But I would like to have a simpler solution without modifying the file system layout.
Has anyone installed node.js on the SD without the overhead of fs mod?
I thought of something like giving the package manager some hints on where to install and keep the node.js-package.
Yes, I think it is possible but it is hard to manage. If you install binaries in different locations then you have to configure other programs in order to make available new packages to others.
I think it is better to follow the way suggested in the blog. Here you can find additional information http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=236696.0
Hm, and how about installing node.js for the first time to the regular fs and then moving the packages to sd and adding some symbolic links to the sd dir?
I installed node using the file Expander tutorial with no problem put I was not able to use npm to install any modules due to running out of memory. I thought about adding some swap but realized I could use sshfs to mount the Arduino root dir to my mac. I could then use npm install from my mac which would add the node_moules from my mounted dir no problem. If you try this be aware that if you had different versions of node you could have conflicts.
mamu,
As I often tell my clients, anything is possible. How much time and money do you have?
I think for $8-15 (one SD) and several (2-4) hours you could have node.js running.
The next day you could be productive.
However, if you have wager on if this will work,
I would say about two (2) weeks to three (3) month. It depends on your skill, ability, time
patience and willingness.