Database Develop

Best way to control a robot for the least $$$?

I have a robot lawnmower, Friendly Robotics Robomow RL500. It's like a Roomba for the lawn, you set it loose and let it go. Problem is, it's not very smart. For one, it gets stuck on occasion, requiring me to check on it regularly and free it if it gets stuck. It also needs to be driven out onto the lawn and turned on, and when it's done I need to go find it and drive it back. Worst of all, there is a part of the lawn that is too narrow for it to function automatically so I have to manually mow that part with an annoying wired controller, and it is much slower than a regular mower so walking behind it at a snail's pace holding a wired controller is very boring.
My idea is to make it so I can put a camera on it so I can drive it via Wifi from the comfort of my home. Somehow I will need to be able to stream video over Wifi and send commands to the robot as well, and whatever device receiving the commands will need to be able to activate the switches on the wired controller.
2 ways I thought of to do this:
1. Use one of my extra Windows Mobile phones as a "brain". They all already have a camera and Wifi. All I would need is the software to stream video over Wifi and a control program to control the robot. Microsoft has a Robotics Studio that may help me to write my own program using VS.NET. None of my phones have a serial port or USB Host controller, so I was thinking maybe I can use a Bluetooth-to-UART board and connect that to some kind of controller to activate the switches on the control panel.
2. Use a WRT54G and run Linux. This will probably cost more because I don't have a 54G. I will also need to buy some kind of camera for it, like a networked camera. It has an RS232 port that can be used to connect to some kind of controller to activate switches on the control panel. I KNOW this solution has been done, because there is a video out there of a 54G-controlled R/C car being controlled via Wifi and streaming video back. I would probably need to write my own program in C in Linux (I don't know C), unless I can find the link to that RC car again and see if that guy will share his source.
Any thoughts on which way is the best way to go?

Jejeje
Try this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaquxmK-kp4

Headless System for HTC TyTn II

Hey guys,
Well I wish to start a small project, where a computer should be able to access wireless internet (3G/HSDPA), WiFi, make calls, maybe use bluetooth, etc... Then I realized that my old HTC TyTn II has all that features... And its faster than the PC im gonne use.
Problem is my HTC screen cracked. So I cant see anything. Thats why I wondered if its possible to set up a Headless Linux System. With that in place I could prob traffic all the things I need via usbnet to the PC (like internet).
The purpose...
Well the reason for this project is a small computer in my car. I ripped out a old laptop and started mounting it in my car. The laptop will then be used to control the HTC, seeing as I doubt one can add external inputs on the HTC. My laptop also has a 10GB HDD and a working screen. So a combo of the two seems fair...
Any advice on this would be very appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Xethron

I am about to do the same, replacing radio console.
I have some touchscreen lifebooks for this purpose, you can get one for
$100 $200 in miserable state, but to disassemble, who cares
idea was to change dpi in XP and replace explorer on startup, put a 8 button big startup window, with gps, media, video, internet
now you can hook up mobile by "Pocket Controller" it's a reverse remote desktop. you see mobile screen on pc
hope this get you some ideas

How insane is it that you have a computer that is slower then your phone?
There is a program to remote control your phone, I forget the name.

would it be the one I wrote in prev post
you can buy it at soti.net. working pretty good.

no, this one is free. I shall do some digging.
------- edit ---------
Cha Ching
http://www.mtux.com/
and a friend suggested this one.
http://www.julien-manici.com/

can't understand how could I have missed this when I was searching for one, and it's pretty old too. good tip, though too late for me.

