$25 Linux Box drops tomorrow? RasPi

**SpaceSquad** · February 28th, 2012, 10:48 AM

Raspberry Pi | An ARM GNU/Linux box for $25. Take a byte!

Looks like this is it...latest Raspberry Pi announcement says 0600 GMT (1am EST) Wednesday morning. 10,000 developer units are expected to be available to ship.

I will be trying to crawl over you guys to get my paws on one!

**SpaceSquad** · February 28th, 2012, 12:42 PM

I will reply to myself here - looks like they are ALL going to be Model Bs this batch (more RAM, Ethernet, 2 USB) for 35 a pop.

**stroyal** · February 28th, 2012, 02:03 PM

It might make a good wearable computer.

Go to 7:45
How to not open a Pineapple, and an Interview with Greg Priest-Dorman! Hak5 1101.1 - YouTube!

**SpaceSquad** · February 28th, 2012, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by stroyal

It might make a good wearable computer.

hehe

apparently 4 AA batteries can power the Pi

**ShyguyXPC** · February 28th, 2012, 04:27 PM

Yep, been talking about it here and on FB for months now, have some comments on it in another thread somewhere and in the Folding@Home spam threads.

Waiting for it to go on sale, or at least the Model B, and first batch.

If I can get one, I will.

Have some idea's for it.

Nice thing is, besides the batteries, it can also run of a 5v Micro USB plug, which I plan on buying a small powered Hub and using it to power the thing, as well as use for a hub for the single USB port coming out of it, Keyboard, Mouse, USB HDD/Stick, etc.

Myself, I've been waiting nearly a year and half to 2 years on this thing since I first heard about it.

There are some other comparable smaller size devices like it, with 2 to 3 times the speed and performance of it, but cost nearly 8 times the price of this thing.

**SpaceSquad** · February 28th, 2012, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

There are some other comparable smaller size devices like it, with 2 to 3 times the speed and performance of it, but cost nearly 8 times the price of this thing.

Yessir, like the FXI Cotton Candy for those reading this. Due out soon as well. 199 bucks! Nope!

I too have been following this for a bit, brought to my attention on a thread I made for something or another...cool stuff.

What plans do you have for it ATM, Shyguy ?

Mine include a HTPC running XBMC...hopefully on Arch Linux as I am getting used to it on my desktop...great OS. Also doing a USB hub for a kb/mouse (later something like this) and a wifi adapter.

**ShyguyXPC** · February 28th, 2012, 05:37 PM

Or the Beagle Boards: BeagleBoard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

PandaBoard: PandaBoard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Or even the SheevaPlug devices: SheevaPlug - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

But also the Cotton Candy you listed above.

As for my plans, since it ships with out a case, I was thinking of maybe taking on my first real case modding experience.

Years ago I wanted to convert an old VCR into a Mini ITX DVD capable system, that I never got around to doing other than gutting the VCR itself.

But I was thinking I have 2 Dead/FUBAR routers here, and thinking maybe I could mod the board, a Powered USB Hub and what not into one of them for a case.

I'd have to make generous use of the Dremel, hot glue and what not, my soldering skills are non existent, but would be interesting.

though the Netgear wireless Router, I could not only stuff this in it, but put a USB Hub, and reuse the Wireless Antenna part to install a Wireless USB connector to the thing too.

Or even convert a Toy or something into a full blown PC, LOL.

Though with my track record I'd probably start and never finish.

Another Idea I had, was making a couple PC's with in a PC, mounting them in the main PC, running Linux, and powered from the gaming PC, and using a KVM for it.

Maybe mount them in the 3.5" or 5.25" Bays... or use the old 5.25" Thermaltake Storage Drawer I have in the case, to hold one of these, drill some holes behind it, and route the interface cables out back to the KVM and this way I can have 2 Simultaneous PC's running at same time, on same power source, and actively switch back and forth on them.

Would only use the KVM for the Keyboard and mouse, as I use HDMI from my PC to monitor through a 3 port HDMI switch.

But for uses, I plan on doing the same thing with an HTPC and XBMC in Living room, and another for tinkering with Linux.

