Android for ARM WM8505 SMARTBOOK

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Folks,

I want to upgrade Android OS from 1.5 to a later version. I was able to successfully install Android 1.5 (here's the script I used: http://orca.st.usm.edu/~cberry2/android-ARM-8505-Smartbook.zip) on my 7'' inch smartbook. It initially came with Windows CE, which was useless. Android 1.5, which I installed on that machine, works perfectly except for the Market Place Application. Infact, Android 1.5 turned my machine to something useful!

Because of the limitation of not having the Market Place Application, I would like to upgrade the version to 1.6 or higher. Can someone guide me in the right direction?

Here's the specification of the machine I've:
(http://www.eglobalwireless.com/p-4333-new-7-mini-netbook-laptop-notebook-wifi-windows-black.aspx

Performance
Processor Type: WMT ARM-WM8505 CPU
Processor Clock Speed: 300M MHz
Processor/Manufacturer: WM
Processor Model: VIA-ARM VT8500
RAM/Technology: DRAM
RAM Installed Size: 128 MB
Display Diagonal Size: 7" TFT HD
Max Resolution: 800x480
Display Technology: TFT
Graphics Type: Integrated Graphics


Storage and Expansion
Hard Drive Type: NAND Fast Flash
Hard Drive Capacity: 2GB
Hard Drive Spindle Speed: NAND Fast Flash
PCMCIA Expansion: 1x SDCard slot


Input/Output Connectors
Ports: 3x USB 2.0, 1x SDCard slot, 1?RJ45
Audio/Video: Integrated Quadraphonic Speakers,1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphone/Line-Out,1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Microphone, Input 1x Integrated Microphone

Communications
Networking/Data Link Protocol: Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Wireless Connection: Wifi
Wireless Protocol: 802.11 a/b/g

General
Product Type: Netbook
Model: 901
Operating System: WinCE
Pointing Device: TrackPad
Battery: 1800mAH smart lithium-ion battery
Power Device Type: AC
Dimensions: W*D*H 212mmx142mmx28mm
Net Weight: 0.65kg

Version of Andriod installed on my machine:
Model Number : generic
Firmware version: 1.6
Kernel version : 2.6.29-00236-g4f8dbbb-dirtysimenxie@Szmce01 (MontaVista
Build number : 1.5.2

thanks,
dorman
 
I have your script. How do you invoke this on the netbook? I have the same netbook and find the lack of a good browser for WinCE a killer. I just wanted something that would allow me to browse the web and get email when I travel. This would do it if the browser were useful.
 
Here's the Youtube instruction I followed to install Android 1.5 on my Smarkbook. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4FwFR4DRfU

The location of the script mentioned in the video may be different from the one I mentioned in my post. Both are the same scripts.


I use Opera Mini on mine and it's super fast! Now, one warning, the Android I installed didn't have a Market Place Application. So you'll have to find different sources to get the applications you want.

This is where I get my Android applications: http://www.freewarelovers.com/android/app/opera-mini

regards
Dorman
 
Well, that didn't work. I followed the instructions on the video. The netbook responded just like the video. I removed the smart card for the reboot to happen and all I get is a blank screen. Any ideas how to reverse the process to at least get back to the WinCE or do you have any suggestions on what to do to correct the install. I have the same netbook you have, except mine is white.

Additional info: I tried 2 different SD cards. The computer attempts to install the Android system. Reports every step as successful. Gets to point to remove SD card. I remove the card. It says to reboot. Let it sit for several seconds - screen goes black power light go off and then on and nothing but the power light. If I hold the power button for 4-5 secs., the unit powers down.

Have tried to install about 10 times.

The unit reports the processor to be: WMT, ARM8505. The booklet says processor is ARM926EJ.

Anyway, it is a dead brick for now.
 
Re: Android for ARM WM8505 SMARTBOOK
Well, that didn't work. I followed the instructions on the video. The netbook responded just like the video. I removed the smart card for the reboot to happen and all I get is a blank screen. Any ideas how to reverse the process to at least get back to the WinCE or do you have any suggestions on what to do to correct the install. I have the same netbook you have, except mine is white.

Additional info: I tried 2 different SD cards. The computer attempts to install the Android system. Reports every step as successful. Gets to point to remove SD card. I remove the card. It says to reboot. Let it sit for several seconds - screen goes black power light go off and then on and nothing but the power light. If I hold the power button for 4-5 secs., the unit powers down.

Have tried to install about 10 times.

The unit reports the processor to be: WMT, ARM8505. The booklet says processor is ARM926EJ.

Anyway, it is a dead brick for now.
________________________________________________________________

I had the same problem and finally found out the problem and how to solve it.
1. Make sure your unit is pluged in
2. Follow the instructions as you did before
3. When it tells you to remove SD card DO NOT REMOVE IT!
4. Press and Hold the power button until the unit turns off.
5. Then you remove the SD card but only after the unit is off.
6. Power on the unit and it should work.

There seems to be a problem with the uboot or wload file when the netbook reboots itself. So you have to manually power down the unit and then power up it.

I also used the download from http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I1JVWHP5
I would sugest finding many of these versions. I downloaded about 10 or so until I found a good one and found out what the problem was.
 
I have been tinkering with the IE browser on this netbook and have found several ways to improve its performance.... the simplest is to turn off the Javascript.... when a website doesn't need it, the pages load a bunch faster...

There are some registry changes that will allow it to download more images and scripts at the same time...

And there is the IrisCE web browser as well as the Opera Mobile for the Pocket PC that will install on it...

Tom M
 
Have you found a production version of Android 1.5x? I have only found "demo" versions. So either there is a key which turns it into a regular version or there is another version out there... I have downloaded three different archives which all turned out to be the same "demo" version.

I am interested in finding any production version of Android that will run on the Sylvania Netbook.

Thanks,
Tom M
 
I have a version of 1.6 and 1.9 available. However, I need a little assistance with them...I have an 8505 that is some kind of mutant. Please check out this thread...offer some input.

http://rabroad.com/forums/f7/help-needed-new-to-android-os-basic-questions-43940/#post354718
 
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