What is the minimum hardware required for running bitcoind?

[malditonuke]

Didn't find the answer on bitcoin.org

After coming across the $25 Tiny PC (http://www.pcworld.com/article/227307/tiny_pc_runs_linux_is_the_size_of_a_flash_drive.html), I began pondering bitcoin client portability and minimum requirements.  Are the minimums listed somewhere?  Have I missed the page?

[ryepdx]

Well, I can't point you to any place that lists the requirements for bitcoind, but I know that the Bitcoin Linux client 0.3.20 was compiled in Ubuntu 10.04. Pretty sure Ubuntu 10.04 can run the 0.3.21 binary too. According to the Ubuntu website, you can get an Ubuntu server install with just 128MB of RAM:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/SystemRequirements

You should be able to run the bitcoind binary on the server install without any trouble. Alternatively, you could install something like Slackware ARM (http://www.armedslack.org/) and then compile a version specifically for that distro.

Of course, all this is moot since it looks like the Tiny PC has no way of connecting to the Internet.

[error]

Of course, all this is moot since it looks like the Tiny PC has no way of connecting to the Internet.

USB Ethernet/wireless.

[ryepdx]

From the article malditonuke posted:

With storage available through an SD card slot, this thing has everything you could want in a computer (except maybe Wi-Fi; at the time of this writing I was unable to confirm networking)...

[malditonuke]

Of course, all this is moot since it looks like the Tiny PC has no way of connecting to the Internet.

I noticed that, too.  Of course the device must have access to the internet, and I've seen other itty-bitty computers (such as the plug computer).  Someone will make something that has internet access.

I'm wondering what to look for in terms of the bitcoin client's processor, memory, and disk space requirements.  I've seen lcd keychains sell for less than $10.  Combine that with a wifi-enabled Tiny PC-esque device, and I've got a cheap portable bitcoin client.

[ryepdx]

Yeah, I imagine making a tiny, portable client is entirely doable. Bonus points if you can give it a rechargeable battery that recharges with, say, body heat or the motion of walking. Or solar power. :-3

But it will be awesome regardless.

Edit:
For a rapid prototype, you might try looking at a microcontroller like the Arduino, or perhaps something less hobby-horse if you're already adept at electrical/computer engineering. There's already a Wifi shield that seems low-power enough for a rechargeable battery.

[malditonuke]

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/02/tiny-150-pc-fits-in-a-power-plug/

Globalscale’s DreamPlug looks to have the build-quality of a $5 card-reader from your local dime-store, complete with ill-fitting plastic panels and 1980s utility-chic color-scheme. But who cares? This is a tiny PC that is smaller than the average wall-wart, and sips just 5 watts of power – the same as a USB port supplies.

The DreamPlug packs a 1.2GHz Marvell Sheeva CPU, 512MB RAM (and 2MB storage, upgradeable through a microSD slot). You also get a pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB-ports, an eSATA port, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR and even Wi-Fi (b and g).

Wait, there’s more: 48K/44.1 KHz audio (in and out), a 16-bit DAC, a headphone jack and an S/PDIF optical port.

Not bad, right? And here’s the price: $150. The DreamPlug comes with Ubuntu or Debian Linux, but you could probably do whatever you like with it. Like build a plug-in RSS-enabled BitTorrent box, or a surveillance system, or a media-server. At this price, you could get one just to tinker with.

One more thing: It’s tiny, but it gets even tinier. The part you see with the two power-plug prongs protruding? That’s removable, so you can squeeze this inside another box and run a cable to the mains.

The DreamPlug is available now. All your cheap, plasticky nerd-dreams can come true.