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[Usman55]

Hello Codenstuffers,

I am looking forward to buy the so called Raspberry - Pi and I know some of our other members are also willing to buy it. As some of you might not know, it is not a complete computer but only the CPU which we also call 'The Box'. So it means it won't come with mouse, keyboard, monitor etc. (there are some packages on RS Components though but I bet they won't be cheap). This topic should cover all the accessories that we will need along with 'The Box'. This topic isn't for your info but rather for my info and I want to know the best choices considering the price as well as the quality, reliability, durability or whatever you want to call it. I have a tight budget since the only money I have (online) is 85$ which I earned from my downloads at plunder.com and also this will be a secret from my parents until I get the whole thing so there is no asking them to pay. This article will help those as well who own some other device (maybe a laptop) and want to buy gadgets for it.


So first things first, what keyboard and mouse should I/we buy? Should I buy them together as a set? Or should I buy them separately?


I'll keep editing this post as we progress through all the accessories. The links you post should be of ebay.com as that's the service I use and I think others use as well (apart from amazon, lol). Please don't spam this topic by useless posts. If you have any questions, PM me. Only post comments containing links or description of the items. And I repeat, the items should be low priced regarding tight bugdets (as most of us are teenagers and aren't employed) but quality should not get compromised.

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Okay, so here are a few eBay links to the items I've been watching so far. Please have a look at them and review them. Tell me how good (or how bad) they are.

Powered 7-Port USB Hub:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 147wt_1270
This will be plugged into the outlet. It will power the Raspberry Pi and it will also be used to plug all the other stuff in. It has an extra cable to connect to a computer.

Micro USB to USB Cable:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 357wt_1270
This will be used to power the Raspi. The USB end will go into the USB Hub and the micro USB end will go into the power port on the Raspi.

HDMI Cable 1.5M/4.5ft:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 898wt_1037
An HDMI cable to connect the Raspi to an HD TV. It's length is 1.5 meters.

USB WiFi Adapter/Dongle:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 091wt_1037
I am not sure of it's quality as it's so cheap. So please have a look at it. It will be used to enable the Raspi to connect a wireless home (or other) network.

Wireless Headphones (FM):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 590wt_1037
This is a multi-purpose headphone. It has an emitter which uses FM technology (I think so). It is capable of finding and locking channels.

Webcam:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 161wt_1270
It claims to be 5 Megapixel but I'm not sure about it.


More links coming soon. Please check them out and then tell me if they are good or not.

[mikethedj4]

Keyboard, and mouse doesn't matter as it's all personal preference. I personally really love Apple keyboards, and this Foldable Portable Roll-Up USB 2.0 Keyboard on Swagbucks looks like a nice comfortable keyboard to use. You can also get a usb mouse on Swagbucks as well, plus more great prizes you can get for free.

[Usman55]

mike, sorry but I said that suggestions should be made while keeping tight budget in mind. Another thing I said was that the links should be of ebay.com i.e. I should be able to buy it off eBay.

[mikethedj4]

Here's the same foldable keyboard I mentioned before on Ebay.

There's the Microsoft Touch Mouse (ebay link), Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse (ebay link)

I do want to point out what I mentioned in my first reply (personal preference) as you'll need to search for what fits you the best, so I'd advise you to search for some mice, and reviews on youtube, then search on ebay, and see what you can find. (Lately I've been really enjoying using my finger as a mouse using my webcam. The app's called FingerMouse.)

[Usman55]

How does it feel while typing on the 'foldable keyboard'? I believe we would have to apply a little pressure on the keys in order to press them.

And I am saying it again, PRICE SHOULDN'T BE HIGH.

[mikethedj4]

The foldable keyboard is actually really nice. It's waterproof, but not indestructible, but can take quite a beating, and still work, just make sure you don't hit/drop where the power supply is. (on the right seen on the image above) This dude Procia I used to be friends with had one, and their really nice, but that's my just my opinion.

[Skillful]

The flexible keyboard looks nice mikethedj4.
Any idea of how much it costs?

[mikethedj4]

The flexible keyboard looks nice mikethedj4.
Any idea of how much it costs?

On the current ebay link of it above it's US $11.50. However you can get it from Swagbucks for free, in which I linked to that above as well.

[Skillful]

US $11.50 means around INR 600.
And Swagbucks is not for India so point in joining Swagbucks lol.
The keyboard seems cheap.
Might consider buying one.

[Usman55]

What I actually wanted to ask was whether the keys made a tuck sound when we press them or not. Because if they are soft, which means they're like rubber when pressed then it will be very difficult to type on them. But anyways, I needed everything wireless as I'm going to snap my Raspi onto the back of my 32" LCD TV. Anyways, I'll soon be posting links/pics of some of the peripherals I've decided to buy. I would like to get feedback from you guys as how their quality is.