Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller

[Caesar S]

I found this mini 8" tablet PC with Windows 8.1 installed. Originally I was thinking of adding an LCD display with an SD slot (ala RepRap 3D printer controller) to allow offline CNC (some on the forum are exploring Raspberry Pi).

I ordered 2, 1 for each ShapeOko 2 CNCs. $190.-
http://www.directron.com/ntl31aa008.html

Full fledged tablet PC, I'm planning on connecting keyboard & mouse via Bluetooh. It also has WiFi, USB, and MicroSD card slot.

The Easel web app can run offline once started.

I think I'm all set !

[halfnormal]

HP Adds $99 Windows Tablet

http://www.dailytech.com/HP+Adds+99+Win ... e36630.htm

....The Stream 7 and Stream 8 [obviously] feature 7” and 8” screens respectively, and will be priced at $99 and $149 respectively.

[Caesar S]

Rats! Already ordered mine

[halfnormal]

Well sometimes you just luck out. I was on Amazon and found a refurbished 8" Windows 8 tablet for $35.00. This is running full Windows 8 on a quad core Atom processor not RT on an ARM processor.

Just to see if it could be done, I installed the Arduino software, downloaded GRBL, downloaded 9G to a spare Arduino UNO, downloaded Universal gcode sender, installed the latest Java and crossed my fingers. It worked! I was able to talk to the Arduino with GRBL software.

A few caveats about this set up. Although usable, the screen is small. The tablet does have a HDMI out so that is not a real problem. The real problem is that the USB port is also the charging port. I am going to try and make a cable that will work with the USB port and the charger.

So if anyone wants to use a Windows 8 tablet to control their setup, it will work.

[Dave]

Well sometimes you just luck out. I was on Amazon and found a refurbished 8" Windows 8 tablet for $35.00. This is running full Windows 8 on a quad core Atom processor not RT on an ARM processor.

$35! What model was it? Happen to have a link?

[WillAdams]

Yeah, that single port is a pain. There’s a hub on Ali Express for $17.50 which supports a number of tablets, and at least one manufacturer, Toshiba, makes a charging hub specifically to address this failing.

[halfnormal]

$35! What model was it? Happen to have a link?

The brand is Hipstreet model W8 Pro. Sorry they sold out quick! I was just lucky when I came across it.

[clockit]

as an AT&T wireless customer, when I upgraded my phone they gave me an android LG GPad 7 for 99 cents that I'm hoping that I convert to a dedicated controller tablet.

[cvoinescu]

That's 99 cents plus part of whatever they wring out of you every month for the two years of your contract, right?

[clockit]

That's 99 cents plus part of whatever they wring out of you every month for the two years of your contract, right?

Nope, own my phone outright, no 2 yr contract... the promotion was "buy a phone get a tablet for 99 cents", didn't have to re-up the 2 yr contract with the plan I'm on...