Hey guys,
Thanks allot for the replies... I tried MyMobiler but it doesn't want to connect and seeing that I cant see the screen I am not sure whats happening... Appart from that you guys seem to be misunderstanding me totally!
Problem 1, MyMobiler only runs on windows, and I run Linux...
Problem 2, scripts cant be excecuted on the fly and communications between my two computers wont be possible with Windows Mobile.
Problem 3, Windows mobile crashes and my system will fail totally if my system ever crashes!
Besides, windows mobile have allot of junk I dont need. All I want is a simple Linux system on my HTC on which I can ssh in that will give no video output nor receive input from hardware, but that acts completely as a headless system.
It would also be cool if someone can tell me what hardware I can remove and how (Like the screen) in order to minimize power requirements...
So all I need is a version of Linux and a guide to install it so that all the functions work...
Hope this makes more sense...
Xethron

no Xethron, we didn't misunderstood you. I simply wrote what is my concept of laptop in car and ChumleyEX reacted further on my post too.
winmo is not stable, we all know that, but you should know too that linux is not so on winmo devices too. and that it is much more unstable.
It would be very nice indeed if there was no windows at all and everybody would be using linux, but if that would happen, linux would be the same commercial crap as is windows now, because that's what people are after. and that's the market. Nice fancy easy crap.
Though I encourage you to go with your linux idea, with a lot of effort, there could be perfect solution, but again, it would be much easier to just use what we've got.
If you would look around here, you'll see that on xda-dev you'll find a lot of solutions how to make a very tiny and fast winmo ROM. Stripped of all the crap. You can learn here how to strip even more, leaving only kernel + some drivers if you want.
What hw can you disconnect. I reckon you mean from pda. As you said screen backlight, that's a power eater, otherwise, devices could be turned ON/OFF from sw, which would by much safer/easier way. And you said you want to use them. instead, if you'll connect external antenna, that would spare you a lot of power while transmitting.
You should write more specific questions in order to get specific answers.
for example I am not getting it why you would want to spare 20mA consumption on some pda device and not better think about replacing HDD by CF card or ssd?
what would be your application requirements?
back for using pda in linux, it's in test state, you won't find any better working linux in pda as here. no one is hiding it nowhere. bluetooth is not working yet, phone functions are limited. wifi ok, but I doubt you could route it to PC.
as I doubt one can add external inputs on the HTC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can. bluetooth can create virtual com ports. there are BT keyboards, pointing devices too. and generally anything else what uses com port could be made. even video can go out. (all just in windows of course)
for the pda remote programs:
you need a client on pda side. it's automatic simple installation. You may try soti controller it have trial period, with that one, you only need to press left soft key on kaiser to confirm client install. After you'll have this one workingt you would be able to see what you would need with the other one.

wow... that was a useful post!
The reason I want to use the phone is so that my PC can do all the things my phone can do... Reasons for this would be the following.
I come to my car. My phone syncs via bluetooth remotely to unlock my car. I get into car. Type password. Security system goes down... I stream songs via bluetooth to my pc which plays on the car speakers. I get out. Phone looses bluetooth connection and locks automatically. Someone comes and opens the door. PC picks up door is open and sets off an alarm. Phone calls me, and sends me a sms of the GPS location... If I dont respond it sends a email to all my friends. I connect to my car via ssh and keep track of its current position. depending on other connections I have made (Like you said bluetooth might be a good bet) i can controll parts of the car via ssh. Maybe install a fuel cutoff switch or whatever. With allot of effort I get my car back. Come home. It syncs wia wifi. New music gets uploaded... And my car is ready for day 2!
Simple direction of where I wanne go...
So now that you understand what I want to do... The linux on my HTC was a way for me to simply control the hardware and run a few small scripts... Wanne run some security scripts on the HTC instead of PC because it has the backup battery and the laptop will be running off the car battery...
I really don't care how we do this... But I know it must be possible to do all this somehow...
Let me know if you have some rad other ideas... As you can see I do not really want to "see" wats going on on my phone... It must be there like the PC of a car... Tell you the tempreture on some LCD. Let you know the water level is fine... But you dont see the PC... Thats my idea anyway...
Thanks for your help so far

