setup of the new version of the VM worked (Machine>Add);
sdcard appears under primary slave;
mounting of the sdcard, as proposed, worked;
download of .apk from PC on sdcard and installation of .apk from the sdcard works:
adb push /home/user/.... /sdcard/<apk>.apk
adb shell
pm install /sdcard/<apk>.apk
Thanks a lot for your advice.

Direct download of .apk's from "alternative markets" (orkitra.com) gives error: no SDcard available. Probably, I need to activate alternative markets? Any advice?

noted that too, still trying to figure out. Ideally, should auto configure a sdcard.

Also if you click Music, it will complain about USB storage, so need to configure another USB too. We are working on these issues.

In addition, we also made the shared folders to work, so one can copy files easily, will release a new update next few days, with mouse integration/shared folders.

We will next change the display driver, so custom resolution can be easily done.

no serious problem for me: .apk download/install on sdcard via PC works.
Will spend some time with Email; try to contact to IMAP and Exchange Servers.

Just let you know, I have compiled the information how to mount SD card and install apps using adb here: www.borncity.com/blog/2011/12/01/experim...albox-vmlite-vmware/ - maybe it will be helpful.

Hi Gunter, that's a very nice tutorial, thanks !

nice tutorial!

access to SDcard:
download .apk to PC first, then adb install ... /sdcard;

installation of .apk on x86 ports (running under VB):
with me, the mentioned problems do occur with all x86 ports (2.2;2.3), not only with ICS from VMlite;

screen switch: I go to menu -> display -> disable automatic rotation. Makes life easier.