Dedicated Astro Computers v Generic Computers

[rueffy (Jarrod)]

Hi all,

Looking at getting an Intel Compute stick or something similar to host NINA. The price difference between an Eagle vs a generic stick is significant. Personally I'm not sure how I can justify the extra expense when a generic solution would work just as well? I see the Intel sticks are discontinued now, but there are alternatives on the market. What generic solutions are people using?

[AdamJL]

I've got a Beelink U55 (they've replaced it with a Beelink U59 now) and MeLE Quieter3Q. Both great little machines.
Also have a Pegasus Powerbox Advance G2 for power management.

The Eagles are great, but for the outdated CPU, a (my opinion) total waste of cash for what they're asking for it. If the price dropped or they updated the CPU then it'd be more viable. 2.5k for an 8th gen i3 is a laugh. Intel have already announced 13th gen.

[Wilsil (Wilco)]

I am using the MeLE which is fed by the Pegasus Powerbox Advance.
It's small, light and works perfectly.
I was looking at the Eagle but the price put me off.

[Sayfog (Alistair)]

The beelink and MeLE's seem to be the winners from what I've seen elsewhere - wish there was some more cheap zen2 options out there for the better power efficiency on battery but probsbly not the end of the world (especially if you're at home on mains power anyway).

[rueffy (Jarrod)]

Thanks everyone for your input, I will check out those products, glad I'm not the only one who thinks Eagle is a bit overpriced.