Re: Better options
Let's compare your thing with the pi, and see what else we have to buy to make them somewhat equivalent. We're assuming here that what you want to do with it is to use it as a desktop--if you want to have it integrated into another project, the pi's GPIOs, CSI and DSI interfaces, etc. will make it the better option. But desktop only:
Your thing has an internal drive. The pi doesn't. Add a 64 GB SD card to our shopping list.
Your thing has a power supply provided. The pi doesn't. You probably already have a supply, but they did just make the switch to USB-C so you might not. Add one of those to our shopping list.
Your thing has two USB ports. The pi has four. Add a hub to your shopping list. Yes, since you accused the pi of needing one, I'm going to add this. You can do just fine with four ports, but two is harder.
You want to use two video outputs? Fine. Both can do it. The pi needs a relatively uncommon micro-HDMI connector, so let's add two cables connecting that to regular HDMI. And to your list we'll add a VGA to something modern adapter and we'll assume you already have a normal HDMI cable.
And ... that's it. They are now equivalent. There may be small differences in processing speed, but it's hard to know without having benchmark numbers for both, and I haven't found a place that benchmarked both of them.
So let's add up the prices. The pi with 4 GB of memory is £44. An SD card is about £8. The HDMI cables can be found for £2 each. The foundation's supply costs £8, but you could find a cheaper one. Total price:: £64. If you want a nice plastic box, we can make that £70. If you want a nice metal box, £76.
Your thing costs £110. A USB hub is £5 or so. The VGA-to-display port adapter I found costs £6. Total price: £121.
So that's why.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
