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Message started by KiwiGeek on 02/15/15 at 02:44:47

Title: $US35 Windows computer
Post by KiwiGeek on 02/15/15 at 02:44:47

Seeing sabskad's thread about building a PC prompted me to double check some info I saw but was dubious about last week. Yes, it is possible to build a Window 10 computer for around $50 or less, using the Raspberry Pi II.

The Pi itself can be obtained for around $35 (http://www.mcmelectronics.com/content/en-US/raspberry-pi). It will run off the average mobile phone charger, but for reliable performance, especially with wireless networking the charger needs to be capable of at least 1 amp output.

I have one of the first gen Raspberry Pi's. I was planning a project for my car but after some evaluation the Pi was not suitable. Not that I have the S40, I plan to use it as a "dashboard" camera mounted on the S40. Luckily the local library has recently opened a Makerspace setup, including 3D printing.

I am planning on buying a couple of the II's, one for Windows 10, which is free, and one for RISCOS, the original operating system developed to run on the ARM CPU that is in the Raspberry Pi. :)

Title: Re: $US35 Windows computer
Post by Oldfeller on 02/15/15 at 13:40:43

The most developed set of OS and softwares for the original Pi was the standard Raspian set up that came with every pre-purchased loaded SD card.

The Pi .org will do something similar for the Pi 2 that will be equally easy and neat, they are working on it as we speak.

The Pi 2 will supposedly use all of the softwares and mods and adder boards that the original Pi collected over the years, however new stuff built specifically for the Pi 2 will not be backwards compatible as the original Pi was ARM V6 instruction set and that don't play for stuff built for ARM V7 like the Pi 2.

Do tell us how it turns out, I am curious.

Title: Re: $US35 Windows computer
Post by old_rider on 02/15/15 at 15:45:01

How many usb ports does the Pi2 have? Thinking about using one with a wireless mouse and keyboard, a couple of hard drives... how does one get the software to use the Pi as a controller? Download the windows.exe program to the hard drive and then plug everything up?

Title: Re: $US35 Windows computer
Post by Oldfeller on 02/15/15 at 16:48:07

You are thinking Windows, most of the Pi capable softwares are Linux based.

Microsoft "promises" support for the Pi, but like most MS future promises they are a year away from reality.

I count 4 usb ports ---

http://www.raspberrypi.org/raspberry-pi-2-on-sale/

http://liliputing.com/2015/02/raspberry-pi-2-can-run-windows-10-ubuntu-core.html

http://cdn.liliputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/raspberry-pi-2_07.jpg

Title: Re: $US35 Windows computer
Post by old_rider on 02/16/15 at 21:40:33

Eewwww..... now I really have to learn how to "update" Linux.
I am wanting to setup my home security system and be able to "hide" it.
I will put it in a small floor safe that is bolted to the floor, in a closet, behind clothes and boxes (actually hidden somewhere like that, but different setup, don't want to give it away).
If I can use a wireless mouse and keyboard, I believe I can set it up to access using my smart tv as a monitor via Wi-Fi.....
Just have to figure out the links... or address....
I can access my camera's via my tablet, my laptop and even my smart phone, I just have to figure out how to use my smart TV as a monitor and I can bury the dang Pi2/w hardrives in a concrete grave if I want, or in a wall....unreachable by thieves (unless they know where to look and have a crowbar).
Can you imagine a plug set mounted behind a flat plastic plate in your wall? Just plug in your monitor, your modem, your keyboard and mouse and you can download all your security footage for backup.
What thief would think to look behind a blank white plastic plate that looks like a switch that was never installed? And then if they did, they would have to tear out the wall to find the small system hidden in it.

Title: Re: $US35 Windows computer
Post by old_rider on 02/17/15 at 21:31:06

Reading a bit about the Pi2...

http://www.zdnet.com/article/hands-on-with-the-raspberry-pi-2/#ftag=YHFb1d24ec

Title: Re: $US35 Windows computer
Post by savskad on 03/03/15 at 05:28:16

I saw this (Raspberry Pi) a little while after I had ordered the components for my computer, and was very much interested in it. I plan on buying one, but I wanna wait until they are just a hair more...capable? they already seem to be able to do A LOT, but I know it will only take a year or 2 before it will be powerful enough to use as a regular computer.

Raspberry Pi Camera Robot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eSSExIWkgY

Dog treat dispenser:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PAHrBA0jYAo

Raspberry Pi controlled quadcopter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=muzVxcOZFGM

The list goes on...but I've been thoroughly enjoying my new computer. Super fast! (Compared to what I'm used to)

I will someday get into Raspberry Pi as a hobby I'm sure, but I want to get back in to homebrew first. That's a very tasty hobby! :D