Interesting, Chris. What is it called? And when will it be available? I'd like to read more on the specs. I'm working with the Freedombox project and such an x86-based non-Intel (free/libre software stack) product would be desirable.
Best regards, Rick C. Hodgin -------- Original Message -------- From: [email protected] Sent: Tue, May 29, 2012 03:59 AM To: [email protected] CC: Subject: [Trisquel-users] Alternative freedom friendly solution to Raspberry Pi >The one thing I don't like about the Raspberry Pi project is the use of a >graphics chip dependent on non-free software. > >I think there may be a new better alternative from VIA though. I sent an >email to graphics chipset vendor in use in the device and got word back from >an engineer (David Berol from wolfsonmicro) that the WM8750 chipset is not >dependent on proprietary drivers or firmware. I did have to clarify this >though as he thought I was talking about the price :). > >I've also gotten word through an intermediary who investigated the BIOS >situation on the VIA board. This motherboard will be released unlocked. Right >now VIA is releasing it with Android although there is nothing preventing >this community (free software users) from porting a GNU/Linux distribution to >it. > >It is based on ARM and I think it's primary usefulness would be streaming HD >content as the cost is low ($50 USD) and has built-in hardware HD decoding. >It has severely limited built-in ram (512MB) although more than sufficient >for a purpose built device (HTPC). It also has 2GB internal storage and >microsd expansion slot. It also has limited CPU (just 800Mhz).
