Alternative to BeagleBone Black?

[Pacifist]

I want to get a small computer like the BeagleBone Black to use as a media computer and watch movies on it.

Is the beaglebone the best option or are there better, newer alternatives?

[SpAmRaY]

Raspberry pi?

[Pacifist]

Raspberry pi?

beagleboard is more powerful than pi I think

[nuclearsandwich]

Raspberry pi?

beagleboard is more powerful than pi I think

The BeagleBone Black is more powerful than a Raspberry Pi, but it also runs on an ARM processor whereas the Pi is Intel compatible. This doesn't mean a whole lot but if you're planning on running a specific Linux distro rather than the default distribution you should make sure that there's an ARM release channel and that the packages you want are part of it.

[Pacifist]

Raspberry pi?

beagleboard is more powerful than pi I think

The BeagleBone Black is more powerful than a Raspberry Pi, but it also runs on an ARM processor whereas the Pi is Intel compatible. This doesn't mean a whole lot but if you're planning on running a specific Linux distro rather than the default distribution you should make sure that there's an ARM release channel and that the packages you want are part of it.

I'm just going to use it as a media PC and have it permanently next to my tv

[agodinhost]

pcduino?
50 bucks on ebay
it uses an ARM 9 I think
2gb flash
and run linux

[IvanIvanovich]

Why not go for a complete Arm net top for a little bit more. You have the Giada Q11 and CompuLab Trim-Slice or Utilite. I think Trim-Slice is best deal, Tegra2, 1GB ddr2, 32GB ssd, Gb ethernet, wifi N, bluetooth, hdmi, tv in, case for $120.

[PointyFox]

There's a ton of Android based minicomputers for connecting to TVs.  I have one that works pretty well.  They're like $35-$80.

[IvanIvanovich]

True, there are lots of set top box type things...  Some of the Android ones like the new Geniatech ATV1800 might not be too bad. Boxee thing is bearable as well (it's an Atom based though), it's very much xbmc.