I am a layperson about computers. I found out about the fsf approach to
computers. And that there is a gluglug, and nothing else.
I know that there must be reasons that there are no acceptable free hardware
notebooks. I would want to write open source hardware. To me it is good
enough if it can be verified that the hardware cannot spy on me. That is why
I have tried to get informed what are the obstacles.
Based on my readings I got the perception, that reverse engineering is the
main obstacles. It is to difficult. After reading this post, it seems it can
be done? It is rather a matter of getting it paid, which requires enough
buyers of the hardware.
Chris, I too believe that for average buyers free hardware is not a sales
argument. And only a joint effort can provide free hardware. I disagree on
your conclusion.
I am willing to pay more for approximately the same performance, if it is
free hardware. Bunny succeeded in crowdfunding a board that is expensive for
its performance. And it isn't even free hardware? On this forum in another
post I suggested, that a crowdfunding of a x86 free hardware notebook
mainboard should be endorsed by fsf. A comment brushed me of. I still
believe, that enough potential buyers for a free hardware mainboard are
present. What if in a combined crowdfunding campaign fsf, eff, applebaum,
debian, ubuntu, libreoffice, vlc, gimp, audacity, maybe even mozilla would
endorse and promote the mainboard? I would say, that hundred thousand or
millions would get to know about the mainboard and there would be enough
buyers among them to get the mainboard produced.
