BigE

Hi all,
I am new to the Netduino/hardware world but not to .NET so I am very excited about this product! I would like to buy one, but wanted to know more about how it works first. I have a very simple question regarding the design/purpose of the Netduino and I suppose the .NET Micro Framework in general:

Obviously the intended usage of a Netduino is to deploy your .NET app onto the device, letting it run standalone; however, can the Netduino be used as a "plug-and-play" device (similar to Phidgets) where a WinForms application can have direct control/access to it? My intent is to send digital outputs to control physical objects remotely. For example, write an app that can run on a server that I can access via my phone or another Internet-enabled device to control the Netduino connected to it.

If the Netduino is only designed for deploy-only, standalone usage, that's still a pretty cool device for $35! I'll probably be getting one regardless, but would just like to know more about how it can be used.

Thanks in advance!
-Eric