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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Cheapest new device that can run linux? (lemm.ee)

submitted 1 day ago by procapra@lemm.ee to c/linux@lemmy.ml

43 comments fedilink hide all child comments

More of a thought exercise/game than anything else. I saw the news that 486 support was getting cut from linux, and I was curious just how cheaply someone could replace a desktop 486 system with something new (provided the device had all the connectivity they needed).

Rules:

Device must be able to run linux.
Device should be cheap as possible. A good starting point is probably sub 40usd.
The device must in someway support a mouse, keyboard, display, and the internet. If adapters are necessary for this connectivity, that cost should be included.
Power supply should be included in the cost of the device. (in the case of most SBCs this is just the cost of a USB cable and wall wart)
The device must be new & still in production. I know used devices like laptops would probably have been king here, but I don't think that would be nearly as interesting.

I suspect that SBCs and other arm devices will be the most common suggestions.

I personally know about the Raspberry Pi Zero which can be had for ~$10, and with all the added accessories necessary to make it a full computer (usb splitters, usb power, usb to rj45, storage) it costs around ~$35. Not bad at all but I'm pretty sure we can do even better!

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[–] grapemix@lemmy.ml 14 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (3 children)

Not trying to blame anyone, I just wish more ppl prefer old good stuff over new cheap stuff. Sigh.

Recycling those ewaste is a lot more expensive than manufacturing them. Of course that's edge cases, but I think reusing old devices works better(and more environmentally friendly) for most ppl.

Nothing wrong with brain storming, just please consider reusing old devices when you start a cool project.

[–] the16bitgamer@programming.dev 2 points 12 hours ago

A $50 used ipad is always a better deal than a $80 fire tablet

[–] StrangeAstronomer@lemmy.ml 7 points 1 day ago (1 children)

True - but don't forget cost of power ($ cost and environment cost). These old brutes consume a lot esp. compared to the SBCs.

[–] grapemix@lemmy.ml 1 points 4 hours ago

In server and gpu world, true. Laptop, desktop world. Not really. Most ppl don't need that much computational power anyway.

Also, ppl usually not include the shipping, collecting ewaste and recycling ewaste in the carbon footprint cost. Our ewaste recycling is extremely inefficient compared to our manufacturing side.

For power, solar becomes so cheap now.

[–] procapra@lemm.ee 4 points 1 day ago

I'm very for used hardware, some of my stuff is dumpster finds. I just liked the thought experiment of replacing a hypothetical 486 pc with a brand new computer.