The NanoPi Zero2 is a tiny single-board computer that measures just 49.5 x 4.95 x 29mm (1.95″ x 1.95″ x 1.14″) when placed in an optional case, or just 45 x 45mm (1.77″ x 1.77″) when used without a case.

But it's a pretty versatile little machine too, with a Rockchip RK3528A quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, up to 2GB of RAM, an eMMC socket and microSD card reader for storage, and an M.2 2230 slot that can be used for a PCIe 2.1 E-Key wireless module or other compatible accessories. The NanoPi Zero2 is available for $18 and up from the FriendlyELEC website.

One thing to keep in mind is that there's a key feature this little computer doesn't have: video output. There's no DisplayPort or HDMI port and it doesn't appear that the system's USB Type-C port supports video output.

Instead this is a system that can be used for headless applications. You could set it up as a file server, network media player, or other applications that don't involve plugging a display directly into the computer itself. FriendlyElec says the system supports multiple Linux-based operating systems including Ubuntu Noble Core, Debian Bookworm Core, FriendlyWrt 23.05, and OpenMediaVault.

The $18 starting price gets you a model with 1GB of RAM and no storage. But the company also offers the following optional upgrades:

  • 2GB RAM for $3
  • 32GB eMMC module for $8
  • 64GB eMMC module for $10
  • RTL882CE WiFi module (WiFi 5 & BT 5.0) for $18
  • Case for $7

    • In other words, the most expensive model (with 2GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a case, and a wireless card) will set you back $56.

    But you don't need any of those things for basic functionality. The board has a Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, USB Type-C port for 5V/2A power input and data, an eMMC socket, and microSD card reader, a 30-pin FPC GPIO connector, RTC battery connector, and UARTdebug pins.

    via CNX Software

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