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Comment by djaychela | Hacker News Reader

I did some micropython for a video series I made [1], and I have to say, it took me right back to the days of owning a ZX Spectrum - accecssing a REPL directly over a USB serial connection was very much like these machines, although I know it's not something that everyone thinks is a good idea...

I like the idea that the main interface to the device is to program it in some way or another, and I'm sure that was what led my generation to be as computer-literate as they are.

I'm going to order a Pico today!

[1] - https://realpython.com/courses/getting-started-micropython/

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> it took me right back to the days of owning a ZX Spectrum

Is there any kit that includes a screen (with a case) and a small keyboard, and a manual for (say) less than $100?

It would be great if there was a self-contained kit that you could give to a child, so that it can have that same "home computer" experience as in the old days.

I.e., something like this, but with a modern form factor:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS-80#/media/File:TRS-80_Mode...

Raspberry Pi 400 is almost that- more like a Commodore 64 in that it doesn't include a monitor.

Yes, it should be sub $100, and include a monitor.

Buy a Raspberry Pi and take a look at your local recycling center. You can find some quite decent monitors (even HDMI), keyboards, and mice in their electronic scrap bin for free.

@amelius: there's a bunch of RPi-based laptops, but at those price points you might as well go with a T60.

https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/articles/the-best-raspberry-pi...

A 7" display + case + mini Bluetooth keyboard could be a good middle ground, too.

I think the one thing RE: used laptops that always has to be accounted for is it requires a fair bit of technical knowledge and some learned experience of what a good used device should have. I'm related to a few teachers and used laptops were always an issue because they couldn't afford to take the punt of getting used ones so they had to pay a premium from established resellers instead at which point you're approaching budget new laptop price territory.

Pi 400 really should have some obvious clear low cost screen upgrade option though. Possibly even just an app that it could stream to out of the box? Obviously wouldn't be perfect but if you assume there's a not unreasaonable chance they already have some Android device it could suffice.

I want to give something that is easy to move around and doesn't have lots of cables.

An old laptop locked down to run a BASIC REPL in kiosk mode?

While it’s double your budget, perhaps the Clockwork Pi DevTerm is worth a look?

https://www.clockworkpi.com/

Not OP but this looks amazing. I'm very excited that this product exists.

I'm pretty pleased with the Lilygo products. Here one with a an ESP32, case, screen, and keyboard for $45:

https://www.tindie.com/products/ttgo/lilygor-ttgo-t-watch-ke...

https://shop.pocketchip.co/

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