I’m a proud owner of a TR1A computer as of just a few days ago. So far I absolutely LOVE it. Great size, looks and performance!

And THIS seems to be a GREAT forum. Don’t think I’ve ever seen such a dedicated forum for a certain computer line - that’s really cool.

I do, ofcourse…., have some questions that I thought I’d throw out to see if anyone have any ideas about….

1. Defaulted screen size/resolution
Whenever I turn it on the screen starts out ‘smaller’ with a black border around it. I have to press the +-button on the side of the screen to make the screen flicker and fill up all the available space. Any ideas what setting I have wrong and how to fix it?

2. Memory upgrade
I have the standard delivered memory installed (256Meg?). How much would it cost me to upgrade my memory (and good sources for memory?) and can ‘any’ place do it (like CompUSA, etc)?
I’m not even sure I need it…guess I’m just a greedy bitch..
Have anyone here experienced what an upgrade (512?) meant for them in terms of performance? I really only use it for websurfing, word, excel, etc for right now… No big photoshop files or anything like that…yet! 

3. Case
Isn’t this always the big question… I’ve read some interesting posts here and I do like the idea of the Bodyglove case (even though it looks like someone’s very butch handbag…).

My ‘requirements’ for a case are reaaal easy;
a) Great looking (bodyglove - ugly, Vaio Japanese case - ok, Gucci - pretty)
b) Small,
c) Light weight,
d) Allow me to fit the computer, AC cord/adapter and a couple of CDs
e) Somewhat padded
f) Shoulder strap

(Oh and I’m not for some reason a big fan of the sgbags.com stuff and I hate Crumpler).

Should anyone out there have any suggestion that has not been listed on this forum in the past…let me know

On a sidenote I did just ordered the semi-hard case from Japan (cost me about 70 dollars with shipping) and will see if it’s possible to secure a shoulder strap to it by Martha Stewart it. We’ll see.

4. Battery
I have the standard battery that came with it and it seems to be able to hold a decent charge. I think there are different versions of batteries out there… Any suggestions for ‘Hey, I’d need a second battery in the event I fly somewhere and want to use my laptop on the plane (probably for about 4-5 hours, maybe watch a movie and stuff and would hate to have the one battery I have die on me). Should I get a second battery (hm, that adds bulk…don’t like bulk and weight… bulk and weight is bad) - or is there a battery that gives better performance but does not screw with my chances of fitting it into already snug cases (like the japan case I bought)’.
Phew.

5. WiFi. Hotspots. Surfing.
I am considering trying to use that built-in wireless modem.. Maybe go to someplace like Starbucks or somewhere where there are ‘hotspots’(?).
How does that..actually work… I just sit down..open up the computer, turn it on and start the wifi modem…and voila it picks up that something is being broadcasted and wayyy surfing I go?

How can they charge for that - are you required to key in a password OR are they so savvy that you’re required to give them like your MAC(?) address and they include that in a filter? (And yes, I am impressed with myself for knowing that!).

I’m in San Francisco. If anyone else here is from there - do you know of any public places like that where there are wireless networks?

I got my TR1A used - but ‘like new’ - for 1,460 dollars (incl. shipping) which seemed to be a good price (the battery has ever only had 3 charges).

Happy to ‘be here’!

Tiff

Welcome to the forum, Tiff.  Let’s see if I can help:

1. Screen size / resolution - make sure that your resolution is set to 1280 x 768 pixels.  This is the native screen resolution for the TR.

2. Memory - You could have CompUSA do it for you, but most find it to be very easy.  Your memory sits behind a vented cover on the bottom of your TR.  Just remove it (computer off please) and you will see your memory module.  Make sure you purchase the same type of module, as others will not fit.  256mb should be plenty for the apps you mentioned.  However, you can pick up a 512 mb stick for a little over 100 bucks online.  You decide.

3. Case - I don’t use one (a gucci laptop case?...now I’ve seen everything, LOL)

4. Battery - Instead of blowing a few hundred dollars on the spare battery, might I suggest getting an iGo Juice adapter.  This will allow you to plug your laptop into one of three sources (wall outlet, cigarette lighter, or airplane outlet).  It runs about $60-80 depending on the vendor.  Otherwise, PageComputers will sell you the extended battery for about $275.

5. Hotspots - I’m not much of a coffee sipper.  Sorry.  As I understand it, you pay like $20-30 monthly and you can connect to any hotspot.  It is one of those “you either have access, or you don’t” things.

