The Raspberry Pi is not the only tiny computer available. There are many companies producing similar machines. Some are more powerful and/or cheaper than the Pi. Intel has their own variation with the [Edison](https://www.linux.com/learn/intro-to-linux/2017/3/intel-edison-linux-maker-machine-matchbox) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Edison).) 

![Edison](https://steemitimages.com/DQmP94hEoon8VzUHMnB4bSgBt6ZgdsMu8svNWGtrNtPVhL4/image.png)
Image from Wikimedia

It really is tiny at 25x35.5mm. That's smaller than a Pi Zero, but you compromise by not having much in the way of connections. You can add boards which can stack to add these and it looks like you need one just to get power to it. That combination costs around $70. It's got a pretty powerful CPU that sips power and it has on-board storage too. It's intended for embedded applications, like the Pi. You can use a PC as a desktop machine, but I can't see much reason to if you have a more capable PC unless you need something that's really low power and your requirements are limited to less intensive applications.

I'm interested to play with an [Arduino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arduino) some time. That's a real micro-controller that can be used to link sensors to a network and/or control devices. Is anyone using them?

These are great times for the electronics hobbyist. You can put some intelligence into any device for a very low price.

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