#use wml::tmpl::main title="NSLU2 for braille display users" PAGE=hardware SUBPAGE=nslu2

<H1>Linksys NSLU2</H1>
<p>The Linksys NSLU2 is a low-budget ARM (XScale) architecture
computer that runs Linux.  It can be bought for about $90, depending
on what supplier you use.  The device is equipped with two USB
ports and one Ethernet 100Mbit network port, nothing else.</P>

<H2>Using the NSLU2 as a braille display terminal</H2>
<P>Normally, the interactive use of the NSLU2 is limited since it
does not have its own framebuffer, and therefore no virtual consoles.
However, if you are using a braille display, it is fairly
easy to still use it with virtual terminal features.</P>

<H3>Enabling virtual console login</H3>
<P>By default, after installing Debian on a NSLU2, the configuration
file /etc/inittab does not enable running getty on virtual
terminals.  Simply uncomment the lines which instruct init
to spawn getty on tty1 through tty6 and reboot your system.</P>
<H2>Poissible usage scenarios</H2>
<P>Why would you want to use a NSLU2 to driver your braille display?
There are several potential reasons:
<UL><LI>Completely silent client (desktop?)</LI>
    <LI>TCP/IP enable your braille display via BrlAPI</LI>
    <LI>Access different platforms from your NSLU2 without having to run
        a (possibly expensive and power-hungry) full-blown PC.</LI>
    <LI>As a mobile computer replacement.  The NSLU2 needs a power-supply, but
        is very small and light, easy to carry around.</LI>
    <LI>As a minimal vt100 terminal for your braille display.  Simply
        connect a USB->serial adaptor to one of the USB ports, and
        use minicom or something similar.</LI>
</UL>
</P>