The ASUS VivoPC-VM40B-01 suggested by Herb (actually, it's the -02 model) is available from Canada Computers (my preferred source) for under $300. I initially rejected it because the CC blurb does not mention any ports. But the Asus website spec http://www.asus.com/ca-en/ASUS_VivoPC/VivoPC_VM40B/specifications/ lists a whole slew of them: Back I/O Ports 2 x USB 3.0 4 x USB 2.0 1 x HDMI 1 x VGA(D-Sub)-Out 1 x RJ45 LAN 1 x Kensington Lock 1 x DC-in 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 3 x Audio Jack(s) (Line in/Mic in/Speaker out) Theoretically, one could run two monitors, using the VGA and HDMI ports, although I'm not sure if the Intel graphics could handle that. On the Raspberry Pi, it's an intriguing possibility, but a review mentions that some applications are not available for the operating system Raspbian. Peter
On 15-02-28 10:09 PM, phiscock@ee.ryerson.ca wrote:
I'm considering the Zotac and Asus mini-pcs for the basis of a home-office system. It won't be used for gaming, just spreadsheets, word processing and internetting. I have an ASUS VivoPC-VM40B-01 (win8.0) now -02 (win8.1) :
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220628
- runs Ubuntu 14.04 easily
I bought it originally to run the last two windows apps I need - personal and corporate tax programs - turns out I can run new versions of these with wine 1.7
I would happily buy another if I needed another desktop box.
[sorry for the html]
-- Peter Hiscocks Syscomp Electronic Design Limited, Toronto http://www.syscompdesign.com USB Oscilloscope and Waveform Generator 647-839-0325