ARM device to replace desktop?

[Chatahooch]

This is going to be a really valuable thread. If you are going to run a computer 24/7 than yeah absolutely the lighter and more efficient you can make it the better. I was planning for roughly 4-6 hours per day but not sure if those numbers will actually stay, time gets away from you easy when working online.

 

[raj]

It works on my RPI 2


A bit slow, but it works.

How'd you get skype running on RPi2? qemu?

I've also been eyeing the xu3-lite as a desktop replacement. I'd have pulled the trigger on the purchase already but still comparison shopping. Haven't seen anything close yet.

 

[MannDude]

How'd you get skype running on RPi2? qemu?


I've also been eyeing the xu3-lite as a desktop replacement. I'd have pulled the trigger on the purchase already but still comparison shopping. Haven't seen anything close yet.

Ah, woops. I take it back. Sorry, haven't booted into the Pi for a bit. Forgot I was using it to access a remote desktop... Skype was not running natively on the Pi. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[eva2000]

saw http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box/pp_141994.html

Description: 

The UGOOS UT3S is an ultra-compact high specification mini PC / TV box that connects directly to your HDTV for a massive world of online entertainment. It’s the easiest way to enjoy online movies, live and on demand sports, music, photos, games, productivity apps and so much more. The UGOOS UT3S is also perfect for streaming your multimedia, media playback, web surfing, and video streaming apps such as YouTube and Amazon Prime. With full native support for crystal clear 1080P 4K x 2K FHD and the latest RK3288 under the hood, experience the next level of multimedia entertainment with the stunning UGOOS UT3S.

 

Main Features: 

● Features 4GB RAM 32GB storage ROM(with support for TF (micro SD) card up to 32GB)

● H.265 decoder, more smoothly in a limited bandwidth condition

● RK3288 Quad-Core Cortex A17 CPU and Quad-Core Mali-T764 GPU: Stable, efficient and reliable

● 802.11b/g/n/ac dual band WiFi(2.4GHz/5GHz): Connect effortlessly in a world without wires 

● Bluetooth 4.0: Easy pairing with all your devices (computer, mobile phone, keyboard, etc.)

● Dual operating system: Ubuntu 14.10 + Android KitKat 4.4.2

● Four USB 2.0 host ports: For webcams, microphones, external hard drives, USB sticks and more

● HDMI connector: Set up your home cinema for the best 1080P FHD multimedia experience 

● 3.5mm audio output: Immerse yourself in audio bliss

 

[raj]

Ah, woops. I take it back. Sorry, haven't booted into the Pi for a bit. Forgot I was using it to access a remote desktop... Skype was not running natively on the Pi. Sorry for the confusion.

Also, check out this application  http://eltechs.com/product/exagear-desktop/ .  It's said to be able to emulate x86 apps (such as skype) on ARM.

 

[drmike]

Bumping this old thread...


Anyone now or still running ARM board as a workstation / general purpose desktop?


Interested in hearing what you are using for hardware and OS and how performance is for browsing notably (browsing and video seem to be rotten on boards even though the hardware is capable).  

 

[KuJoe]

I've mostly been using my C1+ for the past few weeks ever since my AC died. My desktop turns my office into a furnace so I keep it off when I'm not gaming. Unfortunately my Windows VM is offline until I can find time to go rack the server in a new data center so I've been bouncing between the C1+ for general browsing and my netbook for other things. The RPi3 is a complete disappointment and I had to cancel my previous C2 order but I'll be ordering a C2 this week since I find myself using the C1+ much more frequently. Also if you're looking for smooth video playback and browsing then running Android on the C1/C1+/C2 is as good as a desktop. I watch YouTube and Netflix on my 32" LCD without any issues.

 

[drmike]

I've mostly been using my C1+ for the past few weeks ever since my AC died. My desktop turns my office into a furnace so I keep it off when I'm not gaming. Unfortunately my Windows VM is offline until I can find time to go rack the server in a new data center so I've been bouncing between the C1+ for general browsing and my netbook for other things. The RPi3 is a complete disappointment and I had to cancel my previous C2 order but I'll be ordering a C2 this week since I find myself using the C1+ much more frequently. Also if you're looking for smooth video playback and browsing then running Android on the C1/C1+/C2 is as good as a desktop. I watch YouTube and Netflix on my 32" LCD without any issues.

Sad, but all these ARM boards tend to quite well under Android, where the hardware is actually supported and video accelerated instead of being CPU bounded.


How does your C1+ do for browsing?  How about the dreaded YouTube on it? Actually running YouTube on it in high definition?


 I am rocking a U2 Odroid still.  It's my most used device as it's gateway for my networks and what does various blocking, blackholes and other cleanups... Plus VPN goes via it.


I've given up on ARM as a desktop for now.  Fine for server things, running scripts, MySQL, various middlwares, all fine.


Unsure if you have same issue on C1+ but cat /proc/cpuinfo and see if all your cores are there.  Had issue with U2 and Ubuntu where power savings turns cores off and not there.   Minor issue on that, bigger issues is turning cores on and off results in noticeable performance drop even on single threaded.  I overrode the power scheduling for performance and all is well / much much better on throughput in my instance.