**Official eMachines M68xx Thread**

[miles800]

Anyone know if it is possible to get the Broadcom wireless working in a 64 bit linux distro now that the 64 bit broadcom drivers are available?

 

[syarost]

COSTCO is selling the Gateway 7415 (identical to the eMachines m6805) for $1199.

 

[imported_haris]

Unless the COSTCO has some additional rebates available, it's not worth it. Considering that BestBuy is selling the Gateway 7422GX for about $1400 (probably $1250 with rebates when they are available). The new machine not only has a much faster processor 3400+, but 1GB of memory, an 80GB HD, and a DVD burner. I think the built in wireless also supports the improved speed boosting tech, but don't quote me on that one as I haven't seen the machine yet. This is a much better bang for buck machine then my already outdated 6805.

 

[Haywire]

Originally posted by: miles800
Anyone know if it is possible to get the Broadcom wireless working in a 64 bit linux distro now that the 64 bit broadcom drivers are available?

I have tried, but the biggest problem that I have found is that there is no hardware there to be found. I think you have to find a driver to be able to use the fn keys to enable the wireless device. I have had some success with a cheap add-on PC Card, but I am sure that someone out there in the open source community is already working on that.

 

[ThunderPC]

Drivers for the Broadcom card have been available for a while for our machines in x64. The can be acquired at planetamd64.com

 

[sewpafly]

Found it. Check out this link to get the information on running Linux with the wireless card. http://ndiswrapper.sourceforge...nesNotebooksDiscussion

 

[AVSpec]

What can I get for my M6805 PC which has very low miles?

 

[Frightcrawler]

Happy Birthday thread!
Why has no one noticed this?

You're hurting its feelings.
Two days late.


Sorry thread.

 

[Jassi]

Originally posted by: haris
Unless the COSTCO has some additional rebates available, it's not worth it. Considering that BestBuy is selling the Gateway 7422GX for about $1400 (probably $1250 with rebates when they are available). The new machine not only has a much faster processor 3400+, but 1GB of memory, an 80GB HD, and a DVD burner. I think the built in wireless also supports the improved speed boosting tech, but don't quote me on that one as I haven't seen the machine yet. This is a much better bang for buck machine then my already outdated 6805.

What about the gfx card? Didnt they downgrade that?

 

[imported_haris]

The graphics card in the new 7422GX shows up as a 9600 with the same clock speeds, so it appears to be a typo on the boxes that they are using.

 

[bigal40]

Originally posted by: AVSpec
What can I get for my M6805 PC which has very low miles?

There going for 750-950 bucks on ebay.

 

[bigal40]

Does anyone know if there is an adapter that would let me power my m6805 from a cigarette litter.

 

[gweilo8888]

Originally posted by: bigal40
Does anyone know if there is an adapter that would let me power my m6805 from a cigarette litter.

A standard power inverter designed for use with laptops (get a surge-protected one) will do the job just fine. You may well find that when your car's idling, it doesn't provide enough power though - in mine I only get sufficient power to charge the laptop when driving.

 

[AVSpec]

Originally posted by: bigal40

Originally posted by: AVSpec
What can I get for my M6805 PC which has very low miles?

There going for 750-950 bucks on ebay.

Thanks, I will post it there.... unless someone wants it first here???

 

[bigal40]

Originally posted by: AVSpec

Originally posted by: bigal40

Originally posted by: AVSpec
What can I get for my M6805 PC which has very low miles?

There going for 750-950 bucks on ebay.

Thanks, I will post it there.... unless someone wants it first here???

You could try putting it up in the FS/FT forum.

 

[AVSpec]

Thanks Bigal. Good idea... just posted it...

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: AVSpec
Thanks Bigal. Good idea... just posted it...

What username is it under? I currently have a bid in on an M6805, which ends tomorrow. Looking to pick one of these up, as it's a great unit for the price they are going for.

 

[srodick]

You can get cigarette lighter adapters for notebooks - just make sure you get the right voltage 18.5 volts. An 18 or 19 volt adapter should be OK.

Be sure to get one that accepts multiple tips so that you can add a tip to fit your machine. The Jack on my 6809 is a bastard. None of the standard tips that come with adapters fit. The closest tip I could come up with was a "B" tip at Radio Shack. Even then, I had to squeeze it with a vice grips to get it to make contact.

 

[kenan921]

Emachines Finally offers a sp2 compatible BIOS for the M6805. If you still have their bigfix program installed, it comes up with this"

UPDATE: Required Upgrade of M6805 Computer System BIOS for SP2 Usability

eMachines Customer Care has released an updated version of your computer's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). By updating your BIOS, you will ensure that your computer has the proper startup instructions and manages its hardware correctly when Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 2 (SP 2) is installed. This is a required upgrade to keep your system current and performing optimally with Service Pack 2.

Before beginning the BIOS update:
Print and read through all of these instructions
Close all running programs except BigFix
To perform the BIOS update:
Click the link below
Follow the instructions on each screen.
The system will restart during this update process.


File Size: 2.32 MB
Estimated Download Time: 6 minutes, 26 seconds. on a 56k modem.

Click here to download the upgrade program and begin the BIOS update.

 

[gweilo8888]

Wow, and only FIVE MONTHS after XP SP2 was released (well, five months to the day as of tomorrow).

It is also available through their website, but only if Javascript is enabled in your browser, and only in the M6805 section - not those for the M6807, M6809 or M6811. The M6810 still isn't even listed in their support section (but they've FINALLY added the M6807, so we're improving slowly, now that the laptops aren't even available under the eMachines brand any more).

The hardware is excellent other than the LCD hinges; the website is LOUSY.

