Testing the NanoPi NEO and the NanoPi 2 Fire

Conclusion

The NanoPi NEO shows itself to be a good alternative to the Pi Zero. Unlike the Pi Zero, the NEO can be used for many server applications without additional adapters, cables, and components, although it is still difficult to draw a direct comparison with the smallest Rasp Pi. The interfaces between the two types of computers are too different from one another and, therefore, the areas of application. Many instructions that come with the RPi3 can even be used on the NEO, such as a backup machine introduced in a previous article [5]. Another example of a possible application would be a small access point, which would merely involve plugging in a USB WiFi adapter and installing software according to the instructions.

The NanoPi 2 Fire, on the other hand, can only be recommended under the right conditions. The Gigabit Ethernet provides a substantial advantage, but the throughput rate is too limited for an authentic network attached storage solution. Last but not least, the price and performance differentials between the Fire and the RPi3 are not great enough for the typical hobbyist. The large Raspberry community makes things easier.

The NanoPi series comprises many more models than the two single-board computers discussed here. There is a small computer with features to fit all budgets and requirements. Just after the article deadline, for example, the NanoPi NEO Air became available, which is something to be hopeful about. It has a WiFi chip as a replacement for the Ethernet port, but remains as small in size as the current NEO.

Infos

  1. FriendlyARM: http://www.friendlyarm.com
  2. 3D print file for the NanoPi NEO case: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1698298
  3. 3D print file for the NanoPi 2 Fire case: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1587553
  4. Armbian for the NanoPi NEO: http://www.armbian.com/nanopi-neo/
  5. "Backing Up with Rasp Pi" by Bernhard Bablok, Raspberry Pi Geek, issue 19, 2016, pg. 50, http://www.raspberry-pi-geek.com/Archive/2016/19/Using-the-Raspberry-Pi-as-a-backup-server

The Author

Bernhard Bablok works at Allianz Managed & Operations Services SE as an SAP HR developer. In his free time, he likes to listen to music, ride his bike, and go hiking. He also likes to delve into all topics having to do with Linux, programming, and, recently, nano-computers. He can be contacted at mailto:mail@bablokb.de.

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