Live data from Hacker News

Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop PC

raspberrypi.org

31–40 of 776 posts

Re: Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop PC

#31
post #26

I was lucky to get a pre-release version to test, and I decided to tear it down before I started trying it out. I posted this blog post with detailed pictures of the insides, and some more details and performance benchmarks: https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2020/raspberry-pi-400-tear... There are also a couple videos linked in the post, if you're more visually-inclined. Fun fact: the Pi 400 (and Compute Module 4) bo…

One comment regarding your "performance comparison" graph. Is the "dd" result read or write? I wondered the same thing with your Compute Module 4 post.

It's write speed; sorry about that, I should probably be more specific! All the benchmarks I'm using are from this Wiki page (http://www.pidramble.com/wiki/benchmarks/microsd-cards) — though I need to update that page to include some more USB/SATA/NVMe performance benchmarks since I'm now using a lot more drives with the Pi 4 and CM4 (and skipping microSD entirely for most builds).

Re: Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop PC

#32

I would buy immediately if it also had a display and a battery to make a laptop (and a cooler so I wouldn't have to worry when I start a long compilation routine on it). Looks great otherwise.

That would probably quadruple the price. Look at PiTop. They used to include batteries and a display, but have moved away from that, as these are the most expensive peripherals. You can by a cheap display, or use your existing TV. A USB power supply isn't too expensive either.

Re: Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop PC

#33
Haha, this is exactly what I'd like to see but for the MiSTer FPGA system.

I like retro computing and while the RPi can do that, doing it in hardware is even better.

However, now that it's released, maybe it can be disassembled and reconnected for that one, if it fits...

Re: Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop PC

#35
First impression: yes, this looks beautiful, reminiscent of the microcomputer revolution, and of course I wish I could get one.

What would I change?

It's a pity that the keyboard is connected using a flip-up ribbon, rather than internal USB. Although I can see why the target market (education) just prefers an all-in-one computer, this also means that the RPi 400 can't be used as a keyboard for other computers. Therefore I'll still need to carry a keyboard around.

There will be software options for virtual USB host (e.g. shameless plugs for the EspUSB which uses WiFi, or KeyMouSerial which uses serial) but in practice, those wouldn't be as easy for most hackers. There's also no F12 key, which is needed for system configuration on some distros.

The two Micro-HDMI ports are quite small and close together (especially when using a 3-way micro-mini-full size HDMI adaptor).

Like Apple, there's no headphone jack. Also no built-in SD reader, so I'd still need to carry a USB card reader (unlike my laptop, which can go directly from camera SD cards to HDMI on a projector).

Final nitpick: if this keyboard is intended for young people, their hands are smaller, so full-size keys are actually less comfortable. (believe it or not, I've even seen keyboards intended for children that have extra-large keys). A design with smaller keys that could fit in my large pocket (e.g. TI-84 sized device) would be preferable.

What the RPi Foundation has done is an excellent feat of engineering, and they should and will be rewarded by the market for their innovation. It's a great product. I just still see some room for future improvements.

Re: Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop PC

#36
post #29

I anyone using the Pi to run very old computer games? Because this could be the perfect gaming console for the nostalgic.

One of the YouTube reviews deals specifically with retro gaming on the Pi 400: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nopc7mJUDkM&list=PLcd1Q0-YkB... — also that channel spent a little time rendering some concepts for more retro-looking Pi 400 designs.

Re: Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop PC

#37

This is really cool. Does it support an Asus Zenscreen USB C portable monitor? I recently started traveling with one as a second screen. Weighs less than a kilo. https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-ZenScreen-MB16AC-Portable-Monito... Setting it up on my MacBook Pro required the 'DisplayLink Manager' util to be installed, but otherwise it just works and doesn't need a second power source. I wonder if that would still work wit…

Not sure about that, but there are lots of portable monitors that have HDMI input that should work fine; eg: https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Monitor-Display-Speakers-Inc... (Not a recomendation and I haven't tried this one).

Re: Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop PC

#38
post #5
post #3

This is such a great idea. Plug it into a tv and you have a PC. Plug in an SSD with movies and you have a media center, no extra assembly required!

Yup, FFW 38 years into the future and the Commodore 64 is reborn, only with a ~22 times lower price.

[deleted]
Post reply on HN