Incidentally, for anybody who is interested, the update file contains two ROMs - 0F08.P00E and NSF04P0E

 

[kenan921]

You need to view page in IE, as ActiveX is required. Just click on the plus sign by downloads and the update appears.

Official Emachines m6805 Support / BIOS Page


Tried installing SP2 before the BIOS update when it first came out and it took down my wireless. After the update, I installed SP2, and no problems whatsoever.

Good Luck

 

[Paul S]

Getting the run-around from eMachines tech support regarding the BIOS upgrade that was released on the M6805 and my 6807 machine.

got the Big Fix message a couple weeks ago that a BIOS upgrade was available for "my" M6805. I was almost going to download the update, but decided that I should call tech-support just to make sure that this can be used for the 6807. I have always understood that they were twins. I also wouldn't have thought that this "fixlet" message would have been delivered to me unless it was for my computer.

Tech-support guy gave me the run-around. He said that since the BIOS upgrade is listed for the 6805, that is the only machine that it is for. It has not been tested and approved on the 6807. He said that even though the mother board is the same on the two models, he could not advise that I install the BIOS upgrade. I aske if he could talk to someone else, or if I could call somewhere to ask for someone else, but he said there is no one to call. Right!!!! No one to call! Where are the technicians that came up with the 6805 BIOS upgrade in the first place, or other issues? He was giving me the ignorant, safe corporate line. Frustrating that they wouldn't get me any answers. Somone at eMachines knows the answer. I am sure there are hundereds if not thousands of other 6807 owners out there that need the upgrade. Guess I am the only one stupid enough to call and ask.

Has anyone installed this 6805 BIOS upgrade on a 6807?

I did install SPII months ago, and the machine did not run well at all. Hung up at shut down & other problems. Luckily I got SPII uninstalled and the machine has been running fine ever since. I would like to have SPII installed on my machine in order to "enjoy" the added security features and have my machine up to date, but not at the cost of having the machine trashed and spending hours trying to straighten it out.

Any sugestions? Anyone else using a 6807?

I origionally posted this message on Hard|forum. Any other good forums dedicated to the eMachines M68XX? Found this one a few months ago, just registered today.

 

[gtd2000]

To be quite fair the guy is NOT giving you the run around - he is simply using an ACM as the BIOS update is not "officially" supported by Emachines.

From what you have said here, he has essentially inferred that it should work but is not going to say so expressly.

If something went wrong then they would potentially be at fault - right now you can quite possibly do the upgrade and everything will be ok (that's your call though!).

Try searching for some other information on the net and contact people who have actually done the "upgrade" to see if they have any comments.

Originally posted by: Paul S
Getting the run-around from eMachines tech support regarding the BIOS upgrade that was released on the M6805 and my 6807 machine.

got the Big Fix message a couple weeks ago that a BIOS upgrade was available for "my" M6805. I was almost going to download the update, but decided that I should call tech-support just to make sure that this can be used for the 6807. I have always understood that they were twins. I also wouldn't have thought that this "fixlet" message would have been delivered to me unless it was for my computer.

Tech-support guy gave me the run-around. He said that since the BIOS upgrade is listed for the 6805, that is the only machine that it is for. It has not been tested and approved on the 6807. He said that even though the mother board is the same on the two models, he could not advise that I install the BIOS upgrade. I aske if he could talk to someone else, or if I could call somewhere to ask for someone else, but he said there is no one to call. Right!!!! No one to call! Where are the technicians that came up with the 6805 BIOS upgrade in the first place, or other issues? He was giving me the ignorant, safe corporate line. Frustrating that they wouldn't get me any answers. Somone at eMachines knows the answer. I am sure there are hundereds if not thousands of other 6807 owners out there that need the upgrade. Guess I am the only one stupid enough to call and ask.

Has anyone installed this 6805 BIOS upgrade on a 6807?

I did install SPII months ago, and the machine did not run well at all. Hung up at shut down & other problems. Luckily I got SPII uninstalled and the machine has been running fine ever since. I would like to have SPII installed on my machine in order to "enjoy" the added security features and have my machine up to date, but not at the cost of having the machine trashed and spending hours trying to straighten it out.

Any sugestions? Anyone else using a 6807?

I origionally posted this message on Hard|forum. Any other good forums dedicated to the eMachines M68XX? Found this one a few months ago, just registered today.

 

[ncclaw]

check out the gateway/emachines section at notebookforums.com

there is alot of information there

 

[gweilo8888]

Originally posted by: gtd2000
To be quite fair the guy is NOT giving you the run around - he is simply using an ACM as the BIOS update is not "officially" supported by Emachines.

From what you have said here, he has essentially inferred that it should work but is not going to say so expressly.

If something went wrong then they would potentially be at fault - right now you can quite possibly do the upgrade and everything will be ok (that's your call though!).

Try searching for some other information on the net and contact people who have actually done the "upgrade" to see if they have any comments.

This is an utterly ludicrous viewpoint. Emachines released the BIOS update, and they notified users of laptops other than the 6805 of the update - hence they have absolutely no choice but to support the update officially if your laptop is still under warranty.

BIOS updates are not some mythical creation with supernatural powers. Arima (and if they're even slightly worth their salt, eMachines) know full well that the BIOS update will work across the entire range of computers that share identical hardware except for processors, memory configuration, and storage devices. Indeed, last I checked you could not only use different eMachines BIOSes, you could use a BIOS from a completely different manufacturer who was buying the same OEM laptop from Arima to sell under their own brandname.

What this guy got was a level one support guppy, who quite frankly doesn't know what he's talking about. His job is basically not to support you, so much as to try and persuade you that you don't need support (because support costs money, and he's on minimum wage because he has no real knowledge).