[OT] Raspberry Pi vs x86 embedded motherboard

[Richard Gaskin]

I like the idea of a cheap computer, but it seems the LiveCode build for 
Linux/ARM needed to run on the Raspberry Pi is still only in its early 
stage - here's a blog entry that includes a link to download a test 
build if you're feeling adventurous:
<http://livecode.com/blog/2013/02/20/livecode-on-raspberry-pi/>

But the long wait for that LiveCode/ARM build has given me time to 
ponder:  What exactly is the advantage of a Raspberry Pi over other 
motherboards that have onboard CPUs?

After all, the Pi isn't a computer per se, just a mobo; you still need 
to add a power supply, case, and SD card to become a usable system, just 
like any other mobo.  And you need to download and install Linux.

But most of the other mobos available have Via or Atom processors, so 
while they're not as energy-efficient as the older ARM chips the Pi 
uses, they're still reasonably efficient and MUCH more powerful.

And best of all, they can be used with LiveCode right now, server and 
desktop.

For example, the Raspberry Pi Model B sells in the US for $49 at NewEgg, 
but a Via mobo with an x86 VX900 CPU is just $59, and for $69 you can 
get one with an Intel Atom 2550 loaded with ports:
<http://www.newegg.com/Embedded-Solution/SubCategory/ID-446?Order=PRICE>

And if you want a case and power supply included with an Atom-powered 
system, small-form-factor barebones nettops are available as low as $129:
<http://www.newegg.com/Mini-Booksize-Barebone-Systems/SubCategory/ID-309?Order=PRICE>

While the Pi's modest power makes it difficult to use many Linux distros 
on, most x86 mobos will generally run even Ubuntu's Unity interface 
gracefully.

And we can run LiveCode on them today.

So help me out here:  What am I not seeing about the attraction to 
Raspberry Pi?

Why isn't the world just as excited about spending just an extra few 
bucks to get a more useful x86 system?

--
  Richard Gaskin
  Fourth World
  LiveCode training and consulting: http://www.fourthworld.com
  Webzine for LiveCode developers: http://www.LiveCodeJournal.com
  Follow me on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/FourthWorldSys