4 ms·

The reason I don't use an old, general-purpose PCBs for the types of projects you describe is because they're generally very poor in the terms of performance-to

The reason I don't use an old, general-purpose PCBs for the types of projects you describe is because they're generally very poor in the terms of performance-to-power ratio. SBCs like the raspi are much more power efficient, but I absolutely agree that they're not the only option. Another great option for certain types of projects are used smartphones. You'll need to put thought into the specific models that will support your needs, but many android phones can be readily converted into low-power Linux machines and—with the right adapter—can be used with a wired ethernet adapter without losing charging. If you want to host a simple web service, something that draws only a few watts and has a built-in UPS (its a cellphone, after all, and has a battery) can be pretty compelling. Add to that the fact that you can often pick up a reasonably powerful, used android phone for less than the cost of an SBC if the screen is cracked.

mxuribe 4y ago
> ...Another great option for certain types of projects are used smartphones... This is exactly what i am about to embark on! I have a couple of used (but no longer using) smart phones....and instead of playing with a raspberry pi, wanted to see what i can do with these devices. The 2 first iodeas i have are: 1. a ready-to-go, backup device. Much like a Go Bag, set up a smart phone to be a hot backup destination...so if something drastic happens - like house fire, etc. - i can just pull the phone, and have a backup literal;ly in my hands, etc. (And, no i won't be doing away with my offsite backup...Remember the 3-2-1 backup strategy is still valid!) 2. a mobile ssh/bastion accessing device. Basically setup a little server to use to ssh, jump to oither servers. This use-case is really not necessary for me; more of just playing. But i can imagine if someoine lives in an area where their mobile access is steady and their mains internet access gets not so dependable....this coiuld be a way to still be able to access other servers (via mobiel data connection of course)....and this doesn't need superfast 5G type of connection, since its only ssh-type of jump connection. Obviously, there are tons of other use cases....so you so right about thinking about using devices like smart phones....esepcially sinc it also helps avoid these devices going to the trash! :-)
- jeffalyanak 4y ago
  That last bit is a big thing for me. Using something like a cellphone as a web application server is obviously going to come with unique challenges and it's going to be a compromise in some ways. For me, one of the biggest drivers for re-using technology like that is to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.

mxuribe 4y ago

> ...Another great option for certain types of projects are used smartphones... This is exactly what i am about to embark on! I have a couple of used (but no longer using) smart phones....and instead of playing with a raspberry pi, wanted to see what i can do with these devices. The 2 first iodeas i have are: 1. a ready-to-go, backup device. Much like a Go Bag, set up a smart phone to be a hot backup destination...so if something drastic happens - like house fire, etc. - i can just pull the phone, and have a backup literal;ly in my hands, etc. (And, no i won't be doing away with my offsite backup...Remember the 3-2-1 backup strategy is still valid!) 2. a mobile ssh/bastion accessing device. Basically setup a little server to use to ssh, jump to oither servers. This use-case is really not necessary for me; more of just playing. But i can imagine if someoine lives in an area where their mobile access is steady and their mains internet access gets not so dependable....this coiuld be a way to still be able to access other servers (via mobiel data connection of course)....and this doesn't need superfast 5G type of connection, since its only ssh-type of jump connection. Obviously, there are tons of other use cases....so you so right about thinking about using devices like smart phones....esepcially sinc it also helps avoid these devices going to the trash! :-)

jeffalyanak 4y ago
That last bit is a big thing for me. Using something like a cellphone as a web application server is obviously going to come with unique challenges and it's going to be a compromise in some ways. For me, one of the biggest drivers for re-using technology like that is to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.