I haven't looked into XBMC in a while, but any idea if it can stream Netflix, Hulu, Youtube and the like seemlessly enough?

would rather have something like that to plug into TV than a larger Mini ITX PC.

**SoloCamo** · February 28th, 2012, 06:37 PM

Awesome news! Waiting on the buy button

**ShyguyXPC** · February 28th, 2012, 07:15 PM

1AM tomorrow for you, Midnight for me

Have to remember not to fall asleep tonight for a late night nap... or if I do, make dang sure I get my arse out of bed when the alarm goes off.

**SpaceSquad** · February 28th, 2012, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

I haven't looked into XBMC in a while, but any idea if it can stream Netflix, Hulu, Youtube and the like seemlessly enough?.

This guy seems to get airplay going. Hard to judge from the video...but it looks decent.
Raspberry Pi and AirPlay - YouTube

As for the cases...that is one of the best things about this thing - summoning creativity. Sure, later on they'll ship them with cheap plastic cases...but I want something cool.

My current plan is to make some sort of plastic case. Or like you suggested - re-use something else. But I want it to be mounted to a plate that can easily mount to the standard 4-screw mount on the back of monitors and TVs. I have seen it before, I believe with the beagleboard, and it's a great idea to keep it hidden.

**ShyguyXPC** · February 28th, 2012, 10:34 PM

Its amazing some of the idea's one comes up when sitting on the can. Makes you wonder how many of the worlds innovations and ideas, or even works of art came about via that method as well, LOL.

Anyways, My Nintendo Game Cube still works, but the lid and mechanism for the lid never stays shut or if it does, never opens.

So, was thinking of somehow gutting the Old GC case, and buy another one from Gamestop for $30 to replace it.

But I took my moms USB DVD burner for her netbook, and its just the right dimensions for width and depth of the case...

Thinking maybe some how mod a GC case to hold the Pi, install some USB ports in the front game controller ports, and mod the top of the case, to just simply drop in a USB top opening DVD Burner, or even Bluray Drive.

route the USB cable around back, into the case, and connect it via that.

then route the HDMI port to the video out connection on the back of the unit.

Or something like that anyways.

Just an idea I had.

Bit larger case idea than I had before, but this would house a USB optical drive, more than enough room internally for board, USB cables, Powered USB Hub, more cables, even a USB based Wireless stick.

Hell, could maybe even install a USB TV Tuner adapter if they made any drivers or software to use with one.

**SpaceSquad** · February 28th, 2012, 10:52 PM

I saw another micro-computer modded into the original Gameboy. Could be a cool case...just a monocrome Gameboy sitting next to the TV streaming my netflix

Have you seen some of the stuff floating around on the RasPi forums? Craziness. There are some real industrial design people making some impressive cases.

3 hours to go! I'm going to sleep a little...hopefully I wake up on time. Store is down for "maintenance". Good sign!

edit/ your idea to incorporate a usb hub is solid...get wifi and such going inside the case too. We'll have to see what comes when they arrive!

**ShyguyXPC** · February 28th, 2012, 11:02 PM

yep, doing the same here, take a nap for a couple hours and hopefully be up to snag one.

But yeah, the USB hub Idea is something I came up with when I first heard it could be powered by a 5v Micro USB connector.

Figured I could get a AC powered USB Hub, and use that as the "Power source" of the Pi, as well as its USB Hub for multiple devices, Keyboard, Mouse, Storage, Wifi, etc.

**ShyguyXPC** · February 29th, 2012, 02:07 AM

well after over a half hour of accessing the Pi Webpage and getting a "Forbidden" message, the page is up using a Static Site due to volume of traffic.

The Raspberry Pi Launch

(if the page isn't loading, this is what the main page has listed for info currently)

The Raspberry Pi Launch

We've temporarily changed to a static site, while we're experiencing a very high level of traffic for the launch of the Raspberry Pi. The full site will return once traffic levels have subsided, hopefully later on today.

For up-to-the-minute news on what's happening, follow @Raspberry_Pi on Twitter1.

About Today’s Announcement

Six years after the project's inception, we’re nearly at the end of our first run of development – although it’s just the beginning of the Raspberry Pi story. Now we start developing educational tools and initiatives, at the same time as continuing research and development on Raspberry Pi hardware.

