[Coco] Alternatives to the Raspberry PI (for CoCo emulator/server)

[Frank Swygert]

While the Raspberry Pi (RPi) has everyone beat on costs, memory is a big 
limitation at only 256MB or 512MB. There are at least three alternatives 
that can run Linux, and aren't bad on price considering the added memory 
and features...

The Rikomagic is closer to the RPi in price at $41.85 plus shipping, but 
it has 1GB DDR3 RAM and WiFi built-in. There is also a $66 dual-core 
version.

http://store.cloudsto.com/component/virtuemart/rikomagic/rikomagic-mk802-ii-detail.html?Itemid=0
http://www.amazon.com/OEM-SYSTEMS-COMPANY-MK802-Android/dp/B008H3B736/ref=?ie=UTF8&m=ALTVS0Q5KJ7M3
http://www.amazon.com/Version-Rikomagic-Android-Rockchip-RK3066/dp/B00A0I7ZWS/ref=?ie=UTF8&m=ALTVS0Q5KJ7M3

The Odroid from Korean company Hardkernel is very intriguing also. It 
costs more, but is more capable $89 for a quad core processor, 2GB RAM, 
and has an ethernet jack (plus 2 USB ports and micro SD card slot). It 
also comes with a finned heatsink/case.

$135 gets a bigger board (still not much bigger than the RPi) with 6 USB 
ports, regular size SD card slot, and lots of added features (same 2GB 
RAM though). For the money I think it's worth it, fewer additional items 
(like a USB hub) needed. It's closest to a full fledged computer.

http://www.hardkernel.com/renewal_2011/products/prdt_info.php?g_code=G135341370451

The Cubieboard looks really good too. IT may not be readily available 
yet though. Sells for $49 for a 512MB version, a price isn't listed for 
the 1GB version.

http://cubieboard.org/

The one thing all of these have in common is that they use ARM 
processors. So it's Android or Linux, no Windows, although MS has 
announced that Windows 8 will be developed for the ARM architecture.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/02/09/building-windows-for-the-arm-processor-architecture.aspx

It seems that it won't be fully compatible with Windows 8, or with x86 
software though. They are just calling it "Windows 8" for the 
recognition, apparently, though to me that implies that it would run 
other Windows 8 software. Someone less tech savvy who just buys would be 
very disappointed... Search "Windows on ARM" for more on that if you wish.