Micro "stick" computers for garage use

[3200fps]

Has anyone else ever tried one? I just bought a Lenovo version for 100 bucks and it's a FANTASTIC shop computer. Comes pre-loaded with Windows 10. I can watch youtube videos in 1080p or higher at 60fps and search things online, really all I need from it! It's tiny and plugs in directly into HDMI (also takes power from a wall socket via mini USB). Pair it up with a wireless keyboard (keyboard and touchpad all-in-one in my case), a modern TV(32" LED and a sound bar for me) and it's everything you'd ever need.

Think about it, these days you can get a fully functioning although slow Windows 10 computer that fits in your pocket for 100 bucks! Pretty crazy, just don't expect miracles from it. You can't play any games on it other than Solitaire. It's slow but for general instructions/looking things up you can't go wrong!

 

[MrBalll]

Not too bad looking, and very cheap too. What's the resolution it can output though?
Would be nice with a combo wireless mouse and keyboard into one USB receiver.

 

[3200fps]

Not too bad looking, and very cheap too. What's the resolution it can output though?
Would be nice with a combo wireless mouse and keyboard into one USB receiver.

I am not sure, outputs at 1080p just fine. I don't see myself hooking up my 1440p monitor from my desktop or buying a 4k monitor for it. The fact that it streams 1080p60fps with zero issues is very impressive to me.

You can either get an all in one keyboard/touchpad solution like me or you can get an USB hub/splitter for a separate mouse and keyboard, would work just fine.

 

[TK-421]

As long as you don't expect too much from it, it's not a bad idea, especially in a shop type environment where you don't expect to play games on it all day. Not having to worry about clogging fans or tipping it over is a definite plus too.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Great idea! I read it has 2 GB of memory and 32 GB of on-board storage. If I ever get around to putting my old 20" flat screen out in the garage I will probably do the exact same thing.

Tommy

 

[Outlander]

Kinda slick! For those with Linux capabilities, you can go the Raspberry Pi route with a well thought out case to prevent dust intrusion. Win 10 runs on the Pi as well, but more limited in use if I recall. The Pi sells in the $30 range, bit more if you opt for the kit.

Single board computers, like the Pi are sometimes used to connect older machine machine tool controllers to networks.

3200fps - nice layout for the shop!

 

[theoldwizard1]

For those with Linux capabilities, you can go the Raspberry Pi route ...

Raspberry Pi 3 - $36

...with a well thought out case to prevent dust intrusion.

Flirc Raspberry Pi Case - $15

Add a USB 2.0A power supply ($10) and as big of a microSDHC card as you want. It also comes with 4 USB 2.0 ports, a real network port as well as WiFi and Bluetoth.

Not a rocket, but amazing what you get for under $100 !



Oh, the "kit" thing. Screw in 4 screws to mount the board in the case !

 

[PoorOwner]

That seems like a great idea. I still have considering putting back my micro atx computer i built but this is probably slightly more powerful. I don't really use computer at the shop anymore since i can look up things on the phone but there are PDF repair manuals that are way better on a PC and monitor.

 

[3200fps]

To put things in perspective I'd say this runs just as fast or faster as my HTC One M8 - which really isn't fast when it comes to a desktop PC but it's not bad either. It also must have a lot more power because it's running Windows 10 as opposed to the stripped down Android that's on the phone. However graphical performance is WAY better on the phone, it has no dedicated GPU and you can't play anything.

 

[PoorOwner]

Op, what makes you choose the Lenovo one?

Does it come with a CD to restore the SSD to factory condition in case things get messed up down the road?

 

[3200fps]

Op, what makes you choose the Lenovo one?

Does it come with a CD to restore the SSD to factory condition in case things get messed up down the road?

The price, it was the cheapest non-China/noname option. The Intel stick was another 40 bucks and the functionality and specs are pretty much the same. I guess there are sticks that are a tiny bit cheaper running Chrome OS but I didn't want that.

