Category Archives: Desktops

Feb
19
2015

Raspberry Pi 2 model B

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Today was the day I received the latest Raspberry Pi, the version 2, model B.  This version is a significant upgrade from the version 2, model B+ with a 4 core processor and 1GB of memory.  Same footprint as the v1 B+ so all the cases that accommodate the B+ will also accommodate the new version 2.  And the speed is notable over my original v1 B (256mB memory, single core processor).

All storage on the low cost Raspberry Pi is via an SD or micro SD card (the original was an SD card, the B+ version changed to microSD and is retained for the v2 B).  So it is somewhat slow, but very acceptable.

Using a concept called NOOBS (New Out of the Box System), one can choose which of several operating systems to install on the microSD card.  I chose the Raspbian Operating System, a Debian Wheezy variant.

Setup is fairly easy…put the Raspberry Pi in a case for protection, connect keyboard and mouse to the USB ports, connect a display via the HDMI port, and connect power.  Networking via a cable is available too, or one can use a USB plug-in for Wi-Fi.  All-in-all for $35 for the Pi (add for shipping), about $8 to $20 for a case, and a few dollars for the microSD (8BG probably the minimum) and you’re ready to start.

Using the network connection, I installed a LAMP stack, and after struggling with learning Linux commands (again), the web site was up and running as the test files demonstrated.

Microsoft is indicating that a version of Windows 10 will be made available soon for the Pi v2 for developers/makers to develop under the Internet-Of-Things umbrella.  and I wouldn’t be surprised if Microsoft gave away the Pi to attendees at the Build Conference coming up in late April.

I ordered my Pi from Newark Electronics and the other items from Amazon.  The Pi took about 2+ weeks to arrive since I ordered it on the first day of release thanks to trade press announcements.  Although Pi production moved to the UK shortly after the original design, the box of the new Pi 2 said “Made in the PRC”.

CASE: From a variety of cases available on Amazon I selected the FLIRC case.  Basically a case metalic shell with plastic bottom and a nice top.  While not transparent like some of the plastic cases, it is really nice.  A little expensive at about $19 than the $8 plastic cases, but it is very nice looking and helps dissipate any heat build up. (Note: I originally paid $13 for the case and over the two weeks Amazon moved the price to $17 then to $19, back to $17, and back to $19). My rating for the FLIRC case design for Raspberry Pi 2 — 5 out of 5 stars.

HDMI to VGA:  To use a conventional LCD monitor, the video needs to convert the HDMI to VGA, I’m using a dongle from Ableconn (about $18).  Easy to connect to the VGA cable and mate the HDMI end on the Pi. My rating for the Ablecon dongle for Raspberry Pi 2 — 5 out of 5 stars.

Wi-Fi: Although the Pi has a 10/100 ethernet port, I wanted to “cut the cord” so I can play with the Pi anyplace in the house.  The Edimax small footprint wi-fi plug-in appeared in many pictures of the various Pi projects.  So I gave it a try (about $9) and have NOT been disappointed.  With the 4 USB ports on the Pi it doesn’t consume a lot of space (in the original Pi, there were only 2 USB ports, the B+ and now v2 B have 4 ports). My rating for the Edimax wi-fi dongle for Raspberry Pi 2 — 5 out of 5 stars.

Operating System: As mentioned, I’m using Raspbian Linux, a Debian variant. It has the various Linux components one needs to begin immediately, but Linux itself requires some discipline and it is different from Windows such as case sensitivity for file names and folders.  Also, the default web browser doesn’t display sites the same way as other browsers display the same page.    My rating for the Raspian OS for Raspberry Pi 2 — 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

  • Really small foot print!
  • Much improved capability especially memory and speed
  • Easy to install operating system
  • VERY cost effective, about $35
  • The Pi is intended to help stimulate learning about computer technology and it clearly enables this vision
  • A future capability to run a variant of Windows 10…awesome

Cons:

  • Linux, in general, requires somewhat more skills and discipline than people may be used to
  • In spite of the hardware upgrades, performance is still a little slow, especially when editing and loading web pages in the browser…acceptable yes, but a little slow

Overall rating for the Raspberry Pi 2 — 4 out of 5 stars; overall cost effectiveness of the Raspberry Pi 2 — 5 out of 5 stars.

