Expectations from a $35 Computer
-
@rbaker said in Expectations from a $35 Computer:
@obsidianspider said in Expectations from a $35 Computer:
I'm pretty upset when I see posts (not just here, but elsewhere on the Internet) where people are complaining that it's too hard to use
I continually find it remarkable that people suggest that it is too hard to use. The instructions to get up and running using an SD card image couldn't be clearer. However, people just do not read them then complain and ask pointless questions because they cannot be bothered to search the site. Some people on here have even said that they don't need to read instructions and that it should "just work". Well in my opinion it "just does work".
I have never used a RaspberryPi before a week ago, nor have I ever touched linux/unix before and apart from PS3 Controller issues (because ended up being a fake controller) I had the RetroPie up and running without any issues at all.
Only 'hard' part right now is figuring out the MAME stuff. Everything else has been pretty straight forward and lots of YouTube videos if the written directions are difficult.
-
@THRobinson said in Expectations from a $35 Computer:
Only 'hard' part right now is figuring out the MAME stuff.
I think everyone struggles with MAME stuff, even experienced users. With those arcade games there are just so many variables to consider.
-
@obsidianspider said in Expectations from a $35 Computer:
@THRobinson said in Expectations from a $35 Computer:
Only 'hard' part right now is figuring out the MAME stuff.
I think everyone struggles with MAME stuff, even experienced users. With those arcade games there are just so many variables to consider.
Ya, I remember trying on my PC years ago and was a bit of trial/error. Luckily, I only have about 3 games I want to get working in MAME. Mostly that old Superman/Shazam arcade game, Bad Dudes (arcade was better than NES) and an old wrestling game called Exciting Hour. :)
-
@THRobinson If you want to learn more about MAME stuff, check out the "MAME ROW (Random of the Week)" threads where weekly we all check out some usually obscure MAME games, and at least in my case, figure out how to get it working. :)
-
Think my biggest problem was
-
Think my biggest problem was locating the bios files for the psx games. A little research and success!
-
I totally agree with the topic starter. People should not bitch about something that's completely free. If people had to pay for RetroPie I would understand if people complained about it, but I mean you got it for free and the people behind it are doing it for free in their own spare time.
Many questions people ask on this board are already answered in other topics. Using RetroPie isn't hard, the configuration is pretty straight forward. I had only to change like 5 variables to get what I wanted and that's it and I found all the answers on this board (other topics), the Wiki page, YouTube and searches on Google.
Figuring out MAME is not hard at all, I use lr-fba-next emulator with the required romset and it works perfectly. It's not hard if you read the page on the Wiki. Converting romsets is easy too, there are many good guides on YouTube on how to do this.
Installation is easy too, a fellow forum member Floob has a great Youtube channel with tutorials, I think he done a great job with his channel. It has been posted here many times and he's pretty active on this board.
If you log in trough SSH via PC you can litteraly paste complete command lines straight from guides lol.
I'm glad I got the RPi3. I was looking for a device to play Retro games on. I found some Android handheld devices which are pretty expensive. Long story short I found an article on the internet about RetroPie and I immediately bought the Pi with a 64GB card. So far one of the best purchases I ever made. Supporting Kodi is a huuuuuuuuge plus if you really like movies/tv shows and you want to stream them in HD on your TV.
-
@herb_fargus said in Expectations from a $35 Computer:
I really respect the people who take the time to learn things for themselves and contribute back to the community with their developments.
Herb- i know i speak for everyone when i say i am extremely thankful for all that you do. I am a novice programmer of 10 years, and mainly do lots of automation in Windows using C#, .net blah blah.
I am usually bored at work looking for some side "projects" to keep me entertained. I've dabbled here and there in linux for the last 8 or so years. Not a complete novice, but definitely not advanced. it seems i am reteaching myself every 2 years when i pick it back up.
I enjoy working things out on my own and finding answers through experimenting. That being said the Rpi is right up my alley.
This post really has no agenda other than i am bit bored and this thread had me inspired to say my piece.
As a beginner, i openly welcome any and all pointers. If there are some good online resources for reading up on linux in general, rpi, and retropie stuff (other than the wiki) please send them my way. i would love to assist in some future aspects of the project, but i need to get up to speed first. Also, i am running out of things to do with my retropie build and need some new challenges.
-
@HoustoneD said in Expectations from a $35 Computer:
Also, i am running out of things to do with my retropie build and need some new challenges.
That's what got me looking into putting my Pi in a Super Famicom and now a Gameboy Advance. Messing with hardware has proven to be a whole other level of challenge for me.
-
@obsidianspider Yes I agree with you that some peoples expectations of the platform are way up in the clouds, posts about emulating PS2, Gamecube, and Wii comes to mind. But on the other hand its good to have high expectations to a certain degree as that encourages innovation and clever programming. I'm amazed with what this little device can do and tinkering with the Pi platform has become a routine pass-time for me.
Contributions to the project are always appreciated, so if you would like to support us with a donation you can do so here.
Hosting provided by Mythic-Beasts. See the Hosting Information page for more information.