[GTALUG] Raspberry Pi 4 Desktop Kit

[Aruna Hewapathirane]

<snip>

> > So it has USB boot with the Pi 4 I just have to change the
> > FIRMWARE_RELEASE_STATUS value from "critical" to "stable."
>
> I would err on the side of sticking with just a high quality SD card.
> There far less chance of the accidental removal while the machine is in
> operation.
>

Very true :-)

>
> When you also factor in Keyboard, Mouse, and USB boot drive, your left
> with only one spare USB port, which could likely be taken up by a
> webcam. Sticking to the SD keeps one more port free for incidental use.
>
> What if I plug in a USB extender say with 4 ports ? Will that work or use
too much power  ?


> > Alright I will shop around for a fan and aluminium case.
>
>
> It's a bit on the pricey side, but this Argon ONE is nice desktop style
> case. The power button also helps to make sure it's not being hard
> powered off, possible leading to corruption of the boot filesystems.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VlE654abDo
> https://www.buyapi.ca/product/argon-one-pi-4-raspberry-pi-case/


That is a nice case. They have so many I have to see what else is
available then decide. But that is a neat case.


>
> >     That being said, I will give one further thing to consider.
> >
> >     A Raspberry Pi 4 - 8GB is going to run you around $100 Canadian, +
> >     $30-50 for a good case, $15 for PSU, $30-80 for SD card or other
> >     storage. That's $200 or more. Well with in the lower ends of the
> >     used or
> >     refurbished desktop and laptops.
>

Cost is always a concern.

>
> >     - https://www.freegeektoronto.org/shop/
> >     - https://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?cPath=7_158_1934&sort=3a
> >     - https://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?cPath=710_374&sort=3a
> >
> >     Can you tell us more about how you expect to use the computer?
> >     That would let us help narrow down your options more.
> >
> >
> > This is not for me. My uncle lives in Edmonton. He is in his late 70's
> > and getting on.
> > I visited him recently and he has an ancient desktop and my aunty has a
> > laptop. Both
> > run Windows 10. The modem+router is in their basement. The house has 3
> > levels. So
> > the wifi signal has to get through two floors for my uncle and one floor
> > for my aunty. Most
> > times things are extremely slow. I could run an ethernet cable from the
> > basement and wire
> > a direct connection but did not have the time to do that this time.
> >
> > I have a couple of desktops lying around but Canada Post or Fedex or UPS
> > will be
> > very expensive if I was to ship them to Edmonton from Toronto and both
> > my uncle and aunt
> > are not technically savvy or inclined so even if I get it across someone
> > has to hook up and test
> > things before handing over to them.
> >
> > This is when I started exploring possible alternatives. A Pi has a very
> > small form factor. Easily
> > packaged and can be sent through Canada Post. Or if I manage to save
> > enough to fly to Edmonton
> > carrying a Pi or two will not be a issue as compared to checking in two
> > desktops :-)
>
>
> Yup, remote support and shipping requirements really do lean into the
> Raspberry Pi's favor here.
>

Yes that is the prime reason I started investigating the Pi :-)

>
>
> > And since everything will be set to go all they have to do is plug in
> > the keyboard+mouse+monitor
> > or TV and things should just work ? I still have to run a ethernet cable
> > from the basement up
> > to his room and my aunt's laptop which has no fixed location. Most times
> > she uses it in the
> > kitchen or dining table.
> >
> > Oh one more question, what can I do to increase the wifi signal from the
> > basement up 3 floors ?
> > I have very limited experience with modems and routers.
>
> There are wifi repeaters, but I've not had much experience with them to
> make a recommendation.
>
> A more practical approach is to move the ISP modem/router onto the
> middle floor so that it's coverage is more consistent across the property.
>

The entry point for the ISP is in the basement and moving things up to the
main floor is going to get messy. I have to find a way to get a stronger
signal
without messing with the modem/router where it currently is in the basement.
Running an ethernet cable is a option but I have to get to Edmonton to do
this.

>
> If it's not practical to do so, because of where their internet service
> enters the property, consider getting a second dedicate WIFI router.
> Turn off the WIFI on the ISP modem/router. Setup WIFI on the new router,
> disable it's DHCP services, and connect one of its LAN side ports back
> to one of the LAN side ports of the ISP modem/router.
>

This will definitely work. I have to first learn and familiarize myself
with setting
up a modem/router. Thank you Scott.


>
> --
> Scott Sullivan
> ---
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