Well, Tiffany, it sounds like you got a great deal on your TR!  Good luck.

Thanks, it looks like a fun place!

[quote author=“TruthSeeker”]
1. Screen size / resolution - make sure that your resolution is set to 1280 x 768 pixels.  This is the native screen resolution for the TR.

Ah-ha-haaa. I think that’s what it is. Thanks!

[quote author=“TruthSeeker”]
2. Memory - You could have CompUSA do it for you, but most find it to be very easy.  Your memory sits behind a vented cover on the bottom of your TR.  Just remove it (computer off please) and you will see your memory module.  Make sure you purchase the same type of module, as others will not fit.  256mb should be plenty for the apps you mentioned.  However, you can pick up a 512 mb stick for a little over 100 bucks online.  You decide.

Great. For now I’ll continue on 256 until I feel that I need some more ‘power’. Good to know that places like CompUSA could do it though and 100 bucks or so wouldn’t be too bad.

[quote author=“TruthSeeker”]
4. Battery - Instead of blowing a few hundred dollars on the spare battery, might I suggest getting an iGo Juice adapter.  This will allow you to plug your laptop into one of three sources (wall outlet, cigarette lighter, or airplane outlet).  It runs about $60-80 depending on the vendor.  Otherwise, PageComputers will sell you the extended battery for about $275.

Hmm…when I fly - I fly cargo…I mean coach Haven’t seen any power outlets in those seats. Thanks for the tip about PageComputers - I will look them up. 275 seems like an awful lot though…that better give me half a day of battery power

[quote author=“TruthSeeker”]
5. Hotspots - I’m not much of a coffee sipper.  Sorry.  As I understand it, you pay like $20-30 monthly and you can connect to any hotspot.  It is one of those “you either have access, or you don’t” things.

Hm, 20-30 dollars and you can connect to ANY hotspot ANYWHERE? Sounds too good to be true… Guess I’m gonna have to go into one of those places and ask someone there. Problem is always that the people behind the counters at these places seem to know just as little as me about how things work… That’s why I prefer places like this

Thanks again.

CompUSA can do it for you, but they will charge much more than $100.  I quoted you a price based on doing it yourself.  I think the lowest price I’ve seen recently for this type of module is like $127.

Try this link for your extended battery concern:

http://www.siliconpopculture.com/reviews_comments/44_0_2_0_C/

I think you will find it will last you much more than a half day.   An extra standard battery can be had for less.

Also, do not quote me on the hotspot comment.  As I mentioned, I’m not much of a coffee sipper.

As far as the case goes, heres what I do :

I have the PCGA-CCTR/L case which was made specially for the TR series laptop. It also comes in black color PCGA-CCTR/J . However these cases do not have a shoulder strap and cannot even accomodate the AC adapter. However u could carry a few cd’s in its back compartment and they do have a nice amount of padding to them. This case fits easily in the PCGA-CCP2 bag. SInce the laptop is so small my IGO juice adapter kit and wireless notebook mouse also fit in the laptop compartment. This works out perfectly for me since I can also carry a few books in the bag to my college.

regarding the starbucks thing, I had heard that u buy some coffee or whatever else from them and then they would give u some ticket with some kind of code on it. I guess when u try to connect to the Internet with their wireless connection some box would pop up asking for the code. Atleast thats how the wireless thing works in my univ. When I try to browse the internet for the first time, it pops up a box asking me for my university id and password. I’m pretty sure starbucks and others work like that too.

On that extended battery I dont think u would get more than 4-5 hrs if u are watching movies continuously. The tests which groovy conducted on the extended battery revealed that it lasted for only 9 hrs when he played just MP3’s with the screen closed.

the resolution problem…has it been giving this problem right from the day u got it ?

It is too good to be true. You can only connect to a hotsopt that is affiliated with the company you pay. T-Mobile’s WiFi package will get you access at Borders, Kinkos and Starbucks, but not at McDonalds for example, which is provided by Cometa. Then again, it’s probably a good deal for you. Besides Seattle and Manhattan, SF probably has the most Starbucks per square foot in the world. 

Hi Tiffany and welcome to the forums.

Regarding the WiFi/Hotspot access, the Internet access provided by Starbucks is provided by T-Mobile. $19.99/month is the price if you are the an existing T-Mobile phone customer. $29.99/month is the price if you aren’t a T-Mobile subscriber and if you buy a ONE YEAR contract. $39.99/month is the price for non-subscriber and is the MONTH to MONTH price.

