USB Stick PC for $25

Maestro01 · 05-13-2011, 09:15 PM

David Braben, a game developer from the UK has developed this
PC that runs off a USB stick. Ubuntu is OS used, I think
Now it seems to me that schook kids could make, use, learn from,
such a device if they had a plan. Anyone know where such a plan could be obtained? Or anyone know how to duplicate this effort.
Assuming no patents or copyrights involved.
Thanks in advance

michaelk · 05-14-2011, 01:29 PM

Oh...
So you are referring to the Raspberry Pi computer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi

I would say might be a bit difficult for school kids to build a similar unit due to the small circuit board size and surface mount components. It is a cool project.

I like projects like Arduino that can be used for building robots. http://www.arduino.cc/

MTK358 · 05-14-2011, 01:30 PM

I think that the OP is talking about this:

http://www.raspberrypi.org/

It's not a USB stick, it's an ARM-based computer the size of a USB stick.

michaelk · 05-14-2011, 02:02 PM

Yes.. I realised that right after I posted and did a quick update. ...

jefro · 05-14-2011, 05:12 PM

I am not sure I'd let kids play with lead. In fact, it would be irresponsible. Lead to people under 60 is just too dangerous.

I did see that a few weeks ago on a different site. I'd think it more of a novelty but at some point a real useful computer will be that bit.

TobiSGD · 05-14-2011, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro

I am not sure I'd let kids play with lead. In fact, it would be irresponsible. Lead to people under 60 is just too dangerous.

This device will be shipped pre-built, as far as I understand that website:

Quote:

We plan to develop, manufacture and distribute an ultra-low-cost computer, for use in teaching computer programming to children.

Quote:

I'd think it more of a novelty but at some point a real useful computer will be that bit.

I think the point here is that it is so low-cost that almost everyone should be able to buy such a thing.

I think I wait for that to become a released product and then buy one or two of them, just for playing around with them. May be these things are ideal for wearable computers. Or a base for a small robot. Or, or, or.

MTK358 · 05-14-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro

I am not sure I'd let kids play with lead. In fact, it would be irresponsible. Lead to people under 60 is just too dangerous.

And what made you think that the kids have to assemble it themselves?

And even so, there's lead-free solder.

Maestro01 · 05-14-2011, 11:22 PM

I think I wait for that to become a released product and then buy one or two of them, just for playing around with them. May be these things are ideal for wearable computers. Or a base for a small robot. Or, or, or.
__________________

This may be the best solution.
Don't think lead is an issue however.
And for those who think that school kids cannot handle the assembly you should get to know the kids at my
local Middle School. They participated in a NASA project building tiny rockets that went up and were recoverable.

jefro · 05-15-2011, 12:11 PM

" schook kids could make, use, learn"

Most people spell that differently.

The word MAKE is the reason I thought he wanted to MAKE it.