New Raspberry Pi

[Markverhyden]

This caught my eye this evening. Google had given the Raspberry Pi Foundation $1 million back in '13 to distribute them to UK schools. This resulted in a conversation between Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Foundation CEO Eben Upton. Net result was not to build a better one that cost a little more but to build a super cheap one. $5 - Pi Zero. sigh.... Another toy to order..... LOL!!!

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2015/11/26/raspberry-pi-rolls-out-5-computer/

Edit: Looks like it's available in store at Microcenter. So I guess I'll be stopping by there this weekend if they still have them in stock.

 

[jmitservices]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a PI ever since they came out but I can't really think of a practical use for me to get one!

 

[ZenTree]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a PI ever since they came out but I can't really think of a practical use for me to get one!

It's one of those things you find various projects that you enjoy doing but don't need. The best two things I have found for mine that I actually use are:

https://volumio.org/ - A very simple to install music player, great options, can import radio streams and the web interface is so elegant you can use from your phone etc with no issues what so ever. Literally 5 minute set up.

I can't remember the name of the second one but it was a version of emulationstation for the raspberry pi. It works amazingly well and I loved seeing my nephew get hooked on all the old classics that I loved as well.

We also use the pi for simple pbx systems for a couple of small clients and they work amazingly well. Freepbx is what we use for them there.

 

[Slaters Kustum Machines]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a PI ever since they came out but I can't really think of a practical use for me to get one!

I first got into them for digital signage with Screenly.

 

[TechLady]

Looks like they're sold out everywhere. If anybody feels like grabbing one for me, I'll gladly pay shipping.

 

[fencepost]

I read an article yesterday(?) comparing the Pi to the other new sub-$10 PC (CHIP?) that came out slightly in favor of the CHIP. Unfortunately, looks like it's not quite available yet.

Pi advantage: HDMI output, MicroSD slot (but you're going to have to fill that slot).
Pi disadvantage: Have to buy a MicroSD card, have to buy networking options, may have to do some soldering for networking.

CHIP advantage: slightly better processor, built-in 4GB flash & OS, built-in networking
CHIP disadvantage: crappy built-in video - must buy VGA or HDMI addon; no MicroSD - use a USB flash drive.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer/description

 

[Sergio3]

I love Raspberry Pi's, there are many diy projects you can make out of them with some creativity.
My main use is definitely http://www.rasplex.com/ (v2, about 30$) it plays anything smoothly I throw at it out of my Plex library without transcoding. This isn't really a DIY though, it works easily out of the box, great for starters.

my last project was an interface I built to move a GOTO Celestron telescope via RS-232 commands with a PS3 controller. The cpu is way overkill for the task but I love that I can leave everything hooked up hardware-wise and code directly onto it by connecting via tightVNC since it runs on linux. It speeds up development so much

 

[Moez]

I know a few people who pulled the trigger on ordering a bunch of these, but now they have major buyers remorse. One thing missing that is not very obvious is networking. There is NO networking built into this latest pi. So you'll be looking at a USB wifi or ethernet adapter, and as you don't have a full-size USB port, it can get a bit complicated. Just an FYI.

PS: Still looks sweet and will likely be picking up some of these for out-of-band access to client sites.

 

[Moltuae]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a PI ever since they came out but I can't really think of a practical use for me to get one!

Same here. I finally added one to my Xmas wish-list this year, even though I haven't really got any plans for it yet. It'll probably sit on a shelf gathering dust until I have a suitable project for it.

In the past I've tended to design and program my own custom-made electronic control units rather that rely on ready-made devices like the Pi (electronics design and embedded programming being my first profession; IT support is my second), but the flexibility, small size and low cost of devices like these make them a very appealing alternative.

In a recent project, I designed and built a lighting controller for one of my customers; something which would usually warrant a custom-built microcontroller-based design, but instead I went with a great little device known as an Electric Imp. The Imp is essentially a cloud-programmable microcontroller with integral WiFi, all built into the tiny form factor of an SD card. It's a fun device to work with and the project was completed in half the time it would've normally taken.

 

[Eagle21]

I read an article yesterday(?) comparing the Pi to the other new sub-$10 PC (CHIP?) that came out slightly in favor of the CHIP. Unfortunately, looks like it's not quite available yet.

Another Kickstarter project is the PINE A64.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pine64/pine-a64-first-15-64-bit-single-board-super-comput
It looks like the PINE A64 specs beat the Raspberry Pi on just about everything.

 

[altrenda]

Another Kickstarter project is the PINE A64.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pine64/pine-a64-first-15-64-bit-single-board-super-comput
It looks like the PINE A64 specs beat the Raspberry Pi on just about everything.

Except that the Pi is real and people actually use them.
Lots of Kickstarter projects look good on paper but fail to deliver .

 

[Markverhyden]

Except that the Pi is real and people actually use them.
Lots of Kickstarter projects look good on paper but fail to deliver .

Very true. But I find it interesting that this is using the same processor that is used in the iOS ecosystem. We can be pretty certain Apple will make it very difficult to use iOS on this as it is. But remember that Android and iOS are both some type *nix variant.

I think this is just a continued development of the whole Internet of Things arena.

 

[pastafarian]

I toyed with the idea of setting up OwnCloud on mine. Can be a little demanding on resources by all accounts but would make a chrap to run private Dropbox.

 

[kwisher]

Here's a good use for a Pi if you wipe a lot of used hard drives.

 

[Eagle21]

The Raspberry Pi 3 has been released.
It has a 64-bit ARM v8 Cortex-A53 CPU - same as the PINE A64.

I imagine the PINE A64 had the Raspberry Pi developers a little worried, and prompted them to quickly update the Pi design to remain competitive.

 

[phaZed]

I imagine the PINE A64 had the Raspberry Pi developers a little worried, and prompted them to quickly update the Pi design to remain competitive.

Agreed. Been looking at the PINE for myself.

 

[ZenTree]

Hadn't come across the PINE before so thanks for the info

. I bought a Pi2 as soon as it came out and noticed some performance benefits but I just don't use it enough to warrant buying the Pi3 until I have a specific use for it. That being said, given the small prices we are talking about, I would buy the Pi3 over the PINE as the foundation has been doing some great work promoting programming to younger generations (and they are also tried and tested over a new kickstarter).

 

[Markverhyden]

The Raspberry Pi 3 has been released.
It has a 64-bit ARM v8 Cortex-A53 CPU - same as the PINE A64.

I imagine the PINE A64 had the Raspberry Pi developers a little worried, and prompted them to quickly update the Pi design to remain competitive.

I just ordered a Pi 3 yesterday. Want to take a look at the W10 IoT that M$ is providing for it.

 

[DataMedics]

I've been more mesmerized by the specs of some of the new Banana Pi models: http://www.banana-pi.org/

Not quite as cheap, but hardware specs that impress.

 

[therealcrazy8]

I am a ham radio operator as one of my other many hobbies. I got a Pi 2 last year and have it operating as an APRS system. Those of you who don't know what that is, think of it as GPS, but using ham radio. Its pretty awesome and it's been running solid since I set it up. Now I need a fist full of Pi's for other projects. Perhaps this Pi Zero will be a great alternative that's a little more financially sound with buying a lot of Pi's.