I come to my car. My phone syncs via bluetooth remotely to unlock my car. I get into car. Type password. Security system goes down...
........
I get out. Phone looses bluetooth connection and locks automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bluetooth is a secure way, but not very safe, I've been using 3 different Hsets, with 2 diff phones, it kept on loosing connection and some even pairing. other thing, you need to iniciate BT connection (not always with audio, but yes with activesync) that means no touch-less access. and the last is battery consuption. I've been reading long time ago about an application for garage doors based on wifi connections. they discussed BT as well, decided wifi would be much better, try google (open garage wifi) there is even an soft for pda for this.
but there are $50 - $80 ready applications, it's years out there, I reckon the last version would be very reliable.
There is option to put serial GPS, which you can get off ebay for $50 (here is 5pcs for $50 now, if you'll buy it, i'll get two off you)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/5-LOT-Garmin...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35a9b4b768
and the application:
http://www.bladox.com/products.php?lang=en
and I saw other brand with the same thing too.
with this bladox, you can simply set that if you take out key and open & close drivers doors it would lock with timer (that's option what most of available classic alarms too) or a button to lock with timer to leave could be hooked up.
you can set plenty of outputs and inputs, freely configurable. e.g remotely shut the engine, horn the horn, knock on window function...
consuption would be around 20mA on charging mobile. with car battery 100mA is a concern and 200mA permanent current is an issue. (all time running PC = 2A = 2000mA = NO WAY)
locking-unlocking could be done through ring (without answering) or sms.
I would say ring is pretty safe, as who would go through trouble of tempering with gsm switch control to fake your caller ID? (+ who would know about you have this setup + know your car phene num and your phone number)
and if a friend would call you he forget a wallet in your car, you don't need to get up of bed to unlock, just dial.
I stream songs via bluetooth to my pc which plays on the car speakers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
audio quality isn't 100% plus maybe switching/pairing and your mobile needs to be on a charge for playing longer through BT -> no wireless.
use your phone in a disk drive mode and play from PC in car OR
your pda in car through SD to USB adapter (TwinMOS GoGo Egg Card Reader)
there would be limit 64GB for sure, maybe 2GB limit (is it SDHC compatible?)
I don't know nothing about it, only that it exists
Someone comes and opens the door. PC picks up door is open and sets off an alarm. Phone calls me, and sends me a sms of the GPS location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..
bladox can do + power on your PC which would start streaming video from web cam, you can call to car and tell the guy how he looks like and where he's going and that police is already waiting there.
It must be there like the PC of a car... Tell you the tempreture on some LCD. Let you know the water level is fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ha, stop dreaming get OBD II and live it!
connect your car engine through cable OR WIFI!! to PC or PDA!! and look at all temperatures, compression levels, exhaust system, error msgs, and if you like make it active and let your car know you feel like having fun now, or maybe more econo mode other time.
OBD II - all cars since yr 96 on US market, $50 -$100 for interface (soft free)

May I ask a non-nook Question?

I want to set up my PC as a TV and DVR, what's the best way to do this? I have a cable outlet right beside the PC, I know I could get a TV Tuner card but I know nothing about them at all and there are so many it's confusing. Hauppage(sp?) seems to be the most popular but are they any good? Are there any questions I should be asking myself before I chose? Any help would be much appreciated. Is there a better option altogether? I've searched the internet but it's basically an information overload, no good guides can be found for all the 5 year old junk

tuner you get depends on what software (dvr software) you want to run, what you want to do, and how fast your computer is.
things to know:
some with one tuner and some with 2
some with only OTA and some with QAM (unencrypted cable), some do both
hauppauge has pci/pci-e cards as well as usb
HDhomerun has several models, 2 tuner OTA/QAM, 4* tuner cable card, etc
Ceton has a 4, and a 6?, tuner card
some of these have hardware encoders, some dont (slower computers will need encoding otherwise it will be choppy, audio dropouts)

You should first figure out exactly what type of signal is coming in on that cable. Does your area still have analog cable service (my area does, but I think that's getting more scarce), or is it digital only? Are there any clear-QAM channels (which are usually just the local networks) or is it all encrypted? If it's only digital and encrypted channels that you're interested in, then you need something that can take a CableCARD.
After that, it's all about what software you want to run and how many tuners you require.

