DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026
Rajdeep Banik
Rajdeep Banik Original post #1
Oct 21, 2014 at 9:58 PM
Hi, I need a PC for our shop. The main requirement is using excel (or Calc in Libreoffice) for sorting data. The data is like,

1st column: Product name 2nd column: Quantity 3rd column: Expiry date

I need to enter the names and values and sort these data sometimes along 'Quantity' and sometimes along 'Expiry date'. This will be the only function of the PC. So, if anyone has used Raspberry Pi, please tell me how good is it at sorting?

Also, the Beagleboard has more processing power, but the Raspberry Pi has more USB ports and more community support.
I might also add a printer later on.
There will be no internet connectivity, so how can I install Libreoffice? :-?
I need two USB ports for mouse and keyboard and maybe one for the printer! Also, pi is cheaper than the Beagleboard.
icebags
icebags #2
Oct 22, 2014 at 2:17 AM
ur requirement sounds like that of a full fledged pc. why dont u get a combo motherboard or something like a sempron setup with 1-2 gb of ram, raspberry pi and beagle bone are more for hardware / embedded development platform, don't expect much processing power from them for desktop savvy office use.
Rajdeep Banik
Oct 22, 2014 at 12:13 PM
Main problem is space. A desktop takes a lot of space and also power consumption. A pi can run for Hours with a standard ups.
RCuber
RCuber #4
Oct 22, 2014 at 12:56 PM
what is your budget?

Why not go for intel NUC?

- - - Updated - - -

or just buy any cheap Android mini PC and pair it with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Rajdeep Banik
Oct 22, 2014 at 1:57 PM
Trying to keep pc, monitor, keybrd mouse under 10K.
adityak469
Oct 22, 2014 at 8:42 PM
try to get an odroid,, its has good enough power.
skeletor
Oct 22, 2014 at 9:24 PM
Raspberry Bi is too slow for running LibreOffice.

I dunno what GPU Beaglebone Black has or whether it will run X.org.

None of them are alternatives for you. They are simply not suitable for your purpose. "oh, they can be used as computers" sounds fancy but they are simply embedded development boards.
Rajdeep Banik
Oct 23, 2014 at 12:18 AM
Odroid looks good but there are no Indian sellers. So, I think I will have to go back to a mini itx pc! :-(
Maybe I will make a custom cabinet to include the display, mobo, hdd together. Might take less space & less wire clutter!
icebags
icebags #9
Oct 23, 2014 at 12:33 AM
Trying to keep pc, monitor, keybrd mouse under 10K.

as people saying, android tab is ur best best for that.

in case u r looking for this How to Connect Mice, Keyboards, and Gamepads to an Android Phone or Tablet
Rajdeep Banik
Oct 23, 2014 at 9:04 AM
Maybe the nexus 7 2012 fits my bill. Which excel software is good in android?
icebags
icebags #11
Oct 23, 2014 at 12:08 PM
also found this thing. display costs extra.

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Rajdeep Banik
Oct 23, 2014 at 3:28 PM
Ok, finally decieded. Will buy a nexus 7 or assemble a custom mini itx system, whichever is cheaper. Thanks guys for your advices!
adityak469
Oct 25, 2014 at 10:34 PM
Odroid looks good but there are no Indian sellers. So, I think I will have to go back to a mini itx pc! :-(
Maybe I will make a custom cabinet to include the display, mobo, hdd together. Might take less space & less wire clutter!
ODROID-U3 don't know if they can be trusted..