Been debating a bit about buying the flipper zero, since it is an all-in-one device that I think would be perfect for someone like me. Of course the input on Reddit and under the YouTube comments are a bit off-putting, but since I’m a hardware nerd and the device is a toy that is made for hardware nerds such as myself with lots of features packed into one package, I think it would be a nice tool to have in my pocket.
I’m wondering about anyone’s experience with the flipper just so I know what I’m getting myself into. I’ve been planning on getting into RF and I think this device + a RTL-SDR would be a perfect introduction. Of course, I do plan on buying a HackRF and a iCopy-XS, but those devices are a lot more expensive for me currently and for starting out I don’t want to drop $500+ for those devices.
I have also been looking at other Pine64 products such as the Pinebook Pro, PineTime, and their portable soldering iron. All three look really cool and definitely something I want to look at. The PinePhone I do own, and I do like it as a tinkering device, but unfortunately not really usable with all my apps and the keyboard is also not in stock last I checked.
Links to the Pine64 Stuff:
https://pine64.com/product-category/pinebook-pro/
https://pine64.com/product-category/pinetime-smartwatch/
https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/
If you want to get into RF, and not just for hacking a few specific protocols, an RTL-SDR is a better choice and much, much cheaper than a Flipper Zero. For $40 on Amazon you can get an RTL-SDR.com kit complete with antennas that will let you capture data from smart meters, aircraft beacons, police radio, and even detect individual cars driving nearby by capturing serial numbers from their TPMS sensors.
I’m already planning on getting both. LOL
I mean, if I had the disposable income I’d get a Flipper Zero to mess around with, but it’s not on my list of things I need for my hardware hacking go-bag.
What’s the need you’re trying to fill?