Brian Benchoff’s “minimum practical computer’” is a Linux handheld personal computer run by an Allwinner F1C100s ARM9 processor that could in shape into your pocket and must price about $15 (BoM price) to manufacture in amount.
The open up-supply hardware Linux “computer” arrives with 32MB or 64MB RAM, a 2.3-inch coloration show, a 48-important keyboard, a USB port, and is powered by two AAA batteries. Never hope a desktop natural environment, but it can run a terminal to execute scripts, or even operate Doom.
Bare minimum practical laptop or computer requirements:
- SoC – Allwinner F1C100s ARM926EJ-S CPU @ 533 MHz with 32 MB DDR designed-in (Upgradable to 64 MB with the pin-compatible F1C200s)
- Storage – 64GB MicroSD card
- Exhibit – 2.3” IPS TFT screen with 320 x 240 resolution (ILI9342 SPI controller)
- USB – USB 2. Kind-A port
- Keyboard – 48-key keyboard with a silicone membrane (just like most Television set distant controls)
- Misc – Electricity button, 6-pin header with UART, 5V, GND
- Energy Offer
- 2x AAA NiMH battery holders
- Charging around USB Style-C port @ 500mA
- Dimensions – TBD
All the hardware and program will be open-resource with permissive licenses, as considerably as achievable. Some new motorists had to be prepared for the board, and the code will also be launched. Pieces have been chosen in a way so that they can be conveniently sourced and offered, even in 2021/2022. You will note there is no networking connectivity so you’d want to incorporate a WiFi or Ethernet USB dongle if that’s vital to you.
Brian states it price tag $10,000 to create just one, I suppose including the engineering expenses and/or moulding charges as properly, but calculated a BoM price of about $15 when ordering 10,000 parts with for occasion the Allwinner F1C100s heading for 75 cents, the display for $2.2, the 64GB MicroSD card for $2.2, the PCB for $2, the enclosure for $1.7, the keyboard for $1.2, the 4 battery connectors for $1.1, the two batteries for $1.1, with all the remaining elements less than $1.
The style is even now in development, and there will be other iterations of the hardware quite possibly with a a little bit distinct set of functions. You can discover extra facts on the project’s webpage. Brian ideas to ultimately mass-create the gadget, so a crowdfunding campaign may possibly occur later this calendar year. Observe it’s not the to start with time we’ve found Allwinner F1C100s processor in extremely-cheap “computer”, an illustration remaining a $3 Linux small business card by George Hilliard.
By way of Liliputing and Hacker Information
Jean-Luc commenced CNX Application in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, ahead of quitting his work as a program engineering manager, and commencing to publish each day news, and assessments entire time afterwards in 2011.