Although we are still waiting for units to arrive from China, you can start buying the Raspberry Pi today. We have entered into licensed manufacture partnerships with two British companies, Premier Farnell and RS Components. They’ll be manufacturing and distributing the devices on behalf of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, and handling the distribution of our first batches as they arrive in the country. The Foundation continues to make a small profit from each Raspberry Pi sold, which we’ll be putting straight back into the charity.

Why are we using a licensed manufacture model?

The involvement of RS Components and Premier Farnell means that we can build volume much, much faster than would have been possible on our own. We are no longer limited to batches of only 10k Raspberry Pis; the Raspberry Pi will now be being built to match demand.

Both Premier Farnell and RS Components have worldwide distribution networks, so wherever you are in the world, you will be able to buy from a local distributor. This will saves you money on shipping; it’s a much better way for you to buy than getting them all shipped from the Foundation in the UK.

We’ve listened to what the community has to say. The most frequent request was for the ability to make preorders (something that was impossible for the Foundation to administer for this first batch), so we have ensured that both RS Components and Premier Farnell will be taking preorders from the start.

Today’s sales are limited to one per customer, so that as many of you as possible are able to get their hands on one. Starting in a month or so, you will be able to place batch orders with both Premier Farnell and RS Components for as many units as you want; you’ll also save some money on postage by doing this.

Model A or Model B?

All of the first units to be produced are the $35 Raspberry Pi Model B. These are the more fully featured versions of the Raspberry Pi. The main difference from the Model A is that they include an Ethernet port, and 2 USB ports.

We’ve been working hard at cost reduction over the last few months, and we’ve been able to make one significant change to the Raspberry Pi lineup. The $25 Model A has been reworked to include 256MB of RAM – double what we were originally planning to offer – and will be going into production immediately.

We are launching with Model Bs as there has been a much larger demand for them from the community. This first launch is aimed at software and hardware enthusiasts, makers, teachers and others who want to build exciting things with the Raspberry Pi before the official educational launch, which will happen later in 2012.

This means that when we launch into the educational market, there will be an experienced community of people using and making things with the Raspberry Pi. Software will be more mature and free of obvious bugs, and easier for children and educators to use.

How to Buy

The Raspberry Pi is available at either Premier Farnell or RS Components. Search for Raspberry Pi, and then follow the normal shopping and checkout process.

So in order to buy them you need to access one of the distributors/manufacturer's mentioned above:

http://farnell.com/

RS Components | Electronic and Electrical Components

**ShyguyXPC** · February 29th, 2012, 02:08 AM

nice to see they upped the RAM on the base model as well. just wish they could of done the same on the B model, bump it to 512MB instead.

**ShyguyXPC** · February 29th, 2012, 02:12 AM

seems with that RS whatever, you can't order it yet, only put in a request that your interested in buying it, I guess to ramp up demand for it or something, to produce it...

Can't get the Farnell site to load though, keeps timing out.

**stroyal** · February 29th, 2012, 02:15 AM

Sounds like places like New Egg should have them eventually

I always wanted to build a home control system, starting with my pellet furnace.

This could run something like that.

**SpaceSquad** · February 29th, 2012, 02:17 AM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

seems with that RS whatever, you can't order it yet, only put in a request that your interested in buying it, I guess to ramp up demand for it or something, to produce it...

Can't get the Farnell site to load though, keeps timing out.

same...laaaaaame

edit/ apparently farnell is sold out!

edit2/ quote from someone at Anandtech:

EDIT: Looks like resellers win the day. People on slickdeals are bragging about getting 10+ to resell. It is lame how a charity tries to do something for schools and enthusiasts only to have people looking to make a couple dollars ruin it. They should have limited sales to only people that preregistered on their mailing list.

**SpaceSquad** · February 29th, 2012, 02:48 AM

I guess I will wait...supposed to be more pretty soon.

**ShyguyXPC** · February 29th, 2012, 02:52 AM

so much for limiting it to one person only with the first batch...

would love to find those resellers, beat the sh*t out of them, and then steal most of their stock, and Give them away for free, teach them a lesson or two...

Farnell's page is still taking forever to load on my end, but its at least accessible now.