Linux

54139 readers

593 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

Rules

Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
No misinformation
No NSFW content
No hate speech, bigotry, etc

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 6 years ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

Cheapest new device that can run linux? (lemm.ee)

submitted 4 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

53 comments fedilink hide all child comments

More of a thought exercise/game than anything else. I saw the news that 486 support was getting cut from linux, and I was curious just how cheaply someone could replace a desktop 486 system with something new (provided the device had all the connectivity they needed).

Rules:

Device must be able to run linux.
Device should be cheap as possible. A good starting point is probably sub 40usd.
The device must in someway support a mouse, keyboard, display, and the internet. If adapters are necessary for this connectivity, that cost should be included.
Power supply should be included in the cost of the device. (in the case of most SBCs this is just the cost of a USB cable and wall wart)
The device must be new & still in production. I know used devices like laptops would probably have been king here, but I don't think that would be nearly as interesting.

I suspect that SBCs and other arm devices will be the most common suggestions.

I personally know about the Raspberry Pi Zero which can be had for ~$10, and with all the added accessories necessary to make it a full computer (usb splitters, usb power, usb to rj45, storage) it costs around ~$35. Not bad at all but I'm pretty sure we can do even better!

(page 2) 5 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago

Minisforum Refurb, or an SoC that's cheaper than RPi

[–] [email protected] 25 points 4 days ago (4 children)

Not NEW, but, check out local auctions. Local universities and govt offices are frequently selling lots of newish laptops (5ish yrs old) for $10-$50 apiece.

load more comments (4 replies)

[–] [email protected] 58 points 4 days ago (7 children)

Drop the requirement for new and you can get plenty of good stuff for free.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

I have a bunch of old macs here with different distros onthem, mostly Mint, that I have been trying to give away to locals (without being obligated to provide support, which is the stickler apparently). They all run great. One could dumpster dive or curb cruise, or around here, lurk at Recycling.

load more comments (6 replies)

[–] [email protected] 14 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

I believe I saw some other single board computers with some cheap Rockchip CPU /Allwinner and regular HDMI and two USB and an Ethernet port for around $10 on Aliexpress. You wouldn't need the adapters from the Pi Zero with those. And there are some generic Android TV-Boxes for $8-15...

load more comments (1 replies)

load more comments