• millie@beehaw.org
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    3 months ago

    Wasn’t the point of these low power computers to be cheap?

    Somebody should really sweep in and snag that market position by not actually overcharging for it!

    • nickwitha_k (he/him)@lemmy.sdf.org
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      3 months ago

      In this case, I think “no distractions” is the goal. It’s running on an ESP32 microcontroller, not even a full-blown SBC computer like a Raspberry Pi. It’s probably a good choice for such a device but I also don’t feel terribly blown away by the price. But, thinking about it, it is a mechanical keyboard with a display that runs about $90, so, not an unfair price, but, certainly not low-cost.

    • Gamma@beehaw.orgOP
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      3 months ago

      Compared to the AlphaSmart? Their last model launched at over $400 if you adjust for inflation, the only reason they’re cheap now is that schools bought them en masse to teach typing. Niche writing tools are unfortunately expensive unless economies of scale get involved

      • millie@beehaw.org
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        3 months ago

        I mean I seem to remember whole ass netbooks going for $50-80 a few years back.

        • Gamma@beehaw.orgOP
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          3 months ago

          Oh I think those are still around, usually chromebooks. As long as you set your expectations to the price point they can work,but that’s not really who this is targeted for