When we think of computers, the most common type that jumps to mind is no doubt the classic desktop PC. What you may not have realized is that there is a device that functions in much the same way as desktop computers at a fraction of the size.
Single board computers have most of the same components as its much larger counterpart, giving them unmatched flexibility. There are a variety of types and uses when it comes to single board computers.
Choosing the Best Single Board Computer
Think about any discussion you’ve ever had about desktop PCs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal opinion as to what the “best” option is. The same goes for single board computers as well. It comes down to personal preferences, but there are a few things that can dictate the “best” choice.
Price is definitely a large part of it and single board computers are definitely cost-effective. Size is another important consideration because they can work for size-challenged applications as well. Age of the board, delivery times, possible expansion, and more are also worth thinking about when buying a single board computer.
The Main Types of Single Board Computers
It may come as a surprise that there are plenty of single board computers out there, chief among them the Okdo Rock 5 from RS. They have a huge range of technological uses which is why there are so many different types to choose from.
Raspberry Pi. Maybe the single most known single board computer manufacturer. You will likely find Raspberry Pi in places like labs, colleges, schools, and even industrial settings. They’re super affordable and new models come out all the time. The biggest benefit of these is that they are very easy to learn whether you have prior experience or not. Instructors and teachers use them in the classroom setting, especially when teaching programming.
Intel Single Board Computer. Intel is known for having some of the best CPUs out there. It has also created an array of high-performance single board computers. They make for viable replacements for desktop computers. Even better, they have quad-core GPUs and can install both Linux and Windows. These are a bit more complex for hobbyists but are ideal for offices and even gaming.
Arduino. Quite similar to Raspberry Pi, these are expandable, small, and affordable single board computers. The biggest difference is that these are open source computers, which keeps them cost-effective. They can be programmed using C and C++, though there are some potential compatibility issues. They’re more for teaching purposes than business or professional applications.
How Single Board Computers Work
The cool thing about single board computers is that they run in a very similar way to desktop computers. They have all the same ports for audio, video, mice, keyboards, and a litany of other accessories. They also have a processor, RAM, sound and graphics cards, and all of the other essential components that desktop computers have. That equates to simple usability so that even those who aren’t familiar with single board computers can jump right in.
Connect a monitor or LED display to the device quickly and easily. Operating systems like Windows and Linux can be installed on the device, so it is essentially like using a traditional desktop computer. Given how cheap they are, these are great for classroom settings, particularly when teaching coding or learning about robotics.
There is a lot more ground to cover when it comes to single board computers. These versatile, cost-effective, powerful devices can serve any number of uses, giving them greater versatility than traditional desktops.