You may be better off just using a combo of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Instant Video and Bittorrent.
Otherwise you haven't given us any of your specs to be able you help you out. What type of PC do you have? Windows/Linux/Mac... Processor/RAM/HD, also like others have noted are you going for Over the Air signal, analog or Digital Cable, standard def or HD. Are you going to be using a set top box or going for a cable card(very expensive option). Give us as much detail as possible if you want competent answers.

As for using your PC as a TV and PVR, I'd recommend using XBMC to turn it into a Home Theater PC (HTPC). The site, LifeHacker, does an XBMC/HTPC guide every few months. You would still need to buy hardware like a TV tuner but XBMC does a lot on the software end.
Also, if you use XBMC, you can use your Nook Color (assuming you at least have rooted it and have access to the Andoid Market) to control the XBMC software via the XBMC remote app.
Here is a guide that lifehacker did. It's a little old but the basics are still relevant and correct. http*://lifehacker.*com/5536963/the-ultimate-start-to-finish-guide-to-your-xbmc-media-center (remove the asterisks)

What everyone else has said -- need more info on what you have, also what budget, and what cable setup.
I have an HTPC set up but it's for media streaming, not dvr recording.
One forum I found very helpful is the AVS forum (search in google), they have a sub-forum dedicated entirely to HTPCs.

Sorry for the lack on info didn't know that my PC specs mattered all that much. I am running:
Vista Home Premium, 64bit
Intel Core2 Quad CPU (Q9300 @2.5ghz)
4GB RAM
Nvidia GeForce GT240
Appx. 600gb ofhard-drive space plus a 500gb permanent external USB. I can add more HD space if it becomes a problem.
Not sure if there is any other system info you guys need.
As for my cable I dunno for sure what signal I have, I have COMCAST if that helps anyone. Mainly I want this for recording sports. I can't always watch them live and it'd be nice to DVR them for later. I'd also use it for shows, but those I can always watch online later. Can't really watch sports later though. And I'd also like to be able to just normally watch TV on my computer. I'd like to be able to do something on monitor one while the other plays live TV. Sports or whatever.
Also, to this:
Are you going to be using a set top box or going for a cable card(very expensive option).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure what you mean. I was thinking you get the TV Tuner, install it in your PCIE slot, and watch TV on the PC. Do you need another device?

Landara said:
I am not sure what you mean. I was thinking you get the TV Tuner, install it in your PCIE slot, and watch TV on the PC. Do you need another device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A basic TV tuner will only be able to pick up Over The Air signals and basic cable(very limited channel selection). If you want to be able to watch digital cable you'll need either a set top box or a cable card and cable card reader(like this one).
some nice basic tv tuners
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815100049
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116015
I believe you have Windows Media Center included with your Windows version, it's probably going to be your best option for software.

