Raspberry Pi Beowulf Cluster
Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
11–20 of 56 posts
Re: Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
#12Grid based virtual reality in real world.
Have not thought about how to implement it yet, but it's the first weird idea that poped up.
Re: Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
#13Let's look at it constructively - what is new now with the Raspberry Pi that wasn't available by single board microcontrollers? (i.e. Arduino)
Off the top of my head:
* Easy[1] support for USB devices
* Ready to be connected to TV/monitor
* 1080p output (and HDMI includes audio)
* Of course, more applications and libraries are available, but what new use cases does this enable us?
[1] as long as there are compatible Linux drivers
Re: Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
#14A cheap NAS made from a Raspberry Pi model B (the Ethernet one) and an off-the-shelf USB external HDD.
Something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Addonics-NASU2-NAS-Adapter/dp/B001OC5J...
At around $50, might be cheaper to go with this. Unless you are implementing the NAS just because it can be done :-)
Re: Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
#15* Always-on NAS with dynamic DNS so I can turn off my power hog of a computer when I'm not at home.
* Home automation (hooking it up to lights, etc) with an in-browser controller
Re: Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
#16A lot of the uses listed are cool, and seem worthwhile - but I thought the point of Raspberry Pi was to provide affordable computers for educational purposes?
NAS, Gaming, Home automation, and other GuruPlug-type solutions are awesome. These would be great projects offering a lot of fun and inspirational documentaries. Nonetheless, I think a focus on the educational side is appropriate. How about:
* Sites offering RPi-specific hardware instruction and troubleshooting
* StackExchange-like RPi forums for different programming languages and/or use cases.
* Inexpensive hardware bundles with input/output devices and kits for working with the bundles.
The problem isn't going to be finding something to do with a tiny computer, it's making said computer as useful as possible for children and educators. Keep it useful and easy for them, that's a problem for a startup to address.
Re: Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
#17Cheap Thin Client
Re: Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
#18Cheap thin clients / terminals to be left 'scattered' around a uni or large office block, etc.
Sailing boat logging / navigation computers.
House / office automation.
A 'smart data-projector' box that you plug into the back of a regular projector, and can install in a ceiling-mounted projector which you can then drop files on, or pull from a server.
Warehouse / storeroom management.
Audio recording / streaming systems for churches and other conference rooms.
Car music server, which when you're home syncs with the house to download any new music (over wifi?).
...
Re: Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
#19Quite honestly, I'm looking forward to getting a good cheap replacement for my Logitech Revue. The device is the closest thing I've gotten to a good media center device under $100, but it falls short due to a buggy OS and massive stuttering in 1080p. I'm hoping this board + XBMC will be smooth enough to be an improvement. A Debian bundle that includes XBMC, which works out of the box on a RasPi could be the kind of simplicity that pushes XBMC into the mainstream. Yes, I'm aware of Boxee but honestly I (and many others) don't like their application either.
Re: Ask HN: Raspberry Pi Startup Ideas
#20Let's look at it constructively - what is new now with the Raspberry Pi that wasn't available by single board microcontrollers? (i.e. Arduino) Off the top of my head: * Easy[1] support for USB devices * Ready to be connected to TV/monitor * 1080p output (and HDMI includes audio) * Of course, more applications and libraries are available, but what new use cases does this enable us? [1] as long as there are compatible…
Also, keep in mind that an Arduino with networking capabilities (i.e., Arduino + Ethernet shield) is $30 + $45 = $75, three times the cost of the RPi; this is the first hackable device (that I know of) to have networking capabilities for <$40.