Most people at Starbucks won’t know anything so you should check out the T-Mobile website for more specifics. The good thing about the contracts is that once you sign up it does work anywhere there is a T-Mobile run HotSpot. I’ve used my account at Starbucks in LA, SF, NY, and Las Vegas. You just sign in and bam! You’re in!

If you need more information regarding this then let me know. I have my TR connected to the net in nearly every possible way imaginable.

Oh, and welcome again!

Hm, 40 dollars/month is a lot for non-committing girl like me

Will have to think about that one…

Thank you all very much for some great answers

Be sure to check out the WaterField sleeves/cases at http//www.sfbags.com .  I am very happy with their products.

I also forgot to mention that T-Mobile/Starbucks hotspots offer a $9.95/day plan. Basically you get exactly 24 hours of unlimited usage for $9.95. That my be ok if you really need it but it’s still somewhat expensive.

Since you’re in SF, there’s a ton of places that also offer FREE access. Here’s a partial list…

Venture Frogs Restaurant - 1000 Van Ness
Nob Hill Lambourne Hotel - for guests only - 725 Pine St.
Prescott Hotel - public space use OK for non-guests - 545 Post Street
Cybelle’s Pizza - signal actually comes from a neighbor - 3782 24th Street
DNA Lounge - 375 Eleventh Street
Jumpin’ Java Coffee House - free with purchase - 139 Noe, at 14th
Caffe Roma - 526 Columbus Ave. @ Union
JavaCat Coffee - 5549 Geary Blvd. (corner of 20th Ave.)
Burma’s House Restaurant - 720 Post Street
Canvas Gallery and Coffee Lounge - 9th and Lincoln
Coffee Break - 4601 Geary Blvd.
Black Pearl Tea Zone - 1330 Ocean Avenue - 415-587-6868
Joey’s laundry/cafe - 517 O’Farrell
Puccini & Pinetti - 129 Ellis
Golden Gate Perk - Bush, near Kearny
Oh!Java Cafe - 562 Central Ave - 415.776.5282
Notes from the Underground Cafe - 2399 Van Ness - 415-775-7638
Bahia Cafe - 1901 Ocean Ave
Cup A Joe - 896 Sutter Street
Cup A Joe - free with purchase - 1901 Hayes and Ashbury
Cup O Java Coffee Shop - 1600 Guerrero Street - 415-282-4423
26mix - 3024 Mission - 415-826-7378
Kona Shores Ice Cream and Surf Co. - 1206 Masonic & Haight Street - 415.861.3172
Mechanics Institute Library - for library members only - 57 Post Street - (415)-393-0101
Cafe XO - 1799 Church Street @ 30th Street, Noe Valley - 415-826-3535
Gallery Cafe - 1200 Mason Street
Cafe Neon - 1801 McAllister St.
Cafe 16 - 3170 16th between Valencia and Guerrero
Papa Toby’s - 3248 22nd St.
H Cafe - 380 17th Street
Nob Hill Motor Inn - 1630 Pacific Avenue - 415-775-8160
Francisco Bay Inn - 1501 Lombard Street - 415-474-3030
Broadway Manor Inn - 2201 Van Ness Avenue - 415-776-7900
SBC Park - during Giant Home Games

Wow. You have everything ready!  :D
~nox

I forgot to mention that WaterField is located in San Francisco, so you have the luxury of checking out their products in person.  The sales staff seem very helpful and it might be worthwhile to see their products before you get a case.  I recommend bringing your TR to the store so you can see how great the fit is.

Tiffany take it from you won’t get such response any where in cyber space :wink:

How is this for a case?

Custom, leather, perfect fit, removable A/C pouch, space for CDs, and shoulder strap.

Erik

Either gr00vy0ne’s got way too much time on his hands, or he did a real good cut & paste job from T-Mobile’s website.  Either way, I sure am glad to have him as the creator of this forum.  You are unreal, man.  :wink:

:wink: I’ve got too much spare time on my hands.  :shock:

But seriously, I spent a lot of time researching this stuff. Surprisingly, there really isn’t a lot of information about this stuff especially to new users. The ads on TV (especially Intel’s) are misleading and they don’t tell you about the hidden costs.

I hate how Intel’s Centrino ads make people thing they can just connect anywhere. Yeah, as long as there’s a WiFi spot available…and you have free access (rare) or a paid account already. Lame!