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[The Fool]

Well that basically is all a video game system is.

I might consider buying out a bunch (5-20) of these if you really can stack a bunch of them together. I've been meaning to get a new computer for a while, and getting something you can stack and add onto sounds like something I'd go for. Exactly how good are these mini computers?

[Frumple]

Tells you in the faq on the site linked. Can't remember the specifics and the site lags like a horrendous beast for me, so you'll have t'check yerself

[MonkeyHead]

IIRC the project was started to try and "emulate" (heh terrible pun) the impact of machines like the ZX Spectrum and the C64. Alas, today, computers lack the novelty value that got geeks like me into them back in the day - we had no choice but to use these machines, which led to the neccesity of knowing how to programme on them if you wanted them to do anything noteworthy. It took me 3 hours to learn how to write a script that would change the colour of the C64 screen to red with black text. Now any bit of software has a function to do such a thing in seconds. Without the enforcement bit, I cant see this project working, other than for people that have the knowledge already experimenting on them in the manner already described in this thread.

[ChairmanPoo]

I might consider buying out a bunch (5-20) of these if you really can stack a bunch of them together. I've been meaning to get a new computer for a while, and getting something you can stack and add onto sounds like something I'd go for. Exactly how good are these mini computers?

What we were discussing before is that you can theorically build a cluster with them, just like with any other computer. I think you're limited to cluster specific programs, though....

IIRC the project was started to try and "emulate" (heh terrible pun) the impact of machines like the ZX Spectrum and the C64. Alas, today, computers lack the novelty value that got geeks like me into them back in the day - we had no choice but to use these machines, which led to the neccesity of knowing how to programme on them if you wanted them to do anything noteworthy. It took me 3 hours to learn how to write a script that would change the colour of the C64 screen to red with black text. Now any bit of software has a function to do such a thing in seconds. Without the enforcement bit, I cant see this project working, other than for people that have the knowledge already experimenting on them in the manner already described in this thread.

I agree that meddling with a computer is the biggest incentive to learn about it. I think it's still a good thing that there's a cheap computer avaiable for those worse-off (particularily in today's bankrupt world). And even if you already have one, having a cheap throwaway spare in which to experiment might incite people to keep doing it.

[Levi]

I find it a little strange that its powered by a micro usb port and has no battery.  It somehow seems less useful if its going to be always hooked up to a bigger computer for power.

The price tag however is pretty amazing.   

[ChairmanPoo]

I don't think you're supposed to have it plugged to a bigger computer for power.

Ubiquity. Micro USB has been chosen as the GSMA’s Universal Charging Solution, so we expect AC adapters with this connector to be cheap and plentiful.
Voltage assurance. Unlike coaxial jacks, we know that we’ll be receiving 5V over this connector, which we can pass on unregulated to HDMI and USB devices.
Model B owners using networking and high-current USB peripherals will require a supply which can source 700mA (many phone chargers meet this requirement). Model A owners with powered USB devices will be able to get away with a much lower current capacity (300mA feels like a reasonable safety margin).

[Nadaka]

I find it a little strange that its powered by a micro usb port and has no battery.  It somehow seems less useful if its going to be always hooked up to a bigger computer for power.

The price tag however is pretty amazing.   

You can run one off of a micro usb cell phone charger. Or since you guys are talking about clustering them, you can put a bunch of them on a powered USB hub.

[Levi]

You can run one off of a micro usb cell phone charger. Or since you guys are talking about clustering them, you can put a bunch of them on a powered USB hub.

Ah good point.  I suppose you could!

[MorleyDev]

You can buy battery powered phone chargers too that use micro-USB, so even powering it on the move would be an option

[Nadaka]

If I owned my own house, I would probably have one of these in every room hooked up to a 3 inch touch screen instead of light switches for full house automation.

[SolarShado]

If I owned my own house, I would probably have one of these in every room hooked up to a 3 inch touch screen instead of light switches for full house automation.

sounds awesome
only problem might be finding the touchscreens... did a search the other day for such a thing with very little luck... the keyword 'touchscreen' seems to pull up almost exclusively tablets and phones...

[Nadaka]

You can get them for less than 20 bucks from a few Korean websites.

[Tellemurius]

I find it a little strange that its powered by a micro usb port and has no battery.  It somehow seems less useful if its going to be always hooked up to a bigger computer for power.

The price tag however is pretty amazing.   

they said on their faq that you can use 4xAA to power it.

[ChairmanPoo]

If I owned my own house, I would probably have one of these in every room hooked up to a 3 inch touch screen instead of light switches for full house automation.

sounds awesome
only problem might be finding the touchscreens... did a search the other day for such a thing with very little luck... the keyword 'touchscreen' seems to pull up almost exclusively tablets and phones...
....

You can afford to spend >50§ per lightswitch?

[Willfor]

I think I've found the future processor for my DIY Music Synthesizer... It even has an audio out jack built in. :3

Now to learn how to program for Linux...