Thank you all for the great feedback!!
I am very careful about how money is spent we would spend $400.00 on a <g class="gr_ gr_116 gr-alert gr_spell gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace gr-progress" id="116" data-gr-id="116">brightsign</g> player but could not use it to run real interactive programs. I would then use a $400.00 <g class="gr_ gr_273 gr-alert gr_spell gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="273" data-gr-id="273">brightsign</g> <g class="gr_ gr_418 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="418" data-gr-id="418">player</g> to loop video and felt that this was crazy.
Here are some more things I use at the Newark Museum:
Android PC: They cost about $80 on amazon and you can install free software to loop video. For more modern versions of Android, I wrote an app that will loop video. You can also use this as an Audio looper too, I used this to replace old CD player that finally died. There are other free apps that will auto start other apps and keep the screen on all the time. I have also used these to create Flash interactives, I export the Flash as an Android App in order to run on the Android device. I have used these Android PCs for years and never had one fail.
If you are going to use an Android PC make sure it has Audio out jack, some don't and its hard to get the audio from these devices. These devices are nice and small and can be tucked away, you do need some ventilation and would recommend Zip-ties to hold it in place, don't velcro as the unit does get warm and will make the velcro glue gooey and will let go.
Note: I have all my interactives reboot every night to ensure a fresh start every day. I have each interactive email me that the reboot has taken place; if I don't get an email this will prompt me to check the device.
Also, most tablets will need to be
rooted but in most <g class="gr_ gr_1968 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1968" data-gr-id="1968">cases</g> this is not very hard. this will also void any warranty so do it at your own risk.
The Samsung tablets that use Android cost about $300 and the new Samsung that uses Windows 10 costs about $545
I am leaning towards the Windows 10 tablets because I can control it easier with my code where the Android's I need 3rd party apps to help me. I can write some apps but I still have roadblocks.
The Intel NUC computers are great and very compact they cost about $580 with everything this includes a 128GB SSD drive and I think 16GB RAM.
For each device get a BlueTooth mini keyboard. Yes, I have a lot laying around (Make sure to label them and the related device) this makes it easy to control them if you need to reboot. Also, I would recommend for the windows computers (make sure you get Windows 10 PRO) to setup remote desktop. This will allow you to make updates without having to access the device directly.
Raymond
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Raymond Stivala
Manager of Web/Multimedia Development
The Newark Museum
Newark NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2017 10:25 AM
From: Lyne Johnson
Subject: Touchscreen Computer Kiosk
Hello! I am working on a project that will be displayed on a touchscreen computer. I am having some problems finding a good source for a kiosk for a 19"-21" screen. Would anyone have a good direction you could send me?
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Lyne Johnson
Assistant Director
Boot Hill Museum
Dodge City KS
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