[ale] [OT] good hardware for a learner!

[DJ-Pfulio]

I looked up the US duty on network routers. $0. Using postal shipping, not freight.
If the order is under $200, no customs fees.
If the order is up to $2500, $2/item (though it isn't clear what an "item" is.

$122 + $10 + $4.40 + shipping + customs fees each. Shouldn't be any VAT.

Midnight Sunday good for a cutoff, Phil? If you are still willing to be "the guy."

1. Case: US$10 blue (black is out of stock)
  http://www.pcengines.ch/case1d2bluu.htm - this case is a critical part of the
passive cooling for the chips on the board. http://www.pcengines.ch/apucool.htm

2. Board: US$122 (3 gigabit Intel i211AT or i210AT)
  http://www.pcengines.ch/apu2c4.htm - this is a production run (not alpha/beta)

3. PSU: US$4.40 (too cheap NOT to get)
  http://www.pcengines.ch/ac12vus2.htm (see the warning about arcing)

Boot from SD card (internal sdhci controller), external USB or m-SATA SSD.
m-SATA is probably the least hassle, long term.

Some assembly required. ;)
I'm in for 1 (1, 2, 3).

On 04/14/2016 10:05 PM, Phil Turmel wrote:
> On 04/14/2016 04:54 PM, DJ-Pfulio wrote:
>> There are some purpose made x86 router devices for about $130 based on the
>> GX-412TC APU. I haven't seen any in the USA, but we can order from Europe.
>> Switzerland.
>>
>> Anyone interested in a bulk order to share shipping costs?
>> http://www.pcengines.ch/apu.htm Probably need to stay under 8 units per order.
>>
>> I'd lean towards the Intel NIC versions and avoid the RealTek.
>> APU.2C4 at $122 http://www.pcengines.ch/apu2c4.htm
>> Should handle GigE easily unlike the older versions.
>>
>> Case is $10 more.  Provide your own power brick.
> 
> Yeah, I'm in.  Those are sweet.  I checked the schematic -- looks like
> they'd be fine on a lead-acid battery (voltage clamp kicks in > 15V).
> 
> I could go for three or four with cases.  I can receive at the office if
> you like -- I am set up w/ Customs to pay duties through a business
> FedEx acct.
> 
> Phil
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