Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero
-
I'm interested in building a very basic computer probably on the Raspberry Pi Zero platform for my daughter. It would need to be very small, light but be able to be set up to do like Python programming. The Zero is great because I don't need the network connection and the price is awesome, as is the size.
Has anyone seen any projects to make a nice little usable machine from the Zero?
-
One of the projects you may take a look at to get some ideas is the Pi-Top. While the Pi-Top is geared more towards the full P1-3 - it could be a path to what you are looking for using the P0
If you have the time, space and desire,... I am pretty sure you could build the whole thing on the back of a monitor, battery included and include a solar panel to charge it up as well. I'd suggest a Wireless keyboard/mouse.
Pretty sure I can build it (I have a similar project in line myself)... but I not all that great with the Python.
-
I've also seen a few add on boards that will extend your USB ports without a but if ugly hacking. That could also be useful.
http://circuitbeard.co.uk/blog/raspberry-pi-zero-usb-hub-mod-with-case
http://circuitbeard.co.uk/media/1242/img_20151227_172041.jpg?width=402&height=302&resize=crop&crop=1,1,400,300http://www.msldigital.com/products/hub-zero
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0270/0585/products/HubZeroMounted_1024x1024.JPG?v=1454775843http://raspi.tv/2016/zero4u-a-new-4-port-usb-hub-for-raspberry-pi-zero-from-uugear
http://www.uugear.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/006-797x797.jpg -
@scottalanmiller This is only partly related, but adding in Python modules beyond the built-ins can be kind of a pain without using pip to reach out over the network, if they end up having other dependencies when you start dragging folders into /Lib.
-
I don't know that we would need any USB connections beyond the keyboard itself.
-
I recommend you the Pi 3 instead the Zero, with Pi Zero you lost Wifi, Ethernet and Bluetooth.
Wifi Adaptors does not work fine in Raspberry. -
@iroal said in Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero:
I recommend you the Pi 3 instead the Zero, with Pi Zero you lost Wifi, Ethernet and Bluetooth.
Wifi Adaptors does not work fine in Raspberry.Losing those things was actually part of the goal
-
@scottalanmiller said in Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero:
The Zero is great because I don't need the network connection
That's why I specifically mentioned the above. It's for a seven year old learning about computers, not to be a communications device. She already has a laptop, a Kindle and is probably getting an iPhone this summer. This is purely a learning device.
-
Just curious for my own benefit - but why the Zero rather than the 2 or 3? I know you mentioned you are ok with the lost of Wifi Ethernet and USB ports. But other than that, what is the deciding factor.
-
@gjacobse said in Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero:
Just curious for my own benefit - but why the Zero rather than the 2 or 3? I know you mentioned you are ok with the lost of Wifi Ethernet and USB ports. But other than that, what is the deciding factor.
Lowest cost, no benefits to the other units. What else would there be to make the others considerations? I know of nothing about them that would make them even considerations. Why would they be on the short list?
-
@scottalanmiller If you really needed the extra USB ports, then the lower cost than the 2 or 3 goes out the window doesn't it? I like the mini, and it'd be great for headless stuff. If I want/need USB ports tho, just get the right tool.
-
@travisdh1 said in Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero:
@scottalanmiller If you really needed the extra USB ports, then the lower cost than the 2 or 3 goes out the window doesn't it? I like the mini, and it'd be great for headless stuff. If I want/need USB ports tho, just get the right tool.
But I don't want them. I want one.
-
The biggest item I can see is that the Zero is a single Core and 512MB, whereas the Pi3 is a quad core and 1GB.
so your MIPS and such are going to be better for a 'desktop' with the Pi3 than the Zero. However,... if you don't need all that, go with what you want..
-
@scottalanmiller said in Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero:
@travisdh1 said in Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero:
@scottalanmiller If you really needed the extra USB ports, then the lower cost than the 2 or 3 goes out the window doesn't it? I like the mini, and it'd be great for headless stuff. If I want/need USB ports tho, just get the right tool.
But I don't want them. I want one.
Ah, I had seen the pictures of the add on board and was apparently very confused. Me, uncaffeinated.
-
@gjacobse said in Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero:
The biggest item I can see is that the Zero is a single Core and 512MB, whereas the Pi3 is a quad core and 1GB.
so your MIPS and such are going to be better for a 'desktop' with the Pi3 than the Zero. However,... if you don't need all that, go with what you want..
The extra CPU isn't needed. It's not for a GUI, it's for a CLI interface.
-
@scottalanmiller said in Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero:
@gjacobse said in Projects to Build a Tiny Desktop from a Raspberry Pi Zero:
The biggest item I can see is that the Zero is a single Core and 512MB, whereas the Pi3 is a quad core and 1GB.
so your MIPS and such are going to be better for a 'desktop' with the Pi3 than the Zero. However,... if you don't need all that, go with what you want..
The extra CPU isn't needed. It's not for a GUI, it's for a CLI interface.
Ah -Okay.. if all you need is CLI I suppose that makes sense. Sadly some of what I need still needs the GUI so need more power.
