The market for mini computers began to heat up after the debut of the Raspberry Pi Zero W. The idea of getting more for less is interesting for any enthusiast, and when it comes to lowering costs, few can compete with Chinese manufacturers. With that in mind, we meet the brand new Orange Pi 2G-IoT, and as its name suggests, this mini computer includes 2G connectivity, plus WiFi and Bluetooth support. The most striking thing is that it manages to match the price of the Zero W, although there are certain details in its specifications that demand our attention.
There is life beyond the Raspberry Pi, but the whims of distribution can make it very difficult to find. The Raspberry Pi is a very expensive option in some regions, thanks to shipping costs and customs duties; however, users end up paying the artificial "premium" not only for the broad support the platform offers, but because it is the only thing they find. Once again, the Raspberry Pi Foundation surprised and excited with the Raspberry Pi Zero W at ten dollars, but I can only wish good luck to anyone who tries to get one at that price. One of the best alternatives is Orange Pi, which offers nine different models on its official page. Now comes the tenth, the Orange Pi 2G-IoT.
This mini computer is based on a SoC RDA8810PL with a single Cortex-A5 core at 1 GHz. The RAM is just 256 MB (same as the original Raspberry Pi 1A), but it has 512 megabytes of internal storage. The microSD slot is on the back of the Orange Pi 2G-IoT, and there we also find a SIM slot. That confirms the presence of 2G connectivity, accompanied by a WiFi n module and Bluetooth 2.1. Two USB ports (one for power), built-in microphone, power button, sockets for camera and LCD, a 3.5-millimeter connector that works as input, output, and FM antenna, and a 40-pin GPIO compatible with Raspberry Pi accessories complete its specifications.
According to official data, the Orange Pi 2G-IoT already has images with Android (we estimate KitKat 4.4 due to the SoC and the amount of RAM) and Ubuntu Server. Those who want to buy one now will have to walk the aisles of Aliexpress, pay 10 dollars (9.4 euros) plus the shipping cost (about four dollars), and wait between one and two months for delivery. It is necessary to remember that several countries have scheduled the '2G shutdown' this year. Don't forget to check if that is going to happen in your region.