Note: Any names/trademarks used are NOT an endorsement of those items…but are provided for reference only and are owned by their owner.

Additional Note: This Blog post was written on the Raspberry Pi v2 model B.

Feb
15
2015

Lenovo Thinkpad 11e (Part 2 – Chrome Operating System

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Note:  In any assessment of operating systems and application suites. YOUR functional use is the most important factor.  Some people need high performance, some don’t; some people need sophisticated applications, some can easily use simple applications;.  It all depends on one’s needs.  These products are viewed from the perspective of my usage and needs.

I’ve used the Lenovo Thinkpad 11e for several months now and continue to like the platform itself.  However, I don’t fully enjoy (appreciate) the Chrome Operating System for my needs.  I need to emphasize that my opinion of Chrome is as it applies to my specific use and needs, not the totality of the operating system.

First off, one must be connected to the Internet and logged into Google to make good use of the Chrome OS it is a browser-based operation including the multitude of applications available via the Google Store.  So if you’re in an area where no network connection is available, all that hardware you’re tugging around is non-functional since all the applications leverage the Chrome Browser (which by itself is not bad and definitely better than most versions of Internet Explorer I’ve used); and of course any browser requires Internet connectivity.

Unlike the Apple IOS, Chrome does a visible file system and permits storage of files locally or in the Google cloud.   While connectivity to other clouds – such as Microsoft’s OneDrive – is possible, operating on a document in OneDrive requires moving that file locally or to the Google Cloud in order to operate on it.

Applications for the ChromeOS are somewhat limited.  When compared with the applications available for the Android operating system, the number/kinds of applications available for the Chrome OS are limited – although a few “local” utilities are available.

Even with network connectivity to the Internet at home, I have not found it possible to access files stored on local network attached storage.

Additionally, I haven’t been able to print documents on my network connected printers (haven’t tried locally connected printer either).  Supposedly there is a way to connect to your home printers if they are connected to the Internet via a Google Cloud Printing service — but so far it seems too complicated and I have not evaluated the security implications.

Pros:

  • Small foot print
  • Local and Cloud file storage
  • File visibility
  • Suitable functionality for browsing and simple office-style operations (word processing, spread sheets, presentations).
  • Given its limits, it makes “corruption” of the environment much, much harder to accomplish, providing a safer environment from maltreatment. (probably why a greater acceptance in the education community)

Cons:

  • Requires connection to the Internet for almost all functional use.
  • Limited application suite as compared with other operating systems
  • Printing on home-bound printers not easy
  • Difficult to move files to home-based network accessible storage

Overall rating for the Chrome Operating System — 2 out of 5 stars.

 

Oct
24
2013

Hello Windows Surface 2 (RT version) – Updated

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Having retired my RT Surface 1 last week at Best Buy, on Tuesday (22 Oct) it was time to go back to Best Buy and redeem my $200 trade-in card, plus some additional monies, for a new Microsoft Surface 2.

First Impressions:

  • The case is lighter in color – a light grey/silver
  • The power connector connects MUCH easier, and it is easy to tell it is connected with the new ring light
  • My older TYPE keyboard works just fine – no plans on getting the newer version.
  • Once started, it appears to boot faster
  • More importantly, it appears to operate much faster
  • Once setup, and logged in via my Microsoft account, it identified all my software from earlier versions and enabled me to opt to install them – nice.
  • The DESKTOP icon on the Start Screen was not there…it was in the All Apps screen and could be pinned to the Start Screen
  • The Kick Stand, now in two positions vice the older version which had only one; seemed less sturdy than the older model.
  • I elected to continue with a 32GB SSD configuration and used the older model’s 16GB microSD for additional storage memory.  Since I don’t use the Surface for a production machine, 32GB or main storage and 16GB of auxiliary storage is more than sufficient.  About 12GB of storage is available on the main SSD.  (Note: I usually set up the machine with a local admin account and one user account tied to Microsoft login.)  It appears that having a microSD for additional storage is a necessity on tablet computing devices.
  • I like Windows 8.1 RT better than the 8.0 version although I would like to see a Firefox version of the browser.  The desktop IE version is OK.
  • I installed the Google search application…it is a nice way to achieve an alternate browser experience.
  • WiFi seems to be picking up additional neighboring hot spots…means it is probably more sensitive.
  • My usage is not heavily dependent on main storage…pictures are in my camera not in my tablets.  Music is in my iPod.

