Easy NTP Time Updates on the eeePC

Due to my Recent time in Melbourne, my eeePC time got itself a little awry. So I thought it was an opportunity to find an easy way of using NTP to keep the time in sync with the rest of the world.

Found a nice article here that demonstrates a great way of using rdate which is already built into the Xandros install on the Asus eeePC. I used ntp.on.net as my time source.

Nokia 6120 Classic Firmware 4.21 Available

Nokia have finally released the long awaited firmware update to fix echo problems between Nokia 6120 Classics and the popular Nokia CK-7W Car Kits.

Its available to Telstra Product codes for the handset, but doesnt seem available to Hutchinson (Three / 3) customers.

http://www.nokia.com.au/A4520042

Asus eeePC BIOS Update 703

Fell across the fact that Asus have released a BIOS update for the eeePC 701 when I was poking around their update server (http://update.eeepc.asus.com/bios/)

So I followed the instructions at http://wiki.eeeuser.com/howto:updatebios to complete the update. Strangely I dont seem to find any info on what it does yet!

I did notice the BIOS Setup screen title bar is animated but not 100% sure it wasnt there before the update.

Holden VE Commodore Easter Eggs

Found some cool easter eggs today in my car. Firstly a way to reset the service indicator if you needed to and an engineering mode.

Engineering Mode

The most useful is definitely the Engineering mode as I wouldnt recommend bypassing the service reminders (they're for a reason!)

To bring up the engineering mode:

1. Switch off the ignition
2. Hold down the scroll wheel button on the left hand side of the steering wheel.
3. Switch on the ignition

You will now see a menu of various measurements including but not limited to Tacho, Speed, Coolant Temp, Instantaneous Fuel (strangely in Litres per Hour!), Actual fuel left, throttle position etc.

If you want a nice pretty dashboard, try going to Self Test and pushing the scrool wheel button in (ie press Enter). The dash will light up will all the LEDs lit, and the gauges at about half way and the beeper sounding constantly. Push the enter key (scroll wheel button) to exit.

To exit out of engineering mode either stop and start the ignition or press the trip button on the left hand side of the steering wheel.

Reset Service Reminders

I dont recommend this unless it has actually been serviced as the reminders are there for a reason!!

However to reset the service reminder:

1. Switch off the ignition
2. Hold down the trip button on the left hand side of the steering wheel.
3. Switch on the ignition