[Freedombox-discuss] FW: [Trisquel-users] Alternative freedom friendly solution to Raspberry Pi

[Rick C. Hodgin]

This came across the Trisquel list. A possible $50 x86-based non-Intel/AMD board with free/libre drivers from VIA Technologies. I've asked Chris for more info on specs?

Does anybody know of this product?

Best regards,
Rick C. Hodgin

-------- Original Message --------
 From: chris at thinkpenguin.com
 Sent: Tue, May 29, 2012 03:59 AM
 To: trisquel-users at listas.trisquel.info
 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).