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Is there any way to obtain a hardware text terminal (preferably small in size) with a screen and a keypad to connect to a Linux machine (preferably via USB)? I'd like to be able to log into a command-line and do some work there while simultaneously running a graphical environment on the main display. It seems like there should be some kind of LCD screen and qwerty keypad device designed for this purpose. Does this exist, and how do I get one?
Edit: I'd be happy with a small networked device as well, as long as I could get a remote terminal into my computer.
I agree with mas and sheepsimulator: all you need is a veeeery cheap and veeeeery old laptop. But if you'll find an IBM T20 for less than 100€ it should be nice. – dag729 – 2010-05-04T00:54:20.173
Another computer can connect, usually via Ethernet or even serial, and run a remote session. So an old computer or a cheap laptop or netbook should be fine as you don't need any significant resources on it. As to just a screen and keyboard via USB -- other than an old aptop via a serial-USB conversion, I suspect that may be more expensive if it exists – mas – 2009-08-12T17:58:54.583
1really? i thought it might be less expensive to buy a device that only operated as a dumb terminal as opposed to a general purpose netbook. – DLH – 2009-08-12T18:04:33.153
@ DLH - I doubt it. Most of the new devices that operate as dumb terminals have very specific, non-widespread uses: library/school PCs/kiosks, specific embedded system-type terminals. As such, they aren't built for the mass market, and cost more. Your'e really better off with a mass market item. Anything you find on the second-hand market will be more expensive or bigger, due to the fact that the hey-day of terminals that you speak of was pre-LCDs. – J. Polfer – 2009-08-12T18:10:56.353