I'd call it free hardware to be consistent. Or you could call it libre
hardware, if the gratis angle bothers you.
I think we're living in very interesting times regarding hardware when
anybody can draw their own schematics. Of course, manufacture is still pretty
expensive but in the future this is likely to also change. 3D printing and
circuit printing are encouraging developments.
I think smart people would do well to evaluate the varying free hardware
licenses to make sure there is a good way to co-operate. Everybody realizes
that to run software one needs hardware. And while an Arduino will not
replace your laptop, its descendant one day might.
