Linux PC-in-a-stick to cost coders £139 Reg Hardware Mobile Week Norway's FXI Technologies has begun taking orders for its ultra-tiny CStick Cotton Candy Linux computer, pricing the PC-in-a-stick at just £139 for Brits. That's excluding shipping and import taxes, mind, and even then FXI admitted that the wee gadget will be shipping in limited quantities when it …
Micro-size SDHC cards can give you a cheap 16GB, power from the USB port on the TV, and Bluetooth...
Finding a decent Bluetooth keyboard seems to be hard (I know a few tablet users who are still looking) but this could turn a TV into something with the power of a netbook. Is this the heart of an STB, or of a general purpose computer?
It's both, I think. Even if it is a bit of a geek toy at the moment.
Why is that?
Partly in the expectation that I wouldn't get one of these today, I'm currently trying to convert a 2nd hand £50 SFF office PC into a mediabox. It would be nice if I could use a BlueTooth kbd+mouse with it rather than a generic RF remote, so I could also use thekbd+mouse with my phone, my laptop, my washing machine, etc when required.
There are plenty of cheap RF remote kbd+mouse and some of them are OK (I already have an old one).
But where are the sensibly priced BT keyboards?
"turn a TV into something with the power of a netbook"
Maybe so. Or maybe even encourage TV vendors to split the overpriced display piece from the overpriced and underpowered STB piece so both chunks don't have to be upgraded at the same time.
Can someone please enlighten me as to its usefulness. It's really cool for what it is but how would you use it?
The only use for me would be having a comp in a hotel room (provided tv has hdmi + usb - no guarantee). Even then I would need a keyboard and pointing device (connect phone with bluetooth and use as trackpad & keyboard?).
If the Cotton Candy can support Bluetooth HID devices (keyboards, pointers, etc.), that would help, not least as it would free up a USB port or two. Actually, the CC only has one USB port, so a hub (and possibly a powered one) would be just about essential.
Some hotel chains seem better than others at providing TVs with external inputs - Travelodge tellies seem to be older ones in my experience, and I've had more luck with Premier Inn (I could access the HDMI on the TV at the last one). You shouldn't need USB on the TV - I'd guess you could either power the CC from a USB charger or a powered USB hub.
I look forward to seeing this little fella in action, though I remain (and am open) to be convinced that Android is well-suited to it...
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One of these with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, connected via wifi to your network, and HDMI to a TV or monitor, becomes a useful PC, which you can carry in your pocket, smaller and lighter than a phone. And the price is the same or cheaper than many media streamers on the market.
Or the basis for a wearable PC, there are many other options. I expect the people pooh-poohing it are the same ones who rubbished the iPad when it first appeared.
A lot of people said that the iPad was rubbish because it wasn't a PC.
They totally missed the point. It was a success BECAUSE it wasn't a PC.
This unit and the Raspberry Pi are aimed at different markets, but they are both innovative products.
They both have multiple uses, and I will probably try out both.
@ Leo Maxwell
So you add the expense of keyboard, mouse, wireless adapter, HDMI cable and still don't have a screen. You may as well have a tablet or netbook in your hand. Less bloody faffing about. Wearable PC? Great, I'll strap that monitor to my back power off the car battery in the little cart I pull about. There is already tech that does what this does in a much more elegant way and functional way.
"They both have multiple uses, and I will probably try out both." Yes but what are they? I see nothing that I can't do better with other tech. Someone please give me a clue.
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