Scratch

prototype47 wrote:

I got to thinking, and realized that a basic gaming system or computer could be possible using the raspberry pi computer.  It would be around $50 total for everything and you could carry it in your pocket.  (Dimensions would be roughly 4x3x1 inches with a case.)

So, that's a $50 parts cost plus case cost and labor.  My only concern would be if the 700MHz ARM11 CPU and 256MB of RAM would be powerful enough.  The memory is a flash based SD card.  EDIT: I found a very small rechargeable LED-lit wireless keyboard online with a trackpad for a little under $30.

So, what are your thoughts?  Would this work?  Would you spend $70 or $80 for a portable scratching device and $30 for an optional really nice mini keyboard?

[The most basic model could be around $50 with no case]

It would be super portable and would have a sleek case.  Let me know below!

The Raspberry Pi folks already have Scratch running on it! (Although I'm not sure how well yet.) It's an Arm processor, so that's the major tricky bit. But if the ARM Squeak VM works ok, it should be golden. And yeah, this sounds awesome to me. 

Any chance of adding a battery? Simple games + Raspberry Pi + Portable DVD Player = Epic Win!

16Skittles wrote:

Any chance of adding a battery? Simple games + Raspberry Pi + Portable DVD Player = Epic Win!

I could do that!  However, to keep costs down, it would probably be more like 2-3 hours battery life if we went rechargeable.  Unless you would just want a battery pack that used disposable (AA, AAA, D, etc.) batteries.

prototype47 wrote:

veggieman001 wrote:

Scratch would work just fine, but I don't think it would be optimal at all for gaming.

I'll buy one as soon as I see them back in stock and test it out myself.
The 700 mhz processor should handle everything okay; my only major concern is the RAM.

Yep, the RAM is the biggest issue.

prototype47 wrote:

I got to thinking, and realized that a basic gaming system or computer could be possible using the raspberry pi computer.  It would be around $50 total for everything and you could carry it in your pocket.  (Dimensions would be roughly 4x3x1 inches with a case.)

So, that's a $50 parts cost plus case cost and labor.  My only concern would be if the 700MHz ARM11 CPU and 256MB of RAM would be powerful enough.  The memory is a flash based SD card.  EDIT: I found a very small rechargeable LED-lit wireless keyboard online with a trackpad for a little under $30.

So, what are your thoughts?  Would this work?  Would you spend $70 or $80 for a portable scratching device and $30 for an optional really nice mini keyboard?

[The most basic model could be around $50 with no case]

It would be super portable and would have a sleek case.  Let me know below!

It would work pretty well. Only problem is that Scratch (and most games) are a pain in the rear to use with a trackpad.


People seem to think that 256MB RAM isn't anything. We have been spoiled rotten with excessive RAM being used way too much by bloated code. Not too long ago, people were lucky to have 64MB RAM on their computer, and they could do almost anything they wanted to on it!

16Skittles wrote:

Derp. I didn't see "Scratch" in the title, lol.
How much RAM is there? Is it 128 on the A and 256 on the B? 256 is enough for most usage of scratch, but it may crash on occasion with many (MANY) sprites. The only times I really had issues was with my Thunderstorm Sim project with 87 sprites.

You are correct.  This would be on a model B pcb.

fire219 wrote:

It would work pretty well. Only problem is that Scratch (and most games) are a pain in the rear to use with a trackpad.


People seem to think that 256MB RAM isn't anything. We have been spoiled rotten with excessive RAM being used way too much by bloated code. Not too long ago, people were lucky to have 64MB RAM on their computer, and they could do almost anything they wanted to on it!

I feel you on the trackpad issue.  But it would be easier to carry around than a mouse and it would suffice for programming.

Last edited by prototype47 (2012-03-21 16:48:24)

prototype47 wrote:

16Skittles wrote:

Derp. I didn't see "Scratch" in the title, lol.
How much RAM is there? Is it 128 on the A and 256 on the B? 256 is enough for most usage of scratch, but it may crash on occasion with many (MANY) sprites. The only times I really had issues was with my Thunderstorm Sim project with 87 sprites.