REVIEW AppRadio 2 by Pioneer

Today we’re looking at the AppRadio2 from Pioneer.
Original review with all appropriate links can be found by clicking here.
The AppRadio line is a huge step into the future for in-car audio. Pioneer was first out of the gate with a relatively affordable, practical, and highly functioning 7 inch capacitive touch screen car audio head unit. It's most unique feature and the reason you'll want to read through this review is because the AppRadio 2 can connect to and translate your smartphone's app capabilities into a one of a kind super device on your car's dashboard. You'll be able to use AppRadio optimized versions of some of your favorite apps to listen to music, navigate, find parking, communicate with friends and even check your car's diagnostics with the right accessories attached all on a crisp 7” touchscreen display.
Click here to see a video slideshow of the AppRadio2 in action.
Main advantage: Android and iProduct compatible (some smartphones require adapters iPhone5 and Android), crisp 7” WVGA touchscreen display with multitouch, built in amp (MOSFET 50 W x 4) 2 RCA preouts, subwoofer control, great modern hardware design with high quality materials used, can use your car's existing steering wheel controls, bluetooth audio for phone calls (mic included)
Main concern: no CD/DVD slot, no AUX in, no adjusting display angle, bit of a learning curve, no bluetooth audio for pandora or stored music.
Unique features: built in external GPS means you can turn off your phone's GPS to save battery while connected to AppRadio (turn on “enable mock locations” in your phone's settings)
While it will work with a number or phones, this device was tested exclusively with a Samsung Galaxy Note 2
Someone always has to be brave enough to be the first. Even if a product isn't completely ready for primetime, it's important to release something so that people can become familiar with a new concept. Apple really made their name by being the first extremely simple, yet powerful mp3 player and then smartphone. The early iPhone lacked a lot to be sure, but it did enough well that it changed mobile communication forever. Pioneer has shown that it has the guts that Apple had to start. They took a risk with the AppRadio and it's a great start that has great potential looking forward. Other car audio companies are clearly waiting and looking over Pioneer's shoulder concerning the AppRadio. They waited for Pioneer to make a success of the AppRadio concept and now we are starting to see some copycats emerge built off of ideas learned watching AppRadio. It might work for some of them too, but it's just not a very dignified way to do business and before I even start my real evaluation of the AppRadio 2, I give Pioneer my respect for being brave enough to release such an innovative step forward into uncharted waters.
The AppRadio 2 on it's own is a gorgeous head unit. It's so clean and simple and it's design foreshadows it's function. It floats on your dash as a huge crystal clear glass screen with an almost invisible bezel and a stainless steel “chin” at the bottom that holds the few physical buttons. Volume up/down, a home button, and a menu and back button specifically for Android phones. Pioneer didn't cut corners with materials used, this thing looks and feels like you'd want a piece of the future to look and feel. The AppRadio 2 is first and foremost a blank canvas. It's waiting to be painted with the graphics, sounds, and functionality of your smartphone whether it's an Android or Apple device. While it would be a near perfect product if Pioneer could trust us to control ourselves, we don't do that well unsupervised as drivers. If the AppRadio was a true 1 to 1 mirrored display of our smartphones, we could watch netflix movies and send text messages while driving 90 mph on the freeway. Now you and I might be sensible enough to not abuse the privilege, but plenty of 16 year olds that want to impress their friends in their first cars might not have that same restraint (and they might be driving on the same freeway as you) so try to understand the motivation behind a controlled experience. It's definitely a bit disappointing, but Pioneer offers a very filtered experience of your phone with the AppRadio 2 for now. While some apps can be just about everything they are on your phone, others won't work at all or will display images but not be able to be touch controlled.
Everything begins with a detailed warning to not operate the head unit while driving, fair enough. Commonly called a “nanny” or “nag” screen, a quick click of a button brings you into the AppRadio's main start screen. You'll be greeted by a large modern clock and day of the week indicator to start. Behind that is a wallpaper that can be changed through your smartphone app's menu setting. Below the clock, you'll find 5 icons (radio, iPod, apps, Pandora, and Phone) and with nothing connected to the device, 3 of them (iPod, apps, Pandora) will be grayed out by default. By itself, the AppRadio is simply an FM/AM radio and a speakerphone for hands-free bluetooth calling and that's about it. Connect an iPod and you can play your music, connect a phone through the appropriate cable and you can listen to Pandora or go into AppRadio mode where the real fun starts. A swipe to the right will bring up a second page of options, an expanded settings screen which actually offers a bit to look at. Next an “OFF” button that puts the device in a standby mode that amounts to a screensaver, full screen background and small clock. The last button is a display off button that will let the screen go black if you find a time you need the darkness.
Again, AppRadio2 will work with many different makes and models of smartphone, but it was clearly designed with the iPhone 4/4S in mind. You'll find a very intuitive and polished experience with that phone. Connect the included cable and go. While it can technically be made to work using the iPhone 5 and Android phones, you won't find anywhere near the same out of the box functionality. Whichever phone you use, you'll need to go to your appropriate app store first, Google or Apple, and download at least two apps to get started. The main AppRadio app that is the basis for your phone's connection, and the CarKeyboard app that will also need to be enabled for touchscreen keyboard use while using the AppRadio. The unit looks for these apps and will not function fully without them. Aside from helping your phone communicate with your AppRadio 2, the AppRadio app scans you're already installed programs and tells you which will work with appradio. The apps are the easiest part of getting started with the AppRadio 2 on Android. The part that gets a bit tricky is finding the correct adapter.
If you own one of the Galaxy line of smartphones then you know that Samsung has elected for a single micro USB input on most of their phones. The same port charges and syncs but what if you'd like to output HD video from your powerful phone? MHL, or Mobile High-Definition Link is the answer. MHL allows you to connect a micro USB cord to your phone which is attached to an adapter that turns the signal into an HDMI output that supports up to 1080p HD video and 7.1 surround audio while also charging your device. As simple as they are to use, MHL adapters aren't simple to choose. First and foremost you need to know if you need a 5pin or an 11pin adapter. The Galaxy S3, S4 and Note 2 need 11pin and older galaxy phones need a 5 pin. After that you need to know how much power your phone draws while charging. The MHL adapter needs to be connected to a power source to be able to charge your phone while it converts the video signal. The Galaxy Note 2 draws a very thirsty 2.1 amps of power which is the same as the iPad and most other tablets. The included iPod cable can be disconnected and reveals a full sized female USB port. That USB port outputs 1A charging that is enough for most smartphones including the iPhone. While it will work with some phones, unfortunately it's not enough to keep up with the Note 2. If you were to use a normal 1A car charger (or the AppRadio's included USB charging cable) with this setup everything would still work, but you wouldn't be able to charge your phone. In fact, it would drain battery because of all the work that it's doing. For the Galaxy Note 2 you'll need the following:
-an 11pin MHL adapter
-a microUSB charging cable
-a 2.1A car adapter
-an HDMI cable
These items are easy enough to get, but you need to know what specific pieces you'll need for the best outcome. For the MHL adapter, an abundance of counterfeits have flooded some of the big ecommerce sites, this automatically rules out Amazon and eBay unfortunately. Some copies are identical on the outside and plain garbage on the inside. They will make your setup charge inconsistently or not at all and make your picture signal choppy when connected to the AppRadio 2. Smartphone forums are littered with frustrated people that tried to save a buck on a cheap adapter, you'll see them blaming the head unit but trust me here, there is only one real way to do this. I like a deal as much as anyone, but unfortunately this is a case where you'll need to go to the manufacturer and pay retail. Luckily Samsung is always offering large discounts on it's own accessories up to even 50% off in some promotions. A quick Google search will show you the current deals available. Now that you've collected all of the pieces, you'll need to connect them and get started.
click here to read PART TWO which includes pricing, links to purchase, and optional accessories

