Order Limit On Raspberry Pi Lifted 204
hypnosec writes "Raspberry Pi, the small $35 ARM-based computer system capable of running Linux that took the world of technology by storm just a few months back, has its order limit shackles removed as it has been revealed that manufacturers are now producing 4000 units per day. The Raspberry Pi Foundation, the non-profit organization behind the tiny computer, has said that RS Components and element14/Premier Farnell have started producing enough units to allow them to scrap the order limit on Raspberry Pi. In a blog post, the foundation made the announcement. Initially the limit of one unit per customer was placed in the light of limited stocks. Despite these limits, there was always a shortage and people had to wait for long time to get their hands on one of these credit card sized computers."
Re:Could someone please explain to me (Score:5, Informative)
Small, very cheap (proper computers are at least ten times as expensive), and can be run from a small pack of AA batteries.
If I need something that fits any of those criteria and doesn't require massive general computing power then the Pi is perfect.
Robotics, small distributed experiments, mucking around with programming, seeing what can be done, fitting a computer (almost) into an Altoids tin, low power.... I would say that at $35 this is pretty awesome. Heck, as it has the capability to decode HD video and has a USB port, WiFi, and a SD slot then it works fine as a main video computer, just connected to an old LCD. Great for the kids' room.
Oh yeah, and it's silent. Because of the low power it doesn't require fans.
So, small, cheap, silent, energy efficient..
Consider the issue explained
Not a toy (Score:1, Informative)
It is most certainly not a toy, I have two, one is my media server courtesy of raspbmc, the other will be the file server for my business. not only are they cheap, but their power requirements are tiny, being fanless they are silent useful for at HTPC.
Re:$35 or $25 (Score:5, Informative)
Check the FAQ [raspberrypi.org]:
The Model A will cost $25 and the Model B $35, plus local taxes.
and
Model A has been redesigned to have 256Mb RAM, one USB port and no Ethernet (network connection). Model B has 256Mb RAM, 2 USB port and an Ethernet port.
Re:Still waiting... (Score:4, Informative)
Basically although they're a fantastic company to deal with they really do not have their head around managing their domains and are harming themselves by unintentionally sending a few spam triggers.
Re:Could someone please explain to me (Score:5, Informative)
First, there is inexpensive, and then there is lunch-money inexpensive. Once you get to the price of a couple $20 bills, it becomes an impulse buy, no need to budget it.
Second, size / heat / power draw are big issues (no fan).
Third, unlike many other ARM-based devices, this one boots directly off the SD card. So it makes it much harder to "brick" than, say, re-purposing a home router with a Linux distro. And, most of the other similar type devices don't have video / audio out, so they are only suitable for network use or as an embedded controller.
As for what projects I'm using this for:
1) Simple NAS type device to dump backups to -- I have a network based backup daemon running on it with a restricted protocol, which makes it very resilient to being attacked by malware on other boxes that I'm backing up.
2) My parents have an LCD TV in their kitchen -- I am planning on hooking one of these up so they can use it as a kitchen computer (wireless keyboard, look up recipes, play card games, etc).
3) Also, I can give one to my Dad to hook up as a spare computer, that would allow him to click on anything without getting into trouble (one of his friends is always forwarding stuff, some of which may link back to a drive-by download site).
Re:Could someone please explain to me (Score:5, Informative)
* I'll run "full" Linux (or ?BSD) rather than Android being the only option (and not even the latest Android no doubt)
* Wired network access is possible
* A "proper" keyboard & mouse can be attached (I'm assuming the phone doesn't have a host-capable USB port)
* Other USB connected devices too for that matter
* Easy access to I/O channels for connecting non-USB things (such as motors and other custom electronics)
Of course if you have the phone hanging around you could try repurpose it, it would probably be a fun project if you are that way inclined, but I suspect the extra hassle would eat any saving from not buying a Pi or equivalent. A quick scan on eBay.co.uk suggests that you would be better off selling the old phone and putting the proceeds towards something like a Pi.
You are right that the phone does have some advantages over the Pi though (built in screen, built-in keyboard (IIRC the Dream was a slide keyboard unit?), neat little case, almost certainly smaller than a Pi+case,
Re:Speculation: Will somebody do an "EeePC"? (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Could someone please explain to me (Score:4, Informative)
Before you run too far with this, most kids will need more than $25 to get started. A monitor, keyboard etc. or a separate PC to ssh from. It all adds up.
True, but they Pi team observed that there's loads of keyboards and mice going to landfill. For a display, there's composite to an old TV (sounds awful, but we managed in the 80s/90s) HDMI to a new TV, or get a dedicated monitor. It *is* a shame the Pi has no analogue VGA for all the CRT VGA monitors going begging.
Re:Not a toy (Score:4, Informative)
the other will be the file server for my business
Am I the only person who shuddered when reading that?