As with other tablet devices, I consider the Surface 2 to be a consumption device and not much of a production device, although the 10″ form factor makes some productivity possible especially with the included Office Suite.  Windows 8(.1) in general suffers from a lack of applications that are common on the iPAD and Android platforms…especially some tools I like to use and news readers.  Hopefully those developers will offer same in the Windows Store.

Pros:

  • Windows 8.1 platform – and the Office Suite
  • Generally easy to hold – no better than other 10″ devices
  • Significant speed improvement…much, much better
  • Ability to continue to use existing keyboards
  • Apparently the Wi Fi is more sensitive in the Surface 2
  • Full size USB port, and now USB v3 capable

Cons:

  • Productivity potential limited based on real estate
  • Some common iPAD and Android applications/tools not available in the Windows Store.
  • Inability to install my browser of preference – Firefox

Overall rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Recommended configuration:  Base machine with 32GB storage; 16GB and greater micro SD…move some folders to the micro SD to better balance the configuration needs.

ED

 

Jun
28
2013

Windows 8.1 RT – Preview

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I installed the 8.1 RT preview on my Surface RT as soon as it was available.  And you could notice some of the changes.  More importantly, some things were reachable within the three clicks I’ve discussed earlier.  And OUTLOOK RT now allows me to access my mail too.  (Note: be careful on setup of e-mail…if you want POP3, then use manual setup…it is complicated to change from IMAP to POP3, and it is also a challenge (I haven’t figured it out yet) to delete an account even if nothing is in it).

ED

Nov
26
2012

Windows 8 / RT Reports

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I just read David Gewirtz’ article on ZDNET about how six ZDNET users feel about Windows 8.  He asked several questions about their experiences with Windows 8 and I’d like to address similar questions here.  So here we go:

  1. How long have you sued Windows 8? Since September 2011 after attending the Microsoft Build in Anaheim CA
  2. Use “Metro” vs. Desktop? Used both
  3. Using “Metro”/”Modern” User Interface Applications? Both; tried multiple applications in the “Metro” interface including: Register, BBC News.
  4. Miss or replaced the classic START menu? Not really.  It is different, adaptable.  Probably missed it most with a conventional PC, but not with a touch (tablet including RT).
  5. Tweaked Windows 8 / RT? For RT, tweaked for larger touch in Office 2013 and desktop; For Windows 8 just normal Windows 7 tweaks…not much.
  6. Using Touch Hardware? Yes; Samsung tablet from Build and, more recently, the Surface RT.  No problems with either.
  7. Which OS to install on a new machine? and Prefer Win7 or Win8 or Windows RT? Depends on machine usage, device connectivity, etc.  General workhorse desk machines with non-touch screens I think I prefer Windows 7; it is stable, and on the large screens enables several things on the desktop.  For touch tablets, clearly Windows 8 / RT.  Recently I used tablet only (Surface) and no keyboard and the touch and START screen were just perfect.  Windows 8 also works well with desktop keyboard and mouse both on the Desktop screen and START screen.  However adaptability to Windows 8 / RT was easy, even overcoming the bugs in applications from dev, to cus preview, to beta was OK.  Some current RT apps exhibit some quirks (see future blog posts).  However, for people who adapt to windows very slowly (and cautiously) and carefully, the change to Windows 8 is too drastic and they are better off staying/using Windows 7.

So there you have some of my views on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows RT.

ED