It won't run Google navigation? This seems like a $500 extra screen, much like a smart watch or that contraption the adds an lcd to the back of your phone. Why not just use your phone?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

LittleRedDot said:
It won't run Google navigation? This seems like a $500 extra screen, much like a smart watch or that contraption the adds an lcd to the back of your phone. Why not just use your phone?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An app called AR liberator made by a brilliant dev who is currently recovering from illness (get well Kyle) makes this one of the most useful pieces of tech I've ever played with.
I don't know if you took the time to read through the whole review or not but at the end there is an "EXTRA TIP" section that hints towards this.

snapz54 said:
An app called AR liberator made by a brilliant dev who is currently recovering from illness (get well Kyle) makes this one of the most useful pieces of tech I've ever played with.
I don't know if you took the time to read through the whole review or not but at the end there is an "EXTRA TIP" section that hints towards this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The appradio + ar liberator is the best tech you can put in your car my friends has it so awesome.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium

What do you use your pi for?

I am looking to get a b+ to set up as a mini computer on the cheap.
What do you guys use your pi for?

Torrent downloader + media player
desde Tapatalk móvil

Routinely sits in front of the TV as a media player too (OpenElec), but after a quick change of SD card has a second identity for the kids with Minecraft, Scratch and beginning to edge towards Python and some similar coding and basic I/O learning via the GPIO.
The Pi is OK as a cheap computer, as long as you don't expect too much from it in terms of processing power. If what you want to do could broadly be done on a smartphone or similar device (or a mid-spec tablet) then you should be ok, but if you want to replace a true PC then you may struggle depending on exactly what it is you plan. It'll certainly handle day-to-day stuff like email and web browsing though (if you're not so concerned about flash and that kind of stuff, as with mobiles too).

