Hackers and tinkerers rejoice! There's another single-board computer for you to build your next project with. The Onion Omega2 is a full-fledged Linux computer that you can buy for $5 (about £4, AU$7).
But what would you even do with a computer like this? Onion positions the Omega2 as an computer for the internet of things (IoT), meaning you can turn just about anything into an internet connected device.
Want create your own retro games console, network attached storage or security camera? You can do that, and much more, with microcomputers like the Omega2 and Raspberry Pi.
Kickstarting the IoT
The Omega2 works just like the Raspberry Pi, another $5 microcomputer, but differs in a few ways. First off, it's about a quarter of the size of the Raspberry Pi, making it easier to fit in tight spaces. It also has built-in Wi-Fi (the Pi needs an add-on) and a simplified Linux-based operating system.
The Raspberry Pi does have the Omega2 beat in performance though. The Pi Zero features a 1 GHz CPU, and 512 MB of RAM. The Omega2 features a 580 MHz processor, 64MB of RAM and 16MB of storage. You'll have to pick which one's better suited for your project.
The Onion Omega2 is on Kickstarter right now where you can sign up to receive the computers around November 2016. There are options to purchase $15 (about £12, AU$20) docks that give the Omega2 some expansion slots to work with accessories, like for power and storage.
These tiny computers aren't meant for mere mortals, but if you love programming and tinkering, the Omega2 could be a great computer to add to your arsenal of internet connected devices.
Via: TechCrunch
Top image credit: Onion | Kickstarter
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