The single board computer is a wonder of miniaturization and a testament to technological advancement. Computers like the Raspberry Pi, where everything is located on one single circuit board, have a huge variety of applications.
In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at the single board PC and see whether it’s right for you, whether you’re considering using one for your business or at home.
Are you ready to learn more about the best uses of a single board computer? Then read on!
1. Learning the Basics of Programming
If you want a computer to tinker with, an Intel single board computer is a fantastic place to start. These machines, and others like them, have a low initial cost and can do almost anything bar running intensive programs like modern games or photo editing apps.
It’s easy to install an OS and start looking at specialist applications to run on the PC, and there are countless projects that you can do with a single board PC in the comfort of your own home, such as making a Plex server or a Pi-Hole.
2. Robotics
Single board computers have a lot of applications in the world of robotics. Their small size and low cost make them a very attractive proposition for those who want to add some artificial intelligence to their homemade robots.
For more specialized robots, it’s not efficient to make a board for every single robot. A single board computer can easily be cloned and transferred to another single board PC, which allows for easy scaling.
3. Industrial Applications
Single board computers are a perfect industrial solution. Their small size means that it’s easy to embed them into specialized machinery, without increasing the power draw by too much or taking up much space.
Due to their limited functionality, single board computers tend to have rock-solid reliability, and there’s very little danger of overheating or other issues that can affect multi-board computers.
For those who need a specialist controller to run their machinery, a single board computer is a very cost-effective and utilitarian option.
Outside of running machinery, a single board PC can also be used to run a network of surveillance cameras or operate smart sensors, which can increase site security.
4. They Can Upgrade Your Old Devices
One use of single board computers is to upgrade old devices and add new features to them. For instance, a single board computer can connect to a printer through a USB connection and turn it into a wireless printer. As long as the printer has the right connector, it doesn’t matter how old it is, you can make it wireless.
It’s incredibly easy to give older devices some new functionality with one of these boards.
Is the Single Board PC Right for You?
There’s a single board PC for every budget and almost every application. While we can’t conclusively say whether it’s right for your business, they’re well worth researching, as they could be just what you’re looking for.
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