Raspberry PI 400 PI2AES Board

I am wondering what the interest would be in taking our PI2AES design and adapting it for the PI 400. Functionality would be pretty much the same (likely no parallel I2S), but the connector orientation would be different to accommodate the PI 400. Also need to figure out a simple, low cost case for it.

We are waiting for a PI 400 to be delivered., then I can put together a 3D model of what I have in mind mechanically

Cheers,
Michael

 

Seems like the keyboard would be good for searching songs. Could be a nice system

 

I tend to want my keyboard wireless, so the notion of a computer in a keyboard that requires tethering to power and perhaps other devices (such as a Pi2AES) just seems odd. I don't have a Pi2AES setup yet, but I think of it as a headless device. I wouldn't want it attached to a keyboard. My 2c.

 

Same

 

I don't see the appeal for attaching it to Pi 400. It isn't useful without also adding a display, and you can't take it across the room, so you end up needing to dedicate substantial space on a tabletop.

 

There's certainly an appeal since before this was released, many people made DIY builds embedding an RPi in a keyboard.

While I know a lot of you like headless setups, I want a bit of interactivity like a CD player or record player. RPi 400 with a small touchscreen is something that my whole family and guests(after covid) can interact with easily.

 

I prefer a touchscreen instead of going headless but I don’t think a keyboard really helps much. I just wish the various software players out there would optimize their GUIs for a 7” touchscreen interface.

 

The only typing I do in Volumio is to enter a search.
For Pi2AES applications, what other things would people use the keyboard for?

 

I never heard of the PI 400 until now....

I think adding a big screen defeats the whole purpose of doing the PI streaming digital setup in the first place: Ditch a computer desktop like device from your music station.

Don't add too much SKUs with a higher chance of screwing up the orders.

 

Speaking of DIY setups with screens, I wonder if it is possible to heat sink the Pi w/Pi2AES or 502DAC so that it could be a more versatile solution. I’d love a machine I could lug around with an external monitor for simple multitasking that plays good music.

 

I'm a headless horseman. The keyboard holds no appeal for me. When I once had a Squeezebox Touch, I didn't think I could live without a touch screen, but in reality it took me about 15 minutes to get used to a phone app instead of a touch screen. Then the Touch died and I never looked back.

Just one man's opinion.

Jac

 

While I respect all opinions, I seems if you are not interested in the PI 400 itself, there is not much sense to weigh in on the value of a PI2AES add on for it!