Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

Discuss hardware related to portable usage, including the kind of storage devices people use, and how they use them.
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webfork
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Re: Gigabyte BRIX

#31 Post by webfork »

Midas wrote:Old topic update: just found about the Gigabyte BRIX, a sandy bridge mini PC with some impressive specs -- integrated Intel graphics adapter, 1x HDMI, 1x Mini Display, 2x USB 3.0 (1 front), and Gigabit LAN... I think it qualifies as portable.
Very cool. I'm a fan of their motherboards, so I'd definitely try that out before many other mini PCs I've seen.

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Re: RayOS Atomic

#32 Post by Midas »

Another entry, this time from Saudi Arabia: the RayOS Atomic. Costing slightly less than 300 bucks and designed for Linux, doesn't impress by its muscle (it's more or less similar in spec to a budget netbook), but has no fans or moving parts (well, there's the HDD...) -- I'm sure it could be turned into a low-spec Windows gadget, if that's your fancy...
  • [*] Intel N270 Core solo 1.6GHz
    533MHz FSB (FSB)
    512 Secondary cache
    2GB DDR2 SO-DIMM
    Intel 945GSE Graphic Adapter w/ 128MB memory
    ALC662 audio chipset
    Broadcom Crystal HD decoder BCM70012
    SATA HDD 320GB
    RTL8111DL Ethernet Lan 10/100/1000M
    6xUSB 2.0
    Built-in Wifi w/ external antenna
    850 g (205 mm x 140 mm x 40 mm)
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Last edited by Midas on Thu Jan 15, 2015 6:26 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Midas
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Re: Open-PC

#33 Post by Midas »

And here's yet another entry, or rather a triple one: the Open-PC, coming in the XS, Micro and 1 varieties, all built around Intel Atom Dual-Core 1,6 GHz processors with cost ranging from 250 to 390 bucks -- and the later ones, with their mini-ITX cases make interesting options for DIY NAS appliances...

http://open-pc.com/

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Re: miniPC

#34 Post by Midas »

Well, I'm mostly responsible for the off-topic departure of this here topic (pendrive SOC, anyone?) but it seems I only cross paths with miniPCs lately. So, here's another: :twisted:
This Rikomagic is based on Rockchip RK3188 ARM Cortex-A9 quad-core processor, with 2GB RAM, 8 to 16GB storage, and optional Android or Linux(?) OS. Prices range from $105/€76 to $159/€116 at official Cloudstro webstore.

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#35 Post by SYSTEM »

My YouTube channel | Release date of my 13th playlist: August 24, 2020

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#36 Post by Midas »

Intel is get getting into stick computers -- dual OS and with a $90-150 price range, but with a HDMI connector, not USB:
Other than that, there's Mini-PC galore -- unfortunately, they appear to be almost exclusively Linux friendly:
EDIT: another pair of prospective entries into the mini-PC category...

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#37 Post by Midas »

HDMI sticks seem to be the flavor of the month, after Intel's move first reported above...
As a spoiler, here's the list of nominees:
  • Tronsmart CX-919 Quad Core RK3188 Android Mini PC
    MK903V TV stick
    Rikomagic V5 TV stick
    MeGoPad T01
    Intel Compute Stick
    Chromebit

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#38 Post by SYSTEM »

C.H.I.P.: a computer that costs only nine dollars.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/15 ... escription
My YouTube channel | Release date of my 13th playlist: August 24, 2020

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#39 Post by Midas »

SYSTEM wrote:C.H.I.P.: a computer that costs only nine dollars.
  • Yep, I have seen that... and its massive Kickstarter success (more than 100% over target). IMHO, it could be the real path to the much vaunted IOT (AKA Internet Of Things).

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#40 Post by SYSTEM »

My YouTube channel | Release date of my 13th playlist: August 24, 2020

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#41 Post by Midas »

From Lenovo and Archos, two further entries for the computer-on-a-HDMI-stick category, which seems to be the trend nowadays:

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#42 Post by webfork »

Microsoft got on board with the PC-on-a-stick thing:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/You-See- ... 4746.shtml

If I was going to claim that there was some sort of post-PC era, this might be good evidence. It also might be an indicator Microsoft cares about portability.

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#43 Post by NickR »

LattePanda Windows10 $69
... a full computer on a board that runs Windows 10.

This mighty processor board that costs from $69 (£45) boasts the power to do anything that a PC can. This means it can create Office documents, run HD videos and behave exactly like a home PC.

The brand name LattePanda comes pre-installed with a full edition of Windows 10, including powerful tools such as Visual Studio, NodeJS and Java. However it is the hardware where LattePanda excels as it features a quad-core 1.8Ghz processor, 2/4G RAM, 32/64 GB eMMC, WIFI, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 3.0, plus onboard Arduino processor
http://www.itproportal.com/2015/12/29/l ... -board-69/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/13 ... everything

seems too good to be true :)

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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#44 Post by Midas »

:shock: Well, this ain't no computer-on-a-stick, not even a mini-pc like the ones posted before, but I'm sure you'll agree it's very interesting. I'm sorry, I haven't found any good review so I'll just have to post the sellers link:
FYI, main specs are an Intel Quad-core Z3735F (1.83GHz) with HD Graphics GPU, Windows 10, 2GB RAM and 32GB eMMC, VGA/HDMI/Eternet interfaces, and Wifi/Bluetooth (at 95 EUR currently). Don't know about overall usability/quality, but with the abundance of screens everywhere, this sounds pretty sweet as a portable computer. :?
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Re: Entire computer on a thumb drive (not just the OS)

#45 Post by tactictoe »

Arcade machine made with Raspberry pi:

http://i1.wp.com/cdn.makezine.com/uploa ... =620%2C467

this is related to the article you can find here: http://makezine.com/2014/10/04/10-diy-a ... t-to-make/

and if you intend to do one yourself try this link: http://www.instructables.com/id/Micro-R ... e-cabinet/
Easy as pie.

And to know more about Arduino just google a bit...
If you want to start with this hardware and connect it with windows check this link for a start:
https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Windows
Hope you will be inspired, and may be gain interest into the hardware and how to drive it. Welcome to home engineering if you do.

I do little electronic, mainly robotic mini-project with Raspberry pi and Arduino system, even connect both Hardware together. Sometime one or more of these mini prototype build with this kind of hardware become part of a bigger project at work. This USB Key with HDMI output mentioned in the original post was what I missed to finalize a not so old project.

@Midas: what about flexible water proof keyboard? Oh it's also a PC, too bad. I tried... :lol:
prestige_international_roll_&_go_flexible_keyboard_p1_620x620.jpg
Have a nice day

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