You are correct.  This would be on a model B pcb.

fire219 wrote:

It would work pretty well. Only problem is that Scratch (and most games) are a pain in the rear to use with a trackpad.


People seem to think that 256MB RAM isn't anything. We have been spoiled rotten with excessive RAM being used way too much by bloated code. Not too long ago, people were lucky to have 64MB RAM on their computer, and they could do almost anything they wanted to on it!

I feel you on the trackpad issue.  But it would be easier to carry around than a mouse and it would suffice for programming.

The mouse could be one of the foldable arch models. Those are pretty portable when folded up. Or maybe even this cheap yet awesome looking thing.

Thanks for everyone's feedback so far!  But would we want battery power also? If so, let me know either a rechargeable battery (like one on a laptop, just smaller) or a battery pack (would probably use AA cells or something like that).  I'll figure out some plans when I get more feedback.

Last edited by prototype47 (2012-03-21 18:10:51)

jji7skyline wrote:

fire219 wrote:

prototype47 wrote:

16Skittles wrote:

Derp. I didn't see "Scratch" in the title, lol.
How much RAM is there? Is it 128 on the A and 256 on the B? 256 is enough for most usage of scratch, but it may crash on occasion with many (MANY) sprites. The only times I really had issues was with my Thunderstorm Sim project with 87 sprites.

You are correct.  This would be on a model B pcb.



I feel you on the trackpad issue.  But it would be easier to carry around than a mouse and it would suffice for programming.

The mouse could be one of the foldable arch models. Those are pretty portable when folded up. Or maybe even this cheap yet awesome looking thing.

Noooo! Not the Microsoft Arch mouse! They're just copying the Apple Magic Mouse! D:

If you want a good mouse, I'd recommend getting a basic logitech mouse. They do the job and are pretty comfortable.

At least the Microsoft Arch works more than half the time, unlike other arch mice that will remain unnamed.....

Yes, the basic Logitech mice work great (Dad uses one, I use a M505, which is a basic wireless laser model that works like a dream), but we are looking for maximum portability.

jji7skyline wrote:

fire219 wrote:

jji7skyline wrote:

Noooo! Not the Microsoft Arch mouse! They're just copying the Apple Magic Mouse! D:

If you want a good mouse, I'd recommend getting a basic logitech mouse. They do the job and are pretty comfortable.

At least the Microsoft Arch works more than half the time, unlike other arch mice that will remain unnamed.....

Yes, the basic Logitech mice work great (Dad uses one, I use a M505, which is a basic wireless laser model that works like a dream), but we are looking for maximum portability.

I see...

Then you could simply get this although it's certainly not the most comfortable or most aesthetic (aestheticity doesn't seem important to you) it is very small 

Seems quite practical lol.  I was looking at this really nice keyboard/trackpad combo.

Last edited by prototype47 (2012-03-21 18:45:46)

slinger wrote:

Sounds like an awesome project here! Yes, I would spend money on something like this :3

Sweet! I'll be testing the usability of Scratch on a model B as soon as I can get my hands on one.  There may also be a B+ model, with 512 mb RAM, which would solve our memory issue.

Last edited by prototype47 (2012-03-22 18:06:46)

16Skittles wrote:

At 512 it may even be possible to run Minecraft!    It does work relatively well, as long as I don't start huge fires or explosions, or play Multiplayer.

Winning!  But the price for that would be more like $50 most likely, and it's not even officially confirmed yet.  But they have confirmed that they are thinking about it. 

For now, 256 mb should suffice.  I've heard that minecraft is semi-playable at 256 mb with some console commands.  I know of a port that MAY run.  The specs would be enough; I'm just curious about the ARM processor compatibility.
http://c55.me/minetest/

Last edited by prototype47 (2012-03-22 20:00:48)