Go with me here. Routers are routers, and servers are servers. Some people mix and match things, but generally, ideally, this is how it goes. And I agree.
But the router I just set up, the Google WiFi, has 4gb storage, 512mb of ram, a quad core CPU at 800mhz, is easy to flash, and only costs $10-15 on eBay all day long.
If you used it as only a little computer, no routing.. Then..
If I wanted to say... Set up a tailscale node at my family's house. Why spend $45-80, or even $130(!) on a raspberry pi with an Ethernet port, when the Google WiFi works just as well if not better for that job?
Maybe a tiny matrix server? Tiny web hosting?
Or, for a less ideal solution, but still reasonable. What if I wanted to set up a remote backup node for my main server? If my needs were small enough, the Google WiFi would be much more economical, although you'd need to add a USB hub to break out the USB ports. And there would be limitations obviously.
Or getting really crazy, you could potentially squeeze one or two bigger services onto a router, just to see if it's possible.. Minecraft server?
My question is. What is the best device for this? The Google WiFi is dirt cheap at $10-15, I'm about to pull the trigger on a second one just to play with. But I wanted to see if you guys had any other suggestions?
I tried searching the toh for similar devices, but even restricting it down every way I can think of, I've still got over a hundred devices to look at.
Basically, I think older router hardware is an overlooked, cheaper alternative, to raspberry pis, for some scenarios.
Ah, maybe I wasn't clear. I understand that none of this is "best device for the job".
I mean, I want to tinker with this idea, I want the most bang for my buck while tinkering. Currently the Google WiFi seems capable of some of those goals, and is $10-15. Is there another similarly specced and priced router that you're aware of that also has a USB port exposed for use? And is also $10-15?
Tall order, really I'm just making conversation