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Ask HN: Hardware Platform for a Learning Device

by katzenversteher on 5/29/24, 7:24 AM with 4 comments

Hi HN,

I have a project in my head for a device that's supposed to help young children learn (~2 years).

It needs a medium sized touch screen (large enough for children), speakers and must be rugged enough to survive rougher interactions with children. In addition to displaying simple graphics, I'd like to run Text-To-Speech directly on the device. WIFI is not required.

Do you have suggestions for feasible devices with reasonable prices? I'm open for everything, Android tablets, iPads, Industrial panel PCs, Raspberry PI stuff, chinese aliexpress devices etc.

What would you do?

  • by gus_massa on 5/30/24, 6:43 AM

    Use just a standard android tablet, like a Samsung A7 Lite with a thick cover like https://articulo.mercadolibre.com.ar/MLA-1378585161-funda-an...

    My wife made a custom app with Text-To-Speech for my children in this setup using Kotlin.

  • by brudgers on 5/29/24, 3:26 PM

    I would build something and figure out what works and what doesn't at the software and system integration level. Ruggedized hardware is just a throw money at the problem problem.

    To put it another way, start with building not shopping. Good luck.