Raspberry Pi alternatives: 3 mini PCs for little money
The Raspberry Pi is not only the best known, but also the cheapest mini computer on the market. We present three alternatives that provide strong competition for the popular computing dwarf.
Raspberry Pi alternative for the network: BeagleBone Black
The Raspberry Pi is hardly suitable as a NAS or router, as the Ethernet adapter is connected to the SoC (System-on-Chip) via USB. A cheap alternative is the BeagleBone Black, an ARM-based mini computer whose network chip is directly connected to the SoC.
- High computing power thanks to the more powerful Cortex-A8 processor core.
- Suitable as a router for entry into control technology, but weakens in multimedia use.
- You can currently get the BeagleBone Black for around 60 euros.
Mini PC for the car: OLinuXino Micro
The OLinuXino Micro is a mini computer with a high input voltage range and battery connection, which is why it trumps when on the go. If you also get a touch display, you can turn the mini PC into a slimmed-down tablet.
- Numerous hardware video codecs make the OLinuXino the perfect multimedia device.
- In combination with a touch display, the mini computer becomes a pseudo tablet. Unfortunately, it lacks a WLAN or cell phone chip, which is why you can only connect it to the Internet via a Fast Ethernet connection without expansion.
- The Mini PC OLinuXino Micro is currently available for 70 euros.
Upscale all-round alternative: Cubietruck
The Cubietruck is a mini PC for all areas. This ARM-based mini computer is significantly more expensive than the Raspberry Pi, but it convinces with all the extras such a tiny one can bring:
- HDMI and VGA connections enable connection to all screens; Connect the device for sound output via SPDIF output or headphone jack.
- The Cubietruck has a Gigabit Ethernet connection as well as WLAN and Bluetooth adapters. The device is also suitable as a NAS, router or private cloud for your own home.
- For the Cubietruck you currently pay a little more than 100 euros.
In our photo gallery we show you the coolest Raspberry Pi projects.