If I ever want to restore it I'm plugging in a USB hub and a bootable flash drive with an operating system of my choice. You can't put a CD in it for obvious reasons and I have not had DVD drives in any of my machines for years. Booting from flash drives has never been an issue.

 

[3200fps]

Single board computers, like the Pi are sometimes used to connect older machine machine tool controllers to networks.

The Pi is a really cool computer with a ton of uses but Atom based stick computers are faster and it's a plug-and-play solution for a desktop "replacement". Can't beat the Pi for messing around with though!

 

[Nexussian]

OP, Wow, glad you had a good experience.

I've been considering something for my father, he's not computer literate, at all, but is getting some sort of tablet soon (getting him the fastest thig I can so he won't have issues with lag).

I've been looking for something like this to have as an auxiliary (crude form of distributive computing).

Your thread made me research this class of device, the reviews and suggestions are nearly universally horrible, which makes me ask...

Can you tell us what types of computing you perform in your garage?

Craigslist, auto parts sites, other things?

 

[Koje]

In my experience they are very limited, saying that a great simple option and low cost. A used laptop is also a good low cost option, more functional and handy to move around to where you need it.

Depends what you need in the garage i suppose.

 

[motofool33]

OP, Wow, glad you had a good experience.

I've been considering something for my father, he's not computer literate, at all, but is getting some sort of tablet soon (getting him the fastest thig I can so he won't have issues with lag).

I've been looking for something like this to have as an auxiliary (crude form of distributive computing).

Your thread made me research this class of device, the reviews and suggestions are nearly universally horrible, which makes me ask...

Can you tell us what types of computing you perform in your garage?

Craigslist, auto parts sites, other things?

If you limit your usage to basic operations like Web browsing, basic office program stuff or streaming/playing videos you'll be fine. Soon as you start using programs that are resoursee hogs, like CAD or games with graphics engines and such it just won't handle it. Also if you run a clean system and kill extra apps running you should see a benefit with the lack of ram in these computers.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[timbitca]

I've always used old laptops hooked up to an external keyboard/monitor in the garage. Though I may have to research these since I always use old machines and invariably end up getting pissed off at their (slow) speed performing often simple tasks.

 

[pmiranda]

I've usually got a laptop around, but that's pretty damn slick!

 

[ChaseDE]

Once my garage is organized I will probably just use my laptop, I carry it around all the time anyway. I bought this logitech keyboard/mouse combo on a deal once at amazon, great little piece of kit if you want something like this. Has the keyboard and touchpad all in one, runs off one USB dongle and a few batteries. I used it mainly when I hook my laptop up to the TV to watch movies and such, can control it all from the couch.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DKZTMG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[pmiranda]

I've got a logitech keyboard/trackpad just like that for my HTPC. I like it but I wish it just used bluetooth instead of their proprietary stuff.

 

[BMW Rider]

I re-purpose my old desktops for use in the garage. I just replaced the main home computer a couple weeks ago and formatted and reloaded the operating system to the old one for the shop. I had been making do with an old tablet and a net book computer out in the shop since the really old shop desktop I had out there died a couple years ago. The eight year old home computer will serve well out there for a few more years I'm sure.

 

[k-os]

I'm using one of these hooked up to a 32" LCD tv and my sound system. Have it setup with a Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard.

 

[pmiranda]

What's great about that stick computer is no fans to fail, no hard drive to get full of dust... should be pretty rugged.

 

[ChaseDE]

FWIW at work we use 2 monitors because of all the stuff we need to see when doing design/engineering. So at home I wanted that, but I am cheap. I had 1 monitor from an old deskopt then I found this things on Amazon that acts as a latop dock over USB3.0 and it's great.

Everything is plugged into it, monitor, speakers, keyboard, ext harddrive, etc, then all I do is set down my laptop and plugin 1 usb cable and can use both the laptop and monitor at once when working at home, I build websites on the side, and this setup is great.

mine is another brand but looks identical to this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01315FX2A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[barks]

"the cheapest non-China"? Isn't Levono a Chinese company?

