For the Neoware thin clients there is a handy document on the HP website which you can use to identify exactly what you have. In my case the label on the back of the unit reads CA5 with a part number of BE-03-HD. This breaks down as:
BE Product Line G150 (The circuit board inside the box) 0 Software Standard software 3 Platform 3 = Windows XPe H Flash Capacity H = 192Mb D RAM Capacity D = 256Mb
Apparently Capio One is the Bcom number, the marketing number being CA5.
The basic specs are:
Processor Type
SpeedSiS550
200MHzMemory Flash
RAM192MB (max 192MB)
256Mb (max 256Mb)Video Chip
Max resolutionSiS550
1600 x 1200 32-bit colourPorts Network
USB
Serial
Parallel
PS/210/100
2 x USB1.1
1
1
Kybd & mousePower Off
Running0 W
~12W
Most of the CA5s I've seen on offer have been WinCE units (eg BE-A1-BA). The thing that motivated me to buy this one was the -HD and the price (0.99p).
The exact video specifications depend on the installed operating system and the amount of memory available. The full list of possibilities would appear to be:
Mode Frequency Color Depth 640 x 480 60, 75, 85 or 100MHz 8-, 16-, or 32-bit 800 x 600 60, 75, 85 or 100MHz 8-, 16-, or 32-bit 1024 x 768 60, 75, 85 or 100MHz 8-, 16-, or 32-bit 1280 x 1024 60, 75 or 85MHz 8-, 16-, or 32-bit 1600 x 1200 60, 75 or 85MHz 8-, 16-, or 32-bit 2048 x 1536 60, 75 or 85MHz 8- or 16-bit
For those to whom it matters here is some detail from Linux's /proc/cpuinfo
vendor_id : SiS SiS SiS cpu family : 5 model : 0 model name : 05/00 stepping : 5
There is an oddity here. DSL reports the 'model name' as 09/00 whilst Tinycore 3.0 reports it as 05/00.
Unlike a lot of other thin clients the Neoware CA5 has an internal power supply. The mains lead has a "clover leaf" style connector rather than the more usual kettle style. If your CA5 came without a lead these are easy to source.
Both the Flash memory and the RAM in the CA5 are easily replaceable.
The flash is a "DiskOnModule" that interfaces via a 44-pin IDE connector. The system has booted quite happily from a Compact Flash card and a 2.5" drive connected in place of the DOM.
The RAM is a 144-pin PC100 or PC133 SODIMM. The one fitted here has marked on the label 256MB SO-DIMM-133MHZ-CL3. The part number is 144SD256M366.MV.Y120.
Under the DSL Linux tab you'll find a description of how I added a 2.5" disk drive to the CA5.
Any comments? email me. Last update December 2010
