the chipsets are -tiny-. The only reasons Apple would've had for not including a standard 10/100 network interface are that they didn't want people carrying a small extra cable in their laptop bag, or that they didn't feel it would be necessary. In either case, I think they made a mistake leaving it out. It's certainly technically feasible.kylef wrote:
Even the blatant size of the ethernet port would outweigh the Air's height at some points. I admit the air fails in many areas yes, but if you want a laptop with several USB ports, ethernet, card readers etc there is no ultra thin laptop like the Air (enter X360) but to many people, Air signifies ultra portability and chicness, which is a big factor in today's market.
True. Another thing it's lacking, which for a Mac is atrocious, is a Firewire port. No target disk mode.mikkel wrote:
Well, what I was going for was a small form-factor dedicated port for wired network connectivity that wouldn't rob you of the only USB port available.Bertster7 wrote:
But to do that you sacrifice the standard RJ-45 connector which is found everywhere - so you might as well just use Apples USB to Ethernet adpater.mikkel wrote:
To be honest, it isn't really rocket science to create an interface converter cable with a terminator for classical 8P8C RJ style plugs in one end, and a customised connector interface in the other. I've made a NIC with a tiny controller, and a standard USB-A connector pinning out into UTP that was terminated in an RJ style 8P8C plug into an off-the-shelf switch, and I've never had any issues with it. Technically, to get 10/100 connectivity with a generic chipset, all you need to do is leave enough clearance for a connector plug that'll stay in place, and four isolated electrical connectors. You can do that with half the height of a USB-A port, and the chipsets are -tiny-. The only reasons Apple would've had for not including a standard 10/100 network interface are that they didn't want people carrying a small extra cable in their laptop bag, or that they didn't feel it would be necessary. In either case, I think they made a mistake leaving it out. It's certainly technically feasible.
Just about the other way around over here, my school only has Ethernet, library has a couple of tables with the same, and so on.kylef wrote:
I think this is where "thinnovation" takes place. The idea was to make it as slim as possible while still offering features that people depend upon, and I do think the Air has succeeded, yes. Can you give me an example of ethernet? I know that the libraries, student-available-wireless in universities, Starbucks, even my current school offer no such ethernet capabilities.Freezer7Pro wrote:
Two mm here and there isn't gonna make a difference. When coming to real portability, the Air fails hard, due to it's lack of ports, making it incompatible with the connectivity in many places. Many, many places only have Ethernet connectivity, so you're screwed if you come to one of those. Form over function is not a good concept.
Because other laptops don't need that. Duh.kylef wrote:
This I did not know. Interesting - I wonder why this hasn't been implemented on other laptops already, or has it?mikkel wrote:
Technically, to get 10/100 connectivity with a generic chipset, all you need to do is leave enough clearance for a connector plug that'll stay in place, and four isolated electrical connectors. You can do that with half the height of a USB-A port, and the chipsets are -tiny-
The idea of any hi-fi system is to reproduce the source material as faithfully as possible, and to deliberately add distortion to everything you hear (due to amplifier deficiencies) because it sounds 'nice' is simply not high fidelity. If that is what you want to hear then there is no problem with that, but by adding so much additional material (by way of harmonics and intermodulation) you have a tailored sound system, not a hi-fi. - Rod Elliot, ESP
MSI developed eSATA and USB connection all in one. So less connections more connectivity. Will be on the market soon and from more manufacturers MSI just holds the license.
