[LAU] Small instrument hardware module

[Patrick Shirkey]

On Mon, October 20, 2014 10:59 pm, Jeremy Jongepier wrote:
> On 10/20/2014 11:34 AM, Atte wrote:
>> Dunno about jack, but it seems interesting! However I can't seem to find
>> any prices...
>
> These devices are fairly cheap starting from about $50:
> http://www.dx.com/p/ditter-u20-dual-core-android-4-2-google-tv-hd-player-w-1gb-ram-4gb-rom-hdmi-black-300969#.VET43IXSWAs
>

If you want something that is relatively cheap that can run pianoteq,
linuxsampler, etc... then you should look into the Intel NUC range.

They provide a very nice piece of gear for a stand alone solution and
decent responsive support via the OTC forums. I requested a change to the
BIOS and they did it for me as an update.

I have had one for several months as a head for my home entertainment
center and it is working very well. Yesterday I did some edits with
ardour2. All I had to do was "apt-get install ardour".

It's not $50 but it is less than $300 for a complete 64 bit x86 solution
including RAM/HDD/SSD. The case is brushed aluminium and it is very
robust. If you get an SSD it is nearly 100% solid state apart from the CPU
fan which is almost noiseless.

My (cheap) home stereo speaker system generates more noise than the fan
and I have it running 24/7 for net streaming to TV with full 1080p over
hdmi.

Saves all the hassle of learning how to cross compile and the general
issues associated with developing for ARM.

I tried several other options before settling on this one. They were
cheaper but also more frustrating.

Intel are catching up on ARM these days with the 16/14/12nm fab process.

> That's one of the cheapest I could find with an Allwinner A20 chipset.
> Better would be to get something like a Cubieboard.
>

--
Patrick Shirkey
Boost Hardware Ltd