Living in the Future with Mini Computers
As useful computation becomes more and more feasible in smaller and smaller form factors, numerous trends emerge. Most of the attention is paid to smartphones, tablets, and netbooks. The internet of things is interesting too.
But there is another variant of this trend that is neat. It is the ability to have a full computer in your pocket. Mini computers are really interesting.
My co-founder, Gallagher Pryor, is one of the most forward-thinking people I’ve ever known. He lives in the future. Some time ago he experimented doing all his work on a Cubox, which he wrote about on his blog.
He used SSH and browsers (which we believe are becoming increasingly important) to get out from the Cubox to server and cloud machines. His Cubox was just a convenient way for him to carry around his favorite operating system, configured tools and settings, and plug into any monitor/keyboard/mouse that was available to get his work done.
There are a number of computers similar to the Cubox. He posted a photo on his blog with the MK808, Cotton Candy, and Raspberry Pi together with the Cubox. The Odroid devices have recently been released too.
Chromecast is another similar device, though targeted at a specific application and not made general purpose.
These new mini computers are fun and interesting and I look forward to seeing what comes of them.
What are your thoughts on mini computers?