Currently using my Pi as a web server. It does well for keeping it up and running but there is a problem regarding power. I'm using a Bluetooth and WiFi adapter (as I have no way of connecting it to Ethernet), the power issue is that the poly fuses kind of blow up after a few days or hours and therefore either one or both of the USB ports don't have any power, I have to disconnect the power and then plug it in after a few hours/minutes and then it works again (self-repair). Really annoying so I may need keep it for local hosting while an other product that I'm hoping to receive shouldn't have issues with it and should be more powerful so that I can make it public and run it with no issues.
The Pi tries to use less power as possible by boosting the power to the USB ports (consider the fact that the Pi takes around 5v of power, same for a single USB port) so if you need to use USB devices which are doing to be a little intensive with power then expect the USB devices to get a power cut off.
If the Pi is going to be used for something that isn't so power hungry then it should do for certain things.
You can boost the Pi's power (talking about literal energy, not performance) but that means more parts.

You may also partially get around that by using a powered hub to take some of the strain. But there again you are adding additional parts and power requirements. There are cases available with built-in hubs and more chunky power supplies to drive both the hub and the Pi which at least partially get around some of that, but it's more investment.
The other alternative is to minimise such power-hungry items and consider things like ethernet-by-powerline for the network if a direct cable would be inconvenient or impossible (but again at the cost of extra bits of hardware and further set-up).

DarrenHill said:
The Pi is OK as a cheap computer, as long as you don't expect too much from it in terms of processing power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this will not replace my pc, rather just be a little fun project, as it will be more unique than a tablet, and serve the same purpose.

Media center and APRS digi, another is my marine reef tank controller

Portable (battery powered) Mp3 player/Internet radio streamer.

Chris J said:
Portable (battery powered) Mp3 player/Internet radio streamer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you get a suitable battery pack from?

I bought it with a whole host of wonderful ideas of what to use it for, and never got round to anything.
Very occasionally it gets used as a media player (with OpenELEC), with an external HD, but since I've had a Chromecast it's pretty much been gathering dust!
One day I'll get round to doing this: http://www.raspberrypi.org/ambilight-alike/

Jesse72 said:
Where do you get a suitable battery pack from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon; 2600 mAh cellphone charger. It only cost around five dollars and provides stable output while charging, so you don't have to bother with switching it when the charger is plugged in.
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I also have one connected to a 1TB hard disk I use as a file/print server. It doesn't actually see much use, but it consumes so little power that there's no harm leaving it on.

house automation
I use mine as a server for house automation using FHEM.

Jesse72 said:
Where do you get a suitable battery pack from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just normal portable battery is ok.

Mine makes me hungry

Mine is a honeypot
(always work in progress)
http://nowhere.purificato.org:65000/

As server,for play music+films and for learning,but most for crying,lol.
GREETZ FROM TEAM-OPTIMA!!!

All sorts!
I've used mine as a web server, a bluetooth portable speaker, a wifi point (when my wifi access point went bang) and now it sits and controls the lighting in my computer and cupboard-under-the-stairs!! (where me and my computer live!!)
I'm gonna get some arduino stuff and adafruit stuff to do the lighting soon then I'll figure out another use for it.
Probably going to buy a B+ board and retire my current one to my son so he can do his school Scratch projects on it.
Probably the best thing ive bought for its versatility.

Not much as of yet
I haven't been using my raspberry pi for a few months now due to my hectic work schedule, however the only use I had for it was media center purposes. I ran both RasPlex and Raspbmc (with the latter being the preferred OS).
I'm hoping that with the new year almost upon us that I'll be able to look into other uses. I'm mainly interested in either home automation or home security. Although I have a friend who is working on making an arcade cabinet using i-pac equipment and pimame as an OS which has piqued my interests severely.

Torrent + Network Attached Storage

MY PI
I generally use my Raspberry for the night when i turn the pc off. In the day I use it As A Universal Remote Control for Nearly everything that's it how i use my PI...