 

[motofool33]

"the cheapest non-China"? Isn't Levono a Chinese company?

Lenovo is what IBM became.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[Trey T]

that's very cool. I hope to one day get used to Windows 10.

 

[jeepnut24]

Another vote for the latest Raspberry Pi. TONS of support and projects out there, cheap and easy enough to use. If you want really cheap, grab the Zero for $5. I have a couple PIs now, and the latest full version is plenty fast for a shop computer. You can get a version of Windows 10 for it too.

 

[jd_1138]

that's very cool. I hope to one day get used to Windows 10.

An alternative to Windows 10 is Chrome OS (based on Linux). It is more efficient than Windows and runs faster. I'd be kinda leery about running Windows 10 with only 2 GB's of RAM which is what the OP's stick computer has.

ASUS makes a Chromebit stick PC running the Chrome OS. Of course if you need Windows, it won't suit you. But with modest hardware like 2 GB's of RAM, the Chrome OS shines, and you can watch Netflix on it, YouTube, surf the web, edit photos, etc.. And since it's Chrome OS (built on Linux), it's inherently safer than Windows 10 as far as potential malware issues.

 

[Jarhead0408]

This thread is pretty interesting. Sounds like a great way to get internet in the shop for less than $100.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Raspberry Pi 3 - $36




Flirc Raspberry Pi Case - $15

Add a USB 2.0A power supply ($10) and as big of a microSDHC card as you want. It also comes with 4 USB 2.0 ports, a real network port as well as WiFi and Bluetoth.

Not a rocket, but amazing what you get for under $100 !



Oh, the "kit" thing. Screw in 4 screws to mount the board in the case !

Raspberry Pi's are awesome.

I've got two Pi 3's thus far and plan on getting more. I have one set up as a Kodi box, and the other setup for Retro-pie.

My biggest gripe with the freaking Flirc case is that it doesn't show the LEDS on the Pi3 since they moved them from the previous version. I actually like seeing activity leds. I really wish they would re-vamp it for specifically for the Pi3 board and then it would be perfect with it's heatsink design.

If you like to tinker and spend hours with something the RP is the way to go. Support for it is amazing.

-Nigel

 

[TTTTTT]

I believe in 2005 Lenovo bought out IBM 's personal computer section and Lenovo is a Chinese company. Very few things not made in China or overseas. Doesn't mean it's not a great unit and setup you have. Sounds like a good garage option.

Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk

 

[monty007]

Awesome thread. I just went through the same process and installed my old 32" tv and I bought the Remix Mini for $79. It runs on Android and does everything I need it to. I even got Kodi installed and can stream any content from the web or my server. It comes with 2 on-board USB, Analog audio out, ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, Wifi and HDMI out. Streams at 1080p and multi-tasks without skipping a beat. It also has a Mini-SD port to expand storage capacity.

http://www.jide.com/mini

 

[3200fps]

OP, Wow, glad you had a good experience.

I've been considering something for my father, he's not computer literate, at all, but is getting some sort of tablet soon (getting him the fastest thig I can so he won't have issues with lag).

I've been looking for something like this to have as an auxiliary (crude form of distributive computing).

Your thread made me research this class of device, the reviews and suggestions are nearly universally horrible, which makes me ask...

Can you tell us what types of computing you perform in your garage?

Craigslist, auto parts sites, other things?

Classifieds, looking up store hours and items, youtube videos (HD1080p 60fps works well), PDF manuals, looking things up on forums, music/radio from different cities, etc.

 

[3200fps]

"the cheapest non-China"? Isn't Levono a Chinese company?

Probably, but you know what I mean. It's not something you get off aliexpress, has a reputable company behind it.

 

[3200fps]

What's great about that stick computer is no fans to fail, no hard drive to get full of dust... should be pretty rugged.

Actually this one has a tiny fan that makes a bit of noise but I don't see it as a problem. By the time I need a replacement I'm sure the tech will be way more advanced.