micropython-lib VS DietPi

This is the current version of my code (excuse the mess it's become..), adapted from https://github.com/micropython/micropython-lib/blob/7128d423c2e7c0309ac17a1e6ba873b909b24fcc/micropython/bluetooth/aioble/examples/temp_client.py

STM32WB55 running MicroPython sounds like it'd suit. Should be fine for the power budget and aioble gives you one of the best BLE libraries on any platform. Documentation is generally good, though BLE is a little light (with some good examples and an active Discord channel!).

Pico (non-W) doesn't have upip (or mip, as that replaces upip now) or urequests because it doesn't have internet access required by them. In theory, you can download urequests from: https://github.com/micropython/micropython-lib/blob/master/python-ecosys/urequests/urequests.py or build your own MP image with it enabled. I don't know if it'll work as you want it to but it's worth a try.

Using SD-card on ESP8266 was more challenging. upip.install('sdcard') does not work.

But ChatGPT truly helped and suggested I find it in Github.

https://github.com/micropython/micropython-lib/blob/master/m...

I don't think there's a mip list command or something like that. So your best bet is to look at the subdirectories in https://github.com/micropython/micropython-lib for a list of installable packages.

Do give it another try if you get a chance; I'd be genuinely interested in hearing about your experience. Be sure to check out the awesome list and micropython-lib if you're looking to fill gaps. There are still many holes but they're rapidly being filled in.

DietPi is a lightweight Debian based Linux distribution for SBCs and server systems, with the option to install desktop environments, too. It ships as minimal image but allows to install complete and ready-to-use software stacks with a set of console based shell dialogs and scripts.

The source code is hosted on GitHub: https://github.com/MichaIng/DietPi

That's a good point, but the array of devices supported by the DietPi team is extensive: https://dietpi.com/

Before someone starts the usual yadda yadda about the RPi biger community, the OS not having long time support etc. I would repeat one more time: do not rely on board vendor supplied images; this is valid for pretty much all boards. Just go to Armbian or DietPi pages and you'll almost certainly find one or more images that work on your board and forums to discuss about them with very knowledgeable people.

https://www.armbian.com/download/

https://dietpi.com/#download

Those projects are well worth a contribution, as they don't have a giant like Broadcom behind them.

> bananapi do a lot of boards but their software story has been a bit poor

This is quite common with other board manufacturers too. I'd rather suggest to ignore completely their cobbled together distros, often also tainted by proprietary modifications, that become unmaintained in a few years, and see if they're among the many supported by Armbian or DietPi.

https://www.armbian.com/download/

https://dietpi.com/#download

The full release notes can be found at: https://dietpi.com/docs/releases/v8_25/

RPi OS = diet pi https://dietpi.com/ - initial config via text file - SDcard burning out partially mitigated as writes log files to ram then flushes to SDcard reducing write cycles

You could also try very minimalistic distros like TwisterUI or DietPi which are most known for their use in the RasprebbyPi / SBC computers but which also have editions for desktop / laptop.