Devolo dLAN

I am thinking if purchasing 2 such starter kits (i.e. 4 units)

The website says - Plug in - install the software and away you go....

But, I want to use them with Sun Solaris (and Acorn) kit - so can it be done - is the software really necessary.

I've recently bought a pair. You only need the software to set up encryption and check how fast they are connected. If you don't use the encryption and the data leaks outside your fuse box (unlikely) you could be compromised. I'd say the risk was pretty small unless you expect to be targeted.

My Linux distribution is supported and built the executable without problems.

I should add that the configuration is one-off to update each devices flash memory with the encryption pass phrase. Any Windows laptop would do.

Many Thanks

Will order them today.

It says you cannot use a surge protected socket with these home plugs, but surely if you dont and there is a surge you could lose the lot of your equipment why is this.

Surge sockets have filtering in them which would stop the kit from communicating with other devices.
There is nothing stopping you having the rest of your kit on a filtered socket however it might be possible in the event of a fault that the homeplug fails causing something to be induced on the network lead and taking out the kit attached.

Got them today (4 units)
All running at 10meg or above. - - (even in the shed at the bottom of the garden).

Which speed did you go for 14Mbps or 85Mbps?

14Mbps - about half the price ....
... and plenty fast enough for use with ADSL.