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A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

bbenchoff.github.io

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Re: A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

#112

> I’m changing the title of this page just to screw with mods on the orange website Loving it! What orange website could they be talking about? I wonder what would be achievable, around the $15 mark WITHOUT needing a minimum order of 1000? (Presuming access to a 3d printer and a reasonably cheap PCB fab company)

... access to a 3d printer

Printer filament itself costs about $10USD per pound. And then there is the inevitable one or two misprints.

Not to mention the time needed to print the item.

If you looking for cheap, low volume 3D printing ain't it.

Re: A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

#113

> I’m changing the title of this page just to screw with mods on the orange website Loving it! What orange website could they be talking about? I wonder what would be achievable, around the $15 mark WITHOUT needing a minimum order of 1000? (Presuming access to a 3d printer and a reasonably cheap PCB fab company)

http://www.orangepi.org/ ? Pretty much a possible competitor. I have several OrangePi boards...and they run linux and cost me around $15.

More powerful, but no keyboard and display.

Re: A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

#114
Would be nice to see an equivalent “minimum viable trustable computer” that used only parts from “trusted” supply chains (pick your own definition of “trusted”, but it might for example exclude generic parts marketplaces).

Re: A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

#115
post #63

> I’m changing the title of this page just to screw with mods on the orange website Loving it! What orange website could they be talking about? I wonder what would be achievable, around the $15 mark WITHOUT needing a minimum order of 1000? (Presuming access to a 3d printer and a reasonably cheap PCB fab company)

ah, someone who shares my disdain for "hacker" "news"

Yet here you are

Re: A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

#116
post #69

This reminds me (in a good way) of the GPD Win computers. Obviously smartphones are cool, I have one, I like it, but it annoys me that in some senses they're still not as good as a Windows 98 laptop from 24 years ago. Their version of MS Office isn't as intuitive, there's not the same level of programming language/compiler support, on iOS you're restricted to the App Store, etc. The GPD Win was the first time I saw a…

I've tried to do work on various pocket-sized computers over the years (HP LX100 palmtop, Motorola Q, HTC G1, Samsung Sidekick 4G) and various netbooks and such.

The most productive device I've had is an Acer Chromebook. For me it is the typing speed, and having a nearly full-sized keyboard makes a huge difference. Adding an SSH client (though you can instead install the Linux subsystem) allows me to access my remote servers where I do development.

While thin and light, the Chromebook doesn't fit in a pocket. But it is not as if I'm randomly hanging out in coffee shops these days trying to do work.

Re: A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

#117
post #95

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I wonder what would be achievable, around the $15 mark WITHOUT needing a minimum order of 1000? A Raspberry Pi Zero?

I was thinking about the fact that 40 years ago there was the Sinclair ZX80, a $100 computer that you could hook to your TV and there's not really a whole lot in that space/price point¹ now other than the hobbyist Raspberry Pi/arduino/other hobbyist machines. I'd have to think that it's possible to make a consumer-grade PC that you hook up to your own monitor for around $100, although I guess the cost of a Windows li…

> Surely someone could build a windows PC (or I guess Linux) that's inside a keyboard enclosure for around $100 that could be commercially successful now.

Raspberry Pi actually did that. [0] The RPi 400 is right around that $100 mark, fully assembled, and is basically a keyboard with a bunch of ports for the people who end up with it.

[0] https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-400/

Re: A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

#118
post #113

Earlier quoted context omitted.

http://www.orangepi.org/ ? Pretty much a possible competitor. I have several OrangePi boards...and they run linux and cost me around $15.

More powerful, but no keyboard and display.

Totally agree. But are they really DELIVERING a final product with keyboard, main board and display for $15? THAT is the real question.

Re: A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

#119
post #95

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I wonder what would be achievable, around the $15 mark WITHOUT needing a minimum order of 1000? A Raspberry Pi Zero?

I was thinking about the fact that 40 years ago there was the Sinclair ZX80, a $100 computer that you could hook to your TV and there's not really a whole lot in that space/price point¹ now other than the hobbyist Raspberry Pi/arduino/other hobbyist machines. I'd have to think that it's possible to make a consumer-grade PC that you hook up to your own monitor for around $100, although I guess the cost of a Windows li…

There is a raspberry pi kit to do just that (keyboard + screen + computer all in one).

The only other option is a ZXSpectrum Next (Kickstarter that is having trouble with supply chain right now for the latest batch). It's freaking awesome though. You can directly download new spectrum games from the internet or just use the SD card. Someone wrote a new assembly language book. There is a BBS app...so many cool things going on. The commander x-16 will also be cool if it ever comes out.

Re: A Minimum Viable Computer, or Linux for $15

#120

> I’m changing the title of this page just to screw with mods on the orange website Loving it! What orange website could they be talking about? I wonder what would be achievable, around the $15 mark WITHOUT needing a minimum order of 1000? (Presuming access to a 3d printer and a reasonably cheap PCB fab company)

What is the recent trend of website users not using the actual names of the websites they use?

    >the orange site
    >the bird site
Are these pet names? Is this passive aggressive contempt? Or is this an inside joke that I don’t get?
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