Looking to build small PC

[TandyMan100]

I'm looking at using a Propellor or something to make a small computer (like the laptop that some guy built), but with a simple GUI frontend like KDE or something similar. If someone could point me in the right direction for a good chip to build this with, and a version of Linux or whatever that will run on it, it would be great.

[Chuck(G)]

I'm looking at using a Propellor or something to make a small computer (like the laptop that some guy built), but with a simple GUI frontend like KDE or something similar. If someone could point me in the right direction for a good chip to build this with, and a version of Linux or whatever that will run on it, it would be great.

Linux exists for the ARM micros which are embedded in lots of things (probably inside the mobile phone, router or modem you're using).

Just use your favorite search engine to find "ARM Linux".

[Ole Juul]

simple GUI frontend like KDE or something similar
KDE is HUGE but maybe it's simple to you. Blackbox is very functional and perhaps more like what you're looking for. Blackbox is cool. :)

[Chuck(G)]

KDE is HUGE but maybe it's simple to you. Blackbox is very functional and perhaps more like what you're looking for. Blackbox is cool. :)

Or have a look at some minimalist solutions here (http://www.linuxdevices.com/articles/AT9202043619.html).

[lutiana]

I'd say the major question you need answer first is what you intend to do with the interface? Or more to the point what would the function of the PC be?

This will dictate how much power you need, which front end would be best etc.

There are a ton of resources out there for building PCs into all kinds of things. You could go ARM based, this would get you really small, but would sacrifice capacity and power.

You can go with something that is a BTX format, that be a bit bigger with a little more power. VIA makes some with 1ghz chips if memory serves. Check out http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/mainboards/

[Ole Juul]

Or have a look at some minimalist solutions here (http://www.linuxdevices.com/articles/AT9202043619.html).
There's some very interesting stuff there. I must say Chuck(G) comes up with the best links. :)

[TandyMan100]

Basically, I just want it to hook up to a touchscreen, and boot the Virtual T model 100 emulator, and a virtual keyboard. I'm gonna buy a laptop-type touchscreen LCD panel, and make it a modern Model 100. So a very simple GUI that can run Virtual T and a onscreen keyboard.

[lutiana]

Basically, I just want it to hook up to a touchscreen, and boot the Virtual T model 100 emulator, and a virtual keyboard. I'm gonna buy a laptop-type touchscreen LCD panel, and make it a modern Model 100. So a very simple GUI that can run Virtual T and a onscreen keyboard.

Ahh, I doubt that this will require much power. I'd probably start with the emulator and work back from there to decide which OS would work best.

My guess is one of the Nano-ITX boards would work just fine with an OS running from a 4 or 8gb flash card, or better yet, put as much RAM in it as possible and run the entire thing from a RAM Drive (ie boot from Compact flash, but cache everything to the RAM drive).

[Terry Yager]

TandyBoy, I've got just the thing for you...small and vintage! I have an Ampro LittleBoard 186 available for a modest price. It won't run linux, you'll be stuck with DOS, but the M100 should jack-in to the RS232 as a terminal. PM me if interested.

--T