I am starting
http://jugmiltonkeynes.org/ and notice that some people install Joomla! on laptops for discussion at JUG meetings. I would like to use one of my spare Synology servers.
Synology servers are fantastic hosting both MySQL and PHP as well as standard file share directories and more. They also permit a WiFi connection via a stick in one of the USB ports. They run from 12 volts at about 25-35 watts or about 2.5 amps @ 12 volts. I do any questionable Joomla testing on them prior to live. You can fix-up a Synology server to have a fixed IP and connect to it without a router - nice for client demo's. Even the smallest Synology device supports 30 connections with ease.
The thing is, after a lifetime of IT I took nearly two years out and went into electrical safety testing so I am 16th Edition qualified and more. 10,000+ electrical tests later I can tell you that you should not be using untested laptops in public meeting places but battery supplied equipment wrongly 'falls under the radar as safe equipment'.
Being 'in the knowledge and after much experience finding safety problems' I can categorically state the laptops should be electrically tested if only to test their adaptors and note if the model number has a recall safety notice - batteries can catch fire!
I'm qualified and competent to visually test any visitor equipment and that will stand up in court if there was a problem. This does not help if you don't have someone like me on hand so the Synology server could be used if one simply kits it out with a fused 12 volt DC stabalised supply.
Seems a good option but: "Has anyone noticed any problems with Synology and Joomla 1.5.x installations?"
Sorry to be a safety killjoy but I have seen some really bad things with IT and electrical equipment and things like this kill and injure people.
Any Synology problems you know of?
TIA
Anton