Do you ever replace computers just for something newer and faster?

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by JSH

What are we considering a computer? Laptop, desktop, tablet, phone - all of the above?

I haven't owned a desktop for more than 30 years so those are out.

I tried using just a laptop, but It's a pain having all sorts of dongles and addons in a drawer, or drawers.

I built my desktop to address all my wants and needs. It has a Blu-ray player/burner, floppy drive, HDMI/DP/DVI/VGA on the motherboard for all my monitor testing needs, 2x PS/2 ports, 1x serial port, and my backup drive is installed inside the case with an external on-off button.

I also made the desktop a true desktop computer, not a tower, that lies flat so I can put it under my printer. It's a small form factor (SFF) desktop anyway, so adds about 5 inches under the printer.

The computer is connected to the TV, so that saves even more space. And it's not a smart TV, but with the computer attached it is.

[Piotrsko]

Can you actually use the serial port without a lot of fiddling? Since WIN7 it became a pita to use

[freebeard]

Maybe you need to upgrade the hardware?

https://www.tomshardware.com › how-to › install-windows-11-raspberry-pi
How to Install Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi 4 | Tom's Hardware
What you will need to install Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi 4. Raspberry Pi 4 4GB or 8GB; An 32GB or larger SSD via a USB 3 caddy.Best for performance or 16GB or larger microSD card, (see best ...

https://www.tomshardware.com › how-to › install-windows-10-raspberry-pi
How to Install Windows 10 on a Raspberry Pi 4 | Tom's Hardware
1. Download the latest pre-release version of WoR tool https://www.worproject.ml/downloads and extract the files. 2. Visit the Windows on Raspberry Pi Discord server and go to the Downloads...

Then use the GPIO header:

https://www.abelectronics.co.uk › kb › article › 1035 › serial-port-setup-in-raspberry-pi-os
Using the serial port on Raspberry Pi - AB Electronics UK
4 days agoThe Raspberry Pi contains a UART serial port on the GPIO header on pins 8, TXD (GPIO 14) and 10, RXD (GPIO 15). The UART port can connect directly to a wide range of devices using 3.3V UART pins or a serial interface to convert the UART voltages to an industry standard such as RS232 or RS485.

https://pimylifeup.com › raspberry-pi-serial
How to Handle Raspberry Pi Serial Reading and Writing
Jan 30, 2022Wiring your RS232 to TTL adapter to your Raspberry Pi is a simple process, with it requiring only 4 of the GPIO connecting to be wired to the serial connector, even better all 4 GPIO pins needed are in a row, so it is easy to follow. Make use of our table and guide below to connect your

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

Can you actually use the serial port without a lot of fiddling? Since WIN7 it became a pita to use

Right now I'm using a old serial mouse that I plugged in months ago. Windows Update (Windows 10 then, now 11) automatically detected it and download the drivers, just like with any USB mouse.

So far it's been very easy to use.

[Piotrsko]

No I actually meant as a serial communication device. Mice are standardized special case units actually a necessary part of win os.

[redpoint5]

The famous Costco Black Friday HP deal has come early this year. $350 for a 13th gen i3 processor. As Xist pointed out, the wireless might go out. My Bluetooth died and I bought a $6 USB dongle to replace the failed internal one. Battery died after 4 years and I replaced it for $27. Heck of a lot of laptop for $350. I think I paid more for a stinkin tablet.

https://www.costco.com/hp-14%22-lapt...000209051.html

[freebeard]

I paid more for an Apple Newton.


cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2016/04/apple-newton.jpg

I used it to read Edgar Rice Burroughs novels on the city bus.

[redpoint5]

I paid more for for a Dell Axim PDA WITH WiFi. It was absolutely insane.

[freebeard]

It's getting closer:

www.canakit.com/canakit-raspberry-pi-5-starter-kit-turbine-black.html



Preorder now, ships 'late Nov'. The 8Gbmodel is $180 all up.