From: George Michaelson <ggm_at_apnic.net>
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2003 16:31:24 +1000

If your speculation was correct, then the 8Mb buffer might pay back in terms of
the impact in file commits to disk, avoiding spinup->write->spindown costs. Yes,
a hardware mod, but possibly for recording, more rewarding than for the read
case (I believe write costs more volts than read, and has more risks in low
power contexts.)

Secondly, if its true the power take is *always* via the battery, its tempting
to posit some hack which has the formfactor of the battery in-place, or wires to
that end, but externalizes the voltage source in to the device, such that it
believes it has a fully charged battery all the time, and doesn't go into charge
mode. Then you can run bloody big batteries, or wallwart 24/7, or the obvious
combinations which take power from the wall, not through the battery.

-George
Received on 2003-10-08