Author Topic: Rasberry Pi Calculator  (Read 2237 times)

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Offline ruler501

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Rasberry Pi Calculator
« on: April 19, 2012, 07:48:34 pm »
Would it be possible to make a calculator with a model b rasberry pi?

Iw as thinking you could have one usb port internally for internal storage with a microusb with a few gb of storage. You could make it easily removable so teachers could remove programs for standardized testing. If it was possible you could make the sdcard write protected so that the user couldnt store programs on it. The other usb port I'd run through to the outside for addon's. USB wireless card, more storage, and maybe some other things.

You could add a Keyboard like the nspire(easier to use though) so that you could program on it easily. It can't be a qwerty though because of testing rules. with the keyboard you'd also have some shortcut keys for math equations and a touchpad/clickpad.
You could have a reasonable resolution color lcd added on
The case would probably have to be custom to have things fit well
You'd also have to have a battery that could run the pi for a at least 24 hours(maybe add a charge port so it can easily be charged iif it isnt too long of a battery life)

The OS could be a custom linux distro or an offshoot of arch that is customized to work with the hardware and to have a good interface for the keyboard


What do you guys think? How much would you expect this to cost and how usable would it be? Could we have at least one version that is usable for testing?
I'd like a cost of under $100 if possible.
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Offline shmibs

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Re: Rasberry Pi Calculator
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2012, 08:03:39 pm »
it would be possible, yes. however, the pi is an end product in and of itself, and they are not accepting resale/redistribution offers from third parties in order to make sure the price stays where it is. that means that anyone who wanted to one would have to buy a pi as well as any other components on their own and put them together, which i doubt would be very popular. it would be much better to just go through with an OTcalc type idea and distribute finished products.

edit: furthermore, it wouldn't be cost-effective at all the pi, though small, is a complete personal computer on its own, with full hd video etcetera. there is absolutely no reason to pay $25 and have specs like that in a pocket graphing calculator (not to mention the added cost for a screen, keyboard, and case). just install your linux distro and CAS of choice and plug it into your tv =)
« Last Edit: April 19, 2012, 08:13:59 pm by shmibs »