Intel Releases $99 'MinnowBoard Max,' an Open-Source Single-Board Computer 97
A few months back, we posted a video interview with some of the folks behind the Linux-friendly, x86-based MinnowBoard. TechCrunch reports the release of a more powerful version of the same all-in-one computer, now with a 1.91GHz Atom E3845 processor. According to the linked article, "The board's schematics are also available for download and the Intel graphics chipset has open-source drivers so hackers can have their way with the board. While it doesn’t compete directly with the Raspberry Pi – the Pi is more an educational tool and already has a robust ecosystem – it is a way for DIYers to mess around in x86 architected systems as well as save a bit of cash. The system uses break-out boards called Lures to expand functionality."
"Open source computer"???? (Score:2, Insightful)
The vast bulk of the functionality comes from an Intel processor about whose internals they will tell you approximately NOTHING, let alone let you modify it. Most of the rest comes from other equally closed chips.
How is that open source?
There's basically NO open source hardware out there. And if there were nobody would be in a position to do much with it, because it would take a fab to make any change.
Have standards dropped so far that we're forgetting that?
$99 = €150? lol take that you euro-weenies (Score:4, Insightful)
No Wireless? (Score:3, Insightful)
For the most part everyone needs BT and WiFi on their boards, so they really need to be included. Sure, you can buy an add-on card, but i would rather have it on the board out of the box...
It would add what, 10 bucks at the most? ... just do it already.. geeesh...
Re:No Wireless? (Score:4, Insightful)
Uh, no thanks.
I much prefer that wireles to be on a mini-PCIe card so I can upgrade it if necessary.
Damn near everything that comes with Wifi/BT ends up being single-band b/g/n and BT 2.0. For $35 I can get a dual-band, a/b/g/n/ac card w/BT 4.0.
Slapping